This exploratory study aimed to describe the physical and financial terms of surgical procedures in hospitalizations from 1996 to 2003 covered by the Municipal Health Secretary in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, according to providers. Data collection used documental research in official Municipal Health Secretary databases about hospitalizations in five hospitals associated to the Brazilian Federal Health Care System. During the period there was a 73.1% increase in procedure production and a 121.6% increase in financial resources, mostly in orthopedics/trauma, gastroenterology, and cardiovascular/lymphatic system surgeries. We note hospital specialization in some surgical sub-specializations. Variation among production evidences increases in sub-specializations involving higher use of technologies and better remuneration. This study does not present estimates for subsequent years, behavior of the different subspecialties, or the different hospital service providers in the city. However, the significant increase in the physical and financial terms of surgical procedures justifies critical analysis from the system manager.
Hospital; Hospitalization; Single Health System; Health resources; Hospital information systems
