在 1 98 7— 1 997年之间 ,美国的住院费用呈现持续低速增长的趋势 ,甚至有几年出现了负增长 ,这种低速增长对控制医疗费用具有重要的历史意义。然而 ,到 1 998年住院医疗费用再次出现了爆发式增长。为了探索住院医疗费用再次增长的原因 ,美国蓝十字协会组织了一项全国性的、多领域的调查研究项目 ,主要研究影响医疗费用增长的原因。本文概括性地描述了美国住院医疗费用的变化趋势 ,以及这些趋势对医院的影响 Between 1998 and 1997, hospitalization costs in the United States showed a trend of sustained low growth, and even years of negative growth. This low-speed growth has important historical significance for controlling medical expenses. However, by 1998 the inpatient medical expenses again experienced explosive growth. In order to explore the reasons for the renewed increase in inpatient medical costs, the Blue Cross Society of America organized a nationwide, multi-disciplinary investigation and research project to study the causes of the increase in medical expenses. This article outlines the trends in hospitalization costs in the United States and the impact of these trends on hospitals.