Table 2.

Unit Costs

Item	AUD ($)
Air retrieval costs (primary evacuations)a	6,623
Interhospital transfers: hourly cost for engine time and in-flight nursing careb	2,912
Interhospital transfers: hourly cost for in-flight medical officerc	2,223
AR-DRGsd B63A: Dementia and Other Chronic Disturbances of Cerebral Function, Major Complexity	14,205
U60A: Mental Health Treatment W/O ECT, Sameday, Major Complexity	1,357
U61A: Schizophrenia Disorders, Major Complexity	16,741
U62A: Paranoia and Acute Psychotic Disorders, Major Complexity	15,488
U63A: Major Affective Disorders, Major Complexity	17,219
U64A: Other Affective and Somatoform Disorders, Major Complexity	9,599
U65A: Anxiety Disorders, Major Complexity	9,824
U66A: Eating and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders, Major Complexity	32,701
U67A: Personality Disorders and Acute Reactions, Major Complexity	10,470
U68A: Childhood Mental Disorders, Major Complexity	17,371
V61A: Drug Intoxication and Withdrawal, Major Complexity	9,644
V62A: Alcohol Use and Dependence, Major Complexity	13,651
V63Z: Opioid Use and Dependence	7,213
V64Z: Other Drug Use and Dependence	6,287

AR-DRGs = Australian Refined Diagnosis Related Groups; AUD = Australian dollar.

^aAir retrieval costs were estimated by averaging costs incurred by each Royal Flying Doctor Service section and operation. These costs include engine hour and staffing by a Royal Flying Doctor Service registered nurse (present on all flights) and a Royal Flying Doctor Service medical office as required.

^bInterhospital transfer costs were based on $2,912 per engine hour and a Royal Flying Doctor Service registered nurse.

^cWhere a Royal Flying Doctor Service medical officer was also required, an additional $2,223 per hour was added to the cost of each interhospital transfer.

^dIndependent Hospital Pricing Authority. National Hospital Cost Data Collection Report, Public Sector, Round 21 (Financial year 2016-17). Canberra, Australia: Independent Hospital Pricing Authority; 2019.