The Cost of Medical Nutrition Therapy in Healing Pressure Ulcers

Thirteen residents in long-term care, with an average age of 82.3 years, and Stage II or Stage III pressure ulcers were studied to evaluate the cost of medical nutrition therapy in effecting healing. The residents' physical condition and diagnoses were noted along with weight, laboratory data, and the actual time in healing. The Stage II pressure ulcers took 10 to 45 days to heal, with the cost of medical nutrition therapy evaluated at an average of $58.55 per ulcer. Stage HI pressure ulcers took 49 to 138 days to heal, with the cost of medical nutrition therapy evaluated at an average of $179.02 per ulcer. These figures help to quantify the cost of medical nutrition therapy in this one treatment area.