LAUSR

Key Points Question What conditions have the highest prevalence, cost, and variation in cost in hospital pediatrics? Findings This cohort study included 2 882 490 inpatient hospital encounters of children from US children’s hospitals to identify conditions with high prevalence, cost, and interhospital variation in cost. Examples of conditions that were identified as having high prevalence, cost, and variation in cost included major depressive disorder, scoliosis, acute appendicitis with peritonitis, asthma, and dehydration. Meaning The findings from this cohort study could inform funders and researchers of areas at which research in hospital pediatrics should be targeted to improve the evidence base and outcomes of hospitalized children.