Catheter-associated urinary tract infections.

Scope and Impact of the Problem Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common nosocomial infection, accounting for up to 40% of infections reported by acute care hospitals. Up to 80% of UTIs are associated with the presence of an indwelling urinary catheter. A catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) increases hospital cost and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. CAUTIs are considered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to represent a reasonably preventable complication of hospitalization. As such, no additional payment is provided to hospitals for CAUTI treatment-related costs.