Economic Effects of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in 2020 Data Analysis of a University Clinic for Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery

Introduction In 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic necessitated an adjustment to the care structure in all medical facilities in Germany. In this study we analysed the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic using the data from the annual balance sheet of a university department and maximum care provider for orthopaedics and trauma surgery. Methods Data analysis was performed on the clinic's performance parameters from 2019 and 2020. The analysis included 52943 outpatient and 7980 inpatient cases, together with the Case Mix Index (CMI), and the costs and revenues. Results As a result of the reduction in scheduled surgeries, the mean number of inpatients in March and April 2020 decreased by 10.4% (p = 0.004). Due to the focus on complex cases, the CMI increased by 29.5% (p = 0.007). The number of outpatient surgical procedures increased by 16.9% (n = 84). Rising costs of consumables due to the purchase of protective equipment were offset by a reduced need for orthopaedic implants. Conclusion By reducing the number of elective inpatient surgical treatments, the focus was shifted to treating complex cases; this is reflected in the increased CMI. Due to internal compensation mechanisms, the clinic was able to conserve intensive care capacities while still achieving an increase in revenue.