Expenses of hospitalization for ambulatory care sensitive conditions in the Health Regional Offices of the State of São Paulo.

The results pointed to a difference in the amounts spent on hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions in the Regional Offices, although there was no difference in the frequency and duration of these hospitalizations. The expansion of Primary Health Care resources is a possible element for reducing the frequency and spending on hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions; nonetheless, it is necessary to consider other factors, such as social determinants and the organization of health services.