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Geissler KH, Shieh MS, Krishnan JA, Lindenauer PK, Ash AS, Goff SL. Health Insurance Type and Outpatient Specialist Care Among Children With Asthma. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2417319. [PMID: 38884996 PMCID: PMC11184461 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.17319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Although children with asthma are often successfully treated by primary care clinicians, outpatient specialist care is recommended for those with poorly controlled disease. Little is known about differences in specialist use for asthma among children with Medicaid vs private insurance. Objective To examine differences among children with asthma regarding receipt of asthma specialist care by insurance type. Design, Setting, and Participants In this cross-sectional study using data from the Massachusetts All Payer Claims Database (APCD) between 2014 to 2020, children with asthma were identified and differences in receipt of outpatient specialist care by whether their insurance was public (Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program) or private were examined. Eligible participants included children with asthma in 2015 to 2020 aged 2 to 17 years. Data analysis was conducted from January 2023 to April 2024. Exposure Medicaid vs private insurance. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was receipt of specialist care (any outpatient visit with a pulmonology, allergy and immunology, or otolaryngology physician). Multivariable logistic regression models estimated differences in receipt of specialist care by insurance type accounting for child and area characteristics including demographics, health status, persistent asthma, calendar year, and zip code characteristics. Additional analyses examined if the associations of specialist care with insurance type varied by asthma persistence and severity, and whether associations varied over time. Results Among 198 101 unique children, there were 432 455 child-year observations (186 296 female [43.1%] and 246 159 male [56.9%]; 211 269 aged 5 to 11 years [48.9%]; 82 108 [19.0%] with persistent asthma) including 286 408 (66.2%) that were Medicaid insured and 146 047 (33.8%) that were privately insured. Although persistent asthma was more common among child-year observations with Medicaid vs private insurance (57 381 [20.0%] vs 24 727 [16.9%]), children with Medicaid were less likely to receive specialist care. Overall, 64 239 child-year observations (14.9%) received specialist care, with substantially lower rates for children with Medicaid vs private insurance (34 093 child-year observations [11.9%] vs 30 146 child-year observations [20.6%]). Regression-based estimates confirmed these disparities; children with Medicaid had 55% lower odds of receiving specialist care (adjusted odds ratio, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.47) and a regression-adjusted 9.7 percentage point (95% CI, -10.4 percentage points to -9.1 percentage points) lower rate of receipt of specialist care. Compared with children with private insurance, there was an additional 3.2 percentage point (95% CI, 2.0 percentage points to 4.4 percentage points) deficit for children with Medicaid with persistent asthma. Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study, children with Medicaid were less likely to receive specialist care, with the largest gaps among those with persistent asthma. These findings suggest that closing this care gap may be one approach to addressing ongoing disparities in asthma outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley H. Geissler
- Department of Healthcare Delivery and Population Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield
| | - Meng-Shiou Shieh
- Department of Healthcare Delivery and Population Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield
| | - Jerry A. Krishnan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep and Allergy, University of Illinois Chicago
- Office of Population Health Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago
| | - Peter K. Lindenauer
- Department of Healthcare Delivery and Population Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester
| | - Arlene S. Ash
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester
| | - Sarah L. Goff
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst
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Warman KL, Silver EJ. Get SMART: Teaching Pediatric Residents the 2020 Focused Asthma Updates' Recommendations for Symptom-Based Medication Increases. MEDEDPORTAL : THE JOURNAL OF TEACHING AND LEARNING RESOURCES 2023; 19:11320. [PMID: 37441565 PMCID: PMC10333455 DOI: 10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The 2020 Focused Asthma Updates introduced a paradigm shift in the treatment of asthma that includes symptom-based adjustments to outpatient asthma treatment that vary by age and severity. The length and complexity of the updates have made them challenging to adopt. Methods We implemented an educational session among pediatric residents to increase their familiarity with, comprehension of, and plans to adopt two evidence-based recommendations introduced in the 2020 Updates for symptom-based therapy. Facilitators led groups of four to six pediatric residents in cased-based discussions during a 30-minute, ambulatory care-based session. One week prior, participants and facilitators received synopses of the 2007 Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma and the 2020 Updates. Facilitators also received a guide and scripts explaining new concepts, providing supporting data, and highlighting learning objectives. Retrospective pre/post surveys assessed participants' familiarity with, comprehension of, and planned adoption of recommendations for intermittent steroids and single maintenance and reliever therapy (SMART) before and after the conference. The surveys also assessed prior exposure to the 2020 Updates and reflections on the educational session. Results There were 26 participants. Ratings of familiarity, comprehension, and adoption plans regarding the recommendations significantly improved (ps < .001, Wilcoxon signed rank test). The case-based approach was well received, and the material was deemed relevant. Discussion This educational session significantly increased pediatric residents' familiarity with, comprehension of, and plans to adopt two new evidence-based treatments. Dissemination of this educational session may improve outpatient asthma management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L. Warman
- Associate Professor, Division of Academic General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
| | - Ellen Johnson Silver
- Professor, Division of Academic General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
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Okelo SO. Racial Inequities in Asthma Care. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2022; 43:684-708. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1756492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AbstractRacial inequities in asthma care are evolving as a recognized factor in long-standing inequities in asthma outcomes (e.g., hospitalization and mortality). Little research has been conducted regarding the presence or absence of racial inequities among patients seen in asthma specialist settings, this is an important area of future research given that asthma specialist care is recommended for patients experiencing the poor asthma outcomes disproportionately experienced by Black and Hispanic patients. This study provides a systematic review of racial asthma care inequities in asthma epidemiology, clinical assessment, medication prescription, and asthma specialist referral practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sande O. Okelo
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, The David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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Federico MJ, Szefler SJ. High-risk asthma: Never give up. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2019; 122:441-442. [PMID: 31054649 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Monica J Federico
- Breathing Institute, Children's Hospital Colorado, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Stanley J Szefler
- Breathing Institute, Children's Hospital Colorado, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.
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Pate CA, Qin X, Bailey CM, Zahran HS. Cost barriers to asthma care by health insurance type among children with asthma. J Asthma 2019; 57:1103-1109. [PMID: 31343379 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2019.1640730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Children with asthma have ongoing health care needs and health insurance is a vital part of their health care access. Health care coverage may be associated with various cost barriers to asthma care. We examined cost barriers to receiving asthma care by health insurance type and coverage continuity among children with asthma using the 2012-2014 Child Asthma Call-back Survey (ACBS).Methods: The study sample included 3788 children under age 18 years with current asthma who had responses to the ACBS by adult proxy. Associations between cost barriers to asthma care and treatment were analyzed by demographic, health insurance coverage, and urban residence variables using multivariable logistic regression models.Results: Among insured children, more blacks reported a cost barrier to seeing a doctor (10.6% [5.9, 18.3]) compared with whites (2.9% [2.1, 4.0]) (p = 0.03). Adjusting for demographic factors (sex, age, and race), uninsured and having partial year coverage were associated with cost barrier to seeing a doctor (adjusted prevalence ratio aPR = 8.07 [4.78, 13.61] and aPR = 6.58 [3.78, 11.45], respectively) and affording medication (aPR = 8.35 [5.23, 13.34] and aPR = 4.93 [2.96, 8.19], respectively), compared with children who had full year coverage. Public insurance was associated with cost barrier to seeing a doctor (aPR = 4.43 [2.57, 7.62]), compared with private insurance.Conclusions: Having no health insurance, partial year coverage, and public insurance were associated with cost barriers to asthma care. Improving health insurance coverage may help strengthen access to and reduce cost barriers to asthma care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia A Pate
- 2M Research, LLC Contractor to Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Xiaoting Qin
- Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Cathy M Bailey
- Office of the Director, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hatice S Zahran
- Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Ödling M, Jonsson M, Janson C, Melén E, Bergström A, Kull I. Lost in the transition from pediatric to adult healthcare? Experiences of young adults with severe asthma. J Asthma 2019; 57:1119-1127. [PMID: 31328590 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2019.1640726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Asthma is a multifaceted disease, and severe asthma is likely to be persistent. Patients with severe asthma have the greatest burden and require more healthcare resources than those with mild-to-moderate asthma. The majority with asthma can be managed in primary care, while some patients with severe asthma warrant referral for expert advice regarding management. In adolescence, this involves a transition from pediatric to adult healthcare. This study aimed to explore how young adults with severe asthma experienced the transition process.Methods: Young adults with severe asthma were recruited from an ongoing Swedish population-based cohort. Qualitative data were obtained through individual interviews (n = 16, mean age 23.4 years), and the transcribed data were analyzed with systematic text condensation.Results: Four categories emerged based on the young adults' experiences: "I have to take responsibility", "A need of being involved", "Feeling left out of the system", and "Lack of engagement". The young adults felt they had to take more responsibility, did not know where to turn, and experienced fewer follow-ups in adult healthcare. Further, they wanted healthcare providers to involve them in self-management during adolescence, and in general, they felt that their asthma received insufficient support from healthcare providers.Conclusions: Based on how the young adults with severe asthma experienced the transition from pediatric to adult healthcare, it is suggested that healthcare providers together with each patient prepare, plan, and communicate in the transition process for continued care in line with transition guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ödling
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marina Jonsson
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christer Janson
- Department of Medical Sciences: Respiratory, Allergy and Sleep Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erik Melén
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.,Sachs' Children and Youth Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Bergström
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden.,Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Inger Kull
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Sachs' Children and Youth Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Agnihotri NT, Pade KH, Vangala S, Thompson LR, Wang VJ, Okelo SO. Predictors of prior asthma specialist care among pediatric patients seen in the emergency department for asthma. J Asthma 2018; 56:816-822. [PMID: 29972331 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2018.1493600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Background: Asthma guidelines recommend specialist care for patients experiencing poor asthma outcomes during emergency department (ED) visits. The prevalence and predictors of asthma specialist care among an ED population seeking pediatric asthma care are unknown. Objective: To examine, in an ED population, factors associated with prior asthma specialist use based on parental reports of prior asthma morbidity and asthma care. Methods: Parents of children ages 0 to 17 years seeking ED asthma care were surveyed regarding socio-demographics, asthma morbidity, asthma management and current asthma specialist care status. We compared prior asthma care and morbidity between those currently cared for by an asthma specialist versus not. Multivariable logistic regression models to predict factors associated with asthma specialist use were adjusted for parent education and insurance type. Results: Of 150 children (62% boys, mean age 4.7 years, 69% Hispanic), 22% reported asthma specialist care, 75% did not see a specialist and for 3% specialist status was unknown. Care was worse for those not seeing a specialist, including under-use of controller medications (24% vs. 64%, p < 0.001) and asthma action plans (20% vs. 62%, p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that lack of recommendation by the primary care physician reduced the odds of specialist care (OR 0.01, 95% CI <0.01, 0.05, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Asthma specialist care was infrequent among this pediatric ED population, consistent with the sub-optimal chronic asthma care we observed. Prospective trials should further investigate if systematic referral to asthma specialists during/after an ED encounter would improve asthma outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha T Agnihotri
- a Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Kathryn H Pade
- b Division of Emergency & Transport Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Sitaram Vangala
- c Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Lindsey R Thompson
- d Department of Pediatrics, The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Vincent J Wang
- b Division of Emergency & Transport Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Sande O Okelo
- d Department of Pediatrics, The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA , Los Angeles , CA , USA
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