title: Invited commentary.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, University of Kentucky, C208, UKMC800 Rose St, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
authors.forename: Victor A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Ferraris
mesh_terms: D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003422:Critical Care / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017721:Hospital Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index