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Ramirez JL, Matthay ZA, Lancaster E, Smith EJT, Gasper WJ, Zarkowsky DS, Doyle AJ, Patel VI, Schanzer A, Conte MS, Iannuzzi JC. Decreasing prevalence of centers meeting the Society for Vascular Surgery abdominal aortic aneurysm guidelines in the United States. J Vasc Surg 2024; 79:240-249. [PMID: 37774990 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2023.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Based on data supporting a volume-outcome relationship in elective aortic aneurysm repair, the Society of Vascular Surgery (SVS) guidelines recommend that endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) be localized to centers that perform ≥10 operations annually and have a perioperative mortality and conversion-to-open rate of ≤2% and that open aortic repair (OAR) be localized to centers that perform ≥10 open aortic operations annually and have a perioperative mortality ≤5%. However, the number and distribution of centers meeting the SVS criteria remains unclear. This study aimed to estimate the temporal trends and geographic distribution of Centers Meeting the SVS Aortic Guidelines (CMAG) in the United States. METHODS The SVS Vascular Quality Initiative was queried for all OAR, aortic bypasses, and EVAR from 2011 to 2019. Annual OAR and EVAR volume, 30-day elective operative mortality for OAR or EVAR, and EVAR conversion-to-open rate for all centers were calculated. The SVS guidelines for OAR and EVAR, individually and combined, were applied to each institution leading to a CMAG designation. The proportion of CMAGs by region (West, Midwest, South, and Northeast) were compared by year using a χ2 test. Temporal trends were estimated using a multivariable logistic regression for CMAG, adjusting by region. RESULTS Overall, 67,865 patients (49,264 EVAR; 11,010 OAR; 7591 aortic bypasses) at 336 institutions were examined. The proportion of EVAR CMAGs increased nationally by 1.7% annually from 51.6% (n = 33/64) in 2011 to 67.1% (n = 190/283) in 2019 (β = .05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.01-0.09; P = .02). The proportion of EVAR CMAGs across regions ranged from 27.3% to 66.7% in 2011 to 63.9% to 72.9% in 2019. In contrast, the proportion of OAR CMAGs has decreased nationally by 1.8% annually from 32.8% (n = 21/64) in 2011 to 16.3% (n = 46/283) in 2019 (β = -.14; 95% CI, -0.19 to -0.10; P < .01). Combined EVAR and OAR CMAGs were even less frequent and decreased by 1.5% annually from 26.6% (n = 17/64) in 2011 to 13.1% (n = 37/283) in 2019 (β = -.12; 95% CI, -0.17 to -0.07; P < .01). In 2019, there was no significant difference in regional variation of the proportion of combined EVAR and OAR CMAGs (P = .82). CONCLUSIONS Although an increasing proportion of institutions nationally meet the SVS guidelines for EVAR, a smaller proportion meet them for OAR, with a concerning downward trend. These data question whether we can safely offer OAR at most institutions, have important implications about sufficient OAR exposure for trainees, and support regionalization of OAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel L Ramirez
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA
| | - Zachary A Matthay
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Elizabeth Lancaster
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Eric J T Smith
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Warren J Gasper
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Devin S Zarkowsky
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, CA
| | - Adam J Doyle
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Virendra I Patel
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Andres Schanzer
- UMassMemorial Center for Complex Aortic Disease, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - Michael S Conte
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - James C Iannuzzi
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.
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Ablatt S, Wang X, Sahil S, Cheng AL, Shepherd JP, Sutkin G. Reoperation Rates of Stress Incontinence Surgery in Rural versus Urban Hospitals. AJOG GLOBAL REPORTS 2022; 2:100059. [PMID: 36276800 PMCID: PMC9563384 DOI: 10.1016/j.xagr.2022.100059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND OBJECTIVE STUDY DESIGN RESULTS CONCLUSION
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Erk A, Trenner M, Salvermoser M, Reutersberg B, Schmid V, Eckstein HH, Kuehnl A. [Relationship between regional settlement structure and hospital incidence, type of therapy and mortality of non-ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms]. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR EVIDENZ FORTBILDUNG UND QUALITAET IM GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2021; 163:38-46. [PMID: 34023245 DOI: 10.1016/j.zefq.2021.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Germany, the regional settlement structure is heterogenous, ranging from densely populated cities with a tight network of vascular health care to large regions in which access to health care is limited in terms of space and time. Therefore, the aim of this secondary data analysis was to investigate the association between the settlement structure of the patient's home district (KT), and the hospital incidence, type of therapy, and mortality of non-ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (nrAAA). METHODS The microdata of the DRG statistics of the Federal Statistical Office for the years 2005-2014 were evaluated. All patients with nrAAA (ICD-10 Code I71.4) who were admitted to a German hospital and treated by open surgery and endovascular repair were included. Classification of treatment was based on the German Operation and Procedure Code. Patients were grouped according to the settlement structure of their home district defined by the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (KT1 independent city, KT2 urban district, KT3 rural district, KT4 sparsely populated region). The age-, sex- and risk-adjusted association between the type of settlement structure and in-hospital mortality was analysed using a multivariable multi-level regression model. The Elixhauser co-morbidity score validated for administrative data was used for risk adjustment. RESULTS Of 95,452 cases included, 88 % were men. Mean age was 72 years. There were 28,970 (30 %) patients in KT1, 37,759 (40 %) in KT2, 14,442 (15 %) in KT3 and 14,281 (15 %) in KT4. The hospital incidence was 12.4 per 100,000 inhabitants in KT1, 11.8 in KT2, 10.8 in KT3 and 11.2 in KT4 (p <0.001, falling trend). The proportion of EVAR treatment was 56 % in KT1, 54 % in KT2, 57 % KT3, and 59 % in KT4 (p <0.001, increasing trend). The raw hospital mortality of patients from KT1 to KT4 was 3.4 %, 3.4 %, 3.2 % and 3.6 %, respectively (p=0.553 for trend). The multivariable regression analysis revealed no statistically significant association between the KT and hospital mortality (KT1=reference, RR KT2=0.97 [95% CI 0.79-1.15], RR KT3=0.98 [0.81-1.14], RR KT4=0.98 [0.86-1.11]). CONCLUSIONS The study shows that both the hospital incidence and the type of therapy (endovascular vs. open) differed between the settlement structural district types, but there is no urban-rural gap regarding in-hospital mortality of treated nrAAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Erk
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Vaskuläre und Endovaskuläre Chirurgie, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Deutschland
| | - Matthias Trenner
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Vaskuläre und Endovaskuläre Chirurgie, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Deutschland
| | - Michael Salvermoser
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Vaskuläre und Endovaskuläre Chirurgie, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Deutschland
| | - Benedikt Reutersberg
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Vaskuläre und Endovaskuläre Chirurgie, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Deutschland
| | - Volker Schmid
- Institut für Statistik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Deutschland
| | - Hans-Henning Eckstein
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Vaskuläre und Endovaskuläre Chirurgie, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Deutschland
| | - Andreas Kuehnl
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Vaskuläre und Endovaskuläre Chirurgie, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Deutschland.
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Nealeigh MD, Kucera WB, Artino AR, Bradley MJ, Meyer HS. The Isolated Surgeon: A Scoping Review. J Surg Res 2021; 264:562-571. [PMID: 33461780 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2020.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgeons in resource-limited environments often provide care outside the expected scope of current general surgery training. Geographically isolated patients may be unwilling or unable to travel for specialty care. These same patients also present with life-threatening emergencies beyond the typical breadth of a general surgeon's practice, in hospitals with limited professional and material support. This review characterizes the unique role of isolated surgeons, so individual surgeons and health care organizations may focus professional development resources more efficiently, with the ultimate goal of improved patient care. METHODS We performed a scoping review of the isolated surgeon, reviewing 25 years of literature regarding isolated US civilian and military surgeons. We examined emerging themes regarding the definition of an isolated surgeon, the scope of surgical practice beyond current training norms, and training gaps identified by surgeons in an isolated role. RESULTS From 904 articles identified, we included 91 for final review. No prior definition exists for the isolated surgeon, although multiple definitions describe rural surgeons, patients, or hospitals; we propose an initial definition from consistent themes in the literature. Isolated surgeons across varied practice settings consistently performed relatively large volumes of cases of, and identified training gaps in, orthopedic, obstetric and gynecologic, urologic, and vascular surgery subspecialties. Life-threatening, "rare-but-real" cases in the above and neurosurgical disciplines are uncommon, but consistent across practice settings. CONCLUSIONS This review represents the largest examination of the isolated surgeon in the current literature. Clarifying the identity, practice components, and training gaps of the isolated surgeon represent the first step in formalizing support for this small but critical group of surgeons and their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Nealeigh
- Department of Surgery, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland.
| | - Walter B Kucera
- Department of Surgery, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Anthony R Artino
- Department of Health, Human Function, & Rehabilitation Sciences, George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Matthew J Bradley
- Department of Surgery, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Holly S Meyer
- Center for Health Professions Education, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
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Golledge J, Drovandi A, Velu R, Quigley F, Moxon J. Survival following abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in North Queensland is not associated with remoteness of place of residence. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241802. [PMID: 33186377 PMCID: PMC7665769 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess whether survival and clinical events following elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair were associated with remoteness of residence in North Queensland, Australia. Methods This retrospective cohort study included participants undergoing elective AAA repair between February 2002 and April 2020 at two hospitals in Townsville, North Queensland, Australia. Outcomes were all-cause survival and AAA-related events, defined as requirement for repeat AAA repair or AAA-related mortality. Remoteness of participant’s place of residence was assessed by the Modified Monash Model classifications and estimated distance from the participants’ home to the tertiary vascular centre. Cox proportional hazard analysis examined the association of remoteness with outcome. Results The study included 526 participants undergoing elective repair by open (n = 204) or endovascular (n = 322) surgery. Fifty-four (10.2%) participants had a place of residence at a remote or very remote location. Participants' were followed for a median of 5.2 (inter-quartile range 2.5–8.3) years, during which time there were 252 (47.9%) deaths. Survival was not associated with either measure of remoteness. Fifty (9.5%) participants had at least one AAA-related event, including 30 (5.7%) that underwent at least one repeat AAA surgery and 23 (4.4%) that had AAA-related mortality. AAA-related events were more common in participants resident in the most remote areas (adjusted hazard ratio 2.83, 95% confidence intervals 1.40, 5.70) but not associated with distance from the participants’ residence to the tertiary vascular centre Conclusions The current study found that participants living in more remote locations were more likely to have AAA-related events but had no increased mortality following AAA surgery. The findings emphasize the need for careful follow-up after AAA surgery. Further studies are needed to examine the generalisability of the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Golledge
- Queensland Research Centre for Peripheral Vascular Disease, College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- The Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Institute of Tropical Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Aaron Drovandi
- Queensland Research Centre for Peripheral Vascular Disease, College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Institute of Tropical Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ramesh Velu
- The Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Frank Quigley
- Mater Private Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Joseph Moxon
- Queensland Research Centre for Peripheral Vascular Disease, College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Institute of Tropical Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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Dua A, Rothenberg KA, Wohlaer M, Rossi PJ, Lewis BD, Brown KR, Seabrook GR, Lee CJ. Unplanned 30-day readmissions after endovascular aneurysm repair: An analysis using the Nationwide Readmissions Database. J Vasc Surg 2019; 70:1603-1611. [PMID: 31147138 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2019.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is the preferred method for addressing abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), with proven reduction in perioperative morbidity and mortality. There are, however limited data examining the readmissions after EVAR that are associated with increased patient morbidity and cost. As EVAR use continues its dominance in the management of AAAs, it becomes imperative to identify and mitigate risk factors associated with unplanned hospital readmissions. METHODS The Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) was queried for all 30-day readmissions after an index EVAR procedure from 2012 to 2014. Preoperative patient demographics, hospital characteristics, readmission diagnosis, and costs were compared between those who were and were not readmitted within 30 days of the index operation. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify potential risk factors associated with unplanned readmissions within 30 days. RESULTS We identified 120,646 patients who underwent an EVAR from 2012 to 2014 in the United States. The overall unplanned readmission rate during this period was 11.6% (n = 14,073) within 30 days of the index EVAR procedure. The readmission rate was the highest in 2012, with a rate of 12.3% (P = .02). Multivariate regression analysis showed that EVAR readmissions were significantly higher in patients who were of younger age (18 to 49 years) compared with other age groups (odds ratio [OR], 1.9-2.17; P < .001), female sex (OR, 1.367; P < .001), had Medicare (OR, 1.39) or Medicaid (OR, 1.25) insurance, or a combination of these. Underlying patient comorbidities significantly associated with readmissions included congestive heart failure (OR, 2.4), peripheral vascular disease (OR, 1.1), chronic pulmonary disease (OR, 1.2), cancer with no metastasis (OR, 1.5), metastatic cancer (OR, 2.2), renal failure (OR, 1.8), and diabetes (OR, 1.5). CONCLUSIONS The trend in 30-day readmission rates after EVAR has decreased slightly since 2012, but overall rates are at 11.6%, which is not insubstantial. Patient factors strongly associated with hospital readmission were younger age and patient comorbidities, including congestive heart failure, concurrent cancer diagnosis, renal failure, and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anahita Dua
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Stanford Hospitals and Clinics, Palo Alto, Calif
| | - Kara A Rothenberg
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Stanford Hospitals and Clinics, Palo Alto, Calif
| | - Max Wohlaer
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisc
| | - Peter J Rossi
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisc
| | - Brian D Lewis
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisc
| | - Kellie R Brown
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisc
| | - Gary R Seabrook
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisc
| | - Cheong J Lee
- Division of Vascular Surgery, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Highland Park, Ill.
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Austvoll-Dahlgren A, Underland V, Straumann GH, Forsetlund L. [Patient volume and quality in surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm]. TIDSSKRIFT FOR DEN NORSKE LEGEFORENING 2017; 137:529-537. [PMID: 28383226 DOI: 10.4045/tidsskr.16.0718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient volume is assumed to affect quality, whereby complex procedures are best performed by those who perform them frequently. We have conducted a systematic review of the research on the association between patient volume and quality of vascular surgery. In this article we describe the outcomes for abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery.MATERIAL AND METHOD We undertook systematic searches in relevant databases. We searched for systematic reviews, and randomised and observational studies. The search was concluded in December 2015. We have summarised the results descriptively and assessed the overall quality of the evidence.RESULTS Forty-six observational studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria. We found a possible association for both hospital and surgeon volume. Higher patient volume may possibly be associated with lower 30-day mortality and lower hospital mortality for both open and endovascular surgery. Although the association appears to apply to both elective and acute hospitalisations, there is greater uncertainty with regard to the most ill patients. For hospital volume there may also be fewer complications for open and endovascular surgery, as well as for all surgery assessed as a whole. We considered the evidence base to be medium to very low quality.INTERPRETATION We found a possible correlation between patient volume and quality indicators such as mortality and complications. It may be advantageous to allocate planned procedures to institutions and surgeons with high volume, while this is less certain with regard to acute hospitalisations.
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Wiseman JT, Fernandes-Taylor S, Saha S, Havlena J, Rathouz PJ, Smith MA, Kent KC. Endovascular Versus Open Revascularization for Peripheral Arterial Disease. Ann Surg 2017; 265:424-430. [PMID: 28059972 PMCID: PMC6174695 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000001676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine whether endovascular or open revascularization provides an advantageous approach to symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) over the longer term. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA The optimal revascularization strategy for symptomatic lower extremity PAD is not established. METHODS We evaluated amputation-free survival, overall survival, and relative rate of subsequent vascular intervention after endovascular or open lower extremity revascularization for propensity-score matched cohorts of Medicare beneficiaries with PAD from 2006 through 2009. RESULTS Among 14,685 eligible patients, 5928 endovascular and 5928 open revascularization patients were included in matched analysis. Patients undergoing endovascular repair had improved amputation-free survival compared with open repair at 30 days (7.4 vs 8.9%, P = 0.002). This benefit persisted over the long term: At 4 years, 49% of endovascular patients had died or received major amputation compared with 54% of open patients (P < 0.001). An endovascular procedure was associated with a risk-adjusted 16% decreased risk of amputation or death compared with open over the study period (hazard ratio: 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.79-0.89; P < 0.001). The amputation-free survival benefit associated with an endovascular revascularization was more pronounced in patients with congestive heart failure or ischemic heart disease than in those without (P = 0.021 for interaction term). The rate of subsequent intervention at 30 days was 7.4% greater for the endovascular vs the open revascularization cohort. At 4 years, this difference remained stable at 8.6%. CONCLUSIONS Using population-based data, we demonstrate that an endovascular approach is associated with improved amputation-free survival over the long term with only a modest relative increased risk of subsequent intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason T Wiseman
- *Wisconsin Surgical Outcomes Research Program (WiSOR), Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, Madison, WI †Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, Madison, WI ‡Departments of Population Health Sciences and Family Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
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Fins JJ. The expert-generalist: a contradiction whose time has come. ACADEMIC MEDICINE : JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN MEDICAL COLLEGES 2015; 90:1010-1014. [PMID: 26083403 DOI: 10.1097/acm.0000000000000798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The author suggests the creation of expert-generalists to help provide the additional cost-effective access to care necessitated by increased insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Expert-generalists, a concept drawn from an extant Canadian model, would be a cohort of primary care physicians who obtain additional training in a subspecialty area, which would widen their practice portfolio and bring enhanced infrastructure to primary care settings. Expanding the reach of primary care into the realm of more advanced subspecialty practice could be a way to enhance both access to and quality of care in a cost-effective fashion, in part because the educational framework for additional training already exists. Trainees could opt for an extra year of training after traditional residency or return to training after years in practice. Properly trained, an expert-generalist would benefit both the quality of the patient experience and the bottom line by expertly triaging patients to determine who will truly benefit from specialty consultations, decreasing specialists' engagement with cases that do not require their higher-tier care. The author considers the merits of this proposal, as well as potential objections and implementation challenges. It is suggested that this model be adopted incrementally, using demonstration projects that could assess the impact of an expert-generalist initiative on the physician workforce and on patients' access to quality primary and specialty care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Fins
- J.J. Fins is E. William Davis, Jr., M.D. Professor of Medical Ethics, chief, Division of Medical Ethics, and professor of medicine, medicine in psychiatry, medical ethics in neurology, and health care policy and research, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York
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Garg T, Baker LC, Mell MW. Adherence to postoperative surveillance guidelines after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair among Medicare beneficiaries. J Vasc Surg 2015; 61:23-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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The effect of hospital factors on mortality rates after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. J Vasc Surg 2014; 60:1446-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2014.08.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Mell MW, Baker LC, Dalman RL, Hlatky MA. Gaps in preoperative surveillance and rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms among Medicare beneficiaries. J Vasc Surg 2014; 59:583-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2013.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Revised: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Saunders RS, Fernandes-Taylor S, Kind AJH, Engelbert TL, Greenberg CC, Smith MA, Matsumura JS, Kent KC. Rehospitalization to primary versus different facilities following abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. J Vasc Surg 2014; 59:1502-10, 1510.e1-2. [PMID: 24491237 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2013.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Revised: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Reducing readmissions represents a unique opportunity to improve care and reduce health care costs and is the focus of major payers. A large number of surgical patients are readmitted to hospitals other than where the primary surgery was performed, resulting in clinical decisions that do not incorporate the primary surgeon and potentially alter outcomes. This study characterizes readmission to primary vs different hospitals after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair and examines the implications with regard to mortality and cost. METHODS Patients who underwent open or endovascular aneurysm repair for AAA were identified from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Chronic Conditions Warehouse, a random 5% national sample of Medicare beneficiaries from 2005 to 2009. Outcomes for patients who underwent AAA repair and were readmitted within 30 days of initial discharge were compared based on readmission location (primary vs different hospital). RESULTS A total of 885 patients underwent AAA repair and were readmitted within 30 days. Of these, 626 (70.7%) returned to the primary facility, and 259 (29.3%) returned to a different facility. Greater distance from patient residence to the primary hospital was the strongest predictor of readmission to a different facility. Patients living 50 to 100 miles from the primary hospital were more likely to be readmitted to a different hospital compared with patients living <10 miles away (odds ratio, 8.50; P < .001). Patients with diagnoses directly related to the surgery (eg, wound infection) were more likely to be readmitted to the primary hospital, whereas medical diagnoses (eg, pneumonia and congestive heart failure) were more likely to be treated at a different hospital. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality between patients readmitted to a different or the primary hospital. Median total 30-day payments were significantly lower at different vs primary hospitals (primary, $11,978 vs different, $11,168; P = .04). CONCLUSIONS Readmission to a different facility after AAA repair is common and occurs more frequently than for the overall Medicare population. Patients travelling a greater distance for AAA repair are more likely to return to different vs the primary hospital when further care is required. For AAA repair, quality healthcare may be achieved at marginally lower cost and with greater patient convenience for selected readmissions at hospitals other than where the initial procedure was performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard S Saunders
- Wisconsin Surgical Outcomes Research Program (WiSOR), Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisc
| | - Sara Fernandes-Taylor
- Wisconsin Surgical Outcomes Research Program (WiSOR), Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisc
| | - Amy J H Kind
- Department of Medicine, Geriatrics Division, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisc; Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), William S Middleton Hospital, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Madison, Wisc
| | - Travis L Engelbert
- Wisconsin Surgical Outcomes Research Program (WiSOR), Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisc
| | - Caprice C Greenberg
- Wisconsin Surgical Outcomes Research Program (WiSOR), Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisc
| | - Maureen A Smith
- Departments of Population Health Sciences, Family Medicine and Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisc
| | - Jon S Matsumura
- Wisconsin Surgical Outcomes Research Program (WiSOR), Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisc
| | - K Craig Kent
- Wisconsin Surgical Outcomes Research Program (WiSOR), Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisc.
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14
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Marelli D, Woo E, Watson M, Fedalen P, Wang G, Stallings M, Fairman R, Mannion J. Adding an endovascular aortic surgery program to a rural regional medical centre. Can J Surg 2013; 56:E105-13. [PMID: 24067525 DOI: 10.1503/cjs.017912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abdominal aortic aneurysms requiring surgical intervention are generally treated by endovascular means. Such procedures are not always offered in rural hospitals, possibly leaving patients underserved. We reviewed our experience initiating an endoaortic surgery program. METHODS A surgeon in a rural centre was credentialed to perform endovascular aortic aneurysm repair through collaboration with a university centre and was proctored locally for the first 5 abdominal aneurysm repairs. Web-based image storage was used to review complex cases as part of an ongoing partnership. Referred patients were screened for multiple aneurysms and underwent long-term monitoring. RESULTS In all, 160 patients were evaluated for 176 aortic pathologies. Twenty-five patients (17 men) aged 55-89 years underwent 26 endovascular abdominal (n = 23) or thoracic (n = 3) aortic procedures. Emergent endovascular procedures were not performed. There were no operative deaths, requirements for dialysis or conversions to open repair. Two endoleaks required early reintervention. The median length of stay in hospital for endovascular procedures was 2.5 days. Chronic endoleaks were observed in 7 patients. An additional 8 patients underwent open abdominal aneurysm repair locally and 15 patients were referred to the university program. CONCLUSION Creation of an endovascular aortic surgery program in a rural hospital is feasible through collaboration with a high-volume centre. Patient safety is enhanced by obtaining second opinions using web-based image review. Most interventions are for abdominal aortic aneurysms, but planning for a comprehensive aortic clinic is preferable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Marelli
- The Division of Cardiac Surgery, Bayhealth Medical Center, Dover, Deleware
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15
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Landau JH, Novick TV, Dubois L, Power AH, Harris JR, Derose G, Forbes TL. Determination of patient preference for location of elective abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery. Vasc Endovascular Surg 2013; 47:288-93. [PMID: 23579366 DOI: 10.1177/1538574413485648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Aneurysm repair is centralized in higher volume centers resulting in reduced mortality, with longer travel distances. The purpose of this study is to explore patients' preference between local care versus longer distances and lower mortality rates. METHODS Patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) measuring 4 to 5 cm and living at least a 1-hour drive from our hospital were asked to assume it had grown to 5.5 cm, and repair was recommended with a mortality risk of 2%. The level of additional risk they would accept to undergo surgery locally was determined. RESULTS A total of 67 patients were surveyed. If mortality risk was equivalent at the local and regional hospitals, 44% preferred care at our tertiary center, while 56% preferred surgery locally. If perioperative mortality was increased at the local hospital, 9% preferred local surgery. CONCLUSIONS The vast majority of patients with AAA will accept longer travel distances for care as long as it results in a reduction in perioperative mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Landau
- Division of Vascular Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre & Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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