Costs of neonatal care In the County of Vestfold 1980-84 (level I1 neonatal unit, 15% admitted from an unselected population averaging 2087 deliveries a year) were US$ 0.8 million a year (1984 exchange) (including costs of level I11 intensive care and trhnsportation), 1.6% of the county's total costs for hospital services. Costs per treated patient were on average US$ 2443. Salaries accounted for 82.2%, running expences 13.5%, and equipment 2%. Epidemiological data on neonatal mortality and handicaps showed a net gain of 25 infants with intact survival 1980-84 compared to 1970-79. Costs of treatment for these 25 patients (calculated as the 5 most expensive patients each year 1980-84 with intact survival) were on average US$ 28409, rehospitalization costs during the year after birth included (6.7% of the expenditures). Total lifetime income and taxes were calculated to 21.2 and 3.1 times treatment costs. Progress in neonatal care 1970-84 in our county has caused considerable medical gains, with a strongly positive economic benefit.