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Schmerler J, Haft M, Nelson S, Srikumaran U, Best MJ. Payer Status and Racial Disparities in Time to Surgery for Emergent Orthopaedic Procedures. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2024:00124635-990000000-01030. [PMID: 38996182 DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-23-01136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Delay in surgical management for orthopaedic emergencies and severe fracture types can result in notable morbidity and even mortality for patients. Disparities in various facets of orthopaedic care have been identified based on race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and payer status, but disparities in time to surgery have been poorly explored. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to investigate whether disparities exist in time to emergent orthopaedic surgery. METHODS Patients who underwent surgery for hip fracture, femur fracture, pelvic fracture, septic knee, septic hip, or cauda equina syndrome over 2012 to 2020 were identified using national data. Multivariable linear regression models were constructed, controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, payer status, socioeconomic status, hospital setting, and comorbidities to examine the effect of payer status and race/ethnicity, on time to surgery. RESULTS Over 2012 to 2020, 247,370 patients underwent surgery for hip fracture, 64,827 for femur fracture, 14,130 for pelvic fracture, 14,979 for septic knee, 3,205 for septic hip, and 4,730 for cauda equina syndrome. On multivariable analysis, patients with Medicaid experienced significantly longer time to surgery for hip fracture, femur fracture, pelvic fracture, septic knee, and cauda equina syndrome (P < 0.05 all). Black patients experienced longer time to surgery for hip fracture, femur fracture, septic knee, septic hip, and cauda equina syndrome, and Hispanic patients experienced longer time to surgery for hip fracture, femur fracture, pelvic fracture, and cauda equina syndrome (P < 0.05 all). DISCUSSION The results of this study demonstrate that Medicaid-insured patients, and often minority patients, experience longer delays to surgery than privately insured and White patients. Future work should endeavor to identify causes of these disparities to promote creation of policies aimed at improving timely access to care for Medicaid-insured and minority patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Schmerler
- From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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Homer AS, Johnson KG, Alsoof D, Daniels AH, Cohen EM. Medicaid Expansion Is Associated With Increases in Medicaid-Funded Total Joint Arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty 2024; 39:300-306.e3. [PMID: 37611679 DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2023.08.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing literature presents competing views concerning the impact of Medicaid expansion on total joint arthroplasty (TJA) utilizations. While some reports demonstrate that expansion does not increase Medicaid acceptance by surgeons, others show increases in Medicaid-funded TJA via limited analyses. We conducted a nationwide, multi-insurance, econometric study to determine if Medicaid-funded and all-funding-source total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) utilizations increased following expansion. METHODS This study examined 999,015 THA and 2,099,975 TKA from 2010 to 2017 using a commercially available national payer database. Difference-in-differences analyses, econometric regression methods used to assess the impact of policy change, were used to examine the impact of Medicaid expansion on TJA utilizations, and event analyses were used to confirm the parallel trends assumption, which helps to ensure that the estimated effect is not a result of existing differences in trends between treatment and nontreatment groups. RESULTS Event analyses confirmed parallel trends in the pre-expansion period. Difference-in-differences analyses found a persistent increase in Medicaid-funded THA (40.4%, P = .001, confidence interval [CI]: 12.7, 62.1%), but not THA from all funding sources (4.6%, P = .128, CI: -1.3, 10.8%). Medicaid-funded TKA (35.8%, P < .001, CI: 17.4, 68.0%) increased, but not TKA from all funding sources (3.4%, P = .321, CI: -3.1, 10.1%). CONCLUSION While the number of Medicaid-funded TJAs increased, expansion had no significant effect when examining all funding sources. This suggests that Medicaid expansion primarily affected source of TJA funding, not overall volume. Further research is needed to examine state-specific predictors of response to Medicaid expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander S Homer
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Keir G Johnson
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Daniel Alsoof
- Department of Orthopedics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Alan H Daniels
- Department of Orthopedics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Eric M Cohen
- Department of Orthopedics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
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Schmerler J, Dhanjani SA, Wenzel A, Kurian SJ, Srikumaran U, Ficke JR. Racial, Socioeconomic, and Payer Status Disparities in Utilization of Total Ankle Arthroplasty Compared to Ankle Arthrodesis. J Foot Ankle Surg 2023; 62:928-932. [PMID: 37595678 DOI: 10.1053/j.jfas.2023.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Total ankle arthroplasty is increasingly being used for the treatment of ankle osteoarthritis when compared to arthrodesis. However, there has been limited investigation into disparities in utilization of these comparable procedures. This study examined racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, and payer status disparities in the likelihood of undergoing total ankle arthroplasty compared with ankle arthrodesis. Patients with a diagnosis of ankle osteoarthritis from 2006 through 2019 were identified in the National Inpatient Sample, then subclassified as undergoing total ankle arthroplasty or arthrodesis. Multivariable logistic regression models, adjusted for hospital location, primary or secondary osteoarthritis diagnosis, and patient characteristics (age, sex, infection, and Elixhauser comorbidities), were used to examine the effect of race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and payer status on the likelihood of undergoing total ankle arthroplasty versus arthrodesis. Black and Asian patients were 34% and 41% less likely than White patients to undergo total ankle arthroplasty rather than arthrodesis (p < .001). Patients in income quartiles 3 and 4 were 22% and 32% more likely, respectively, than patients in quartile 1 to undergo total ankle arthroplasty rather than arthrodesis (p = .001 and p = .01, respectively). In patients <65 years of age, privately insured and Medicare patients were 84% and 37% more likely, respectively, than Medicaid patients to undergo total ankle arthroplasty rather than arthrodesis (p < .001). Racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, and payer status disparities exist in the likelihood of undergoing total ankle arthroplasty versus arthrodesis for ankle osteoarthritis. More work is needed to establish drivers of these disparities and identify targets for intervention, including improvements in parity in relative procedure utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suraj A Dhanjani
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Alyssa Wenzel
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Shyam J Kurian
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Umasuthan Srikumaran
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - James R Ficke
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
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Rajasingh CM, Baker LC, Wren SM. Freestanding Ambulatory Surgery Centers and Patients Undergoing Outpatient Knee Arthroplasty. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2328343. [PMID: 37561458 PMCID: PMC10415959 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.28343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance In 2018, Medicare removed total knee arthroplasty from the list of inpatient-only procedures, resulting in a new pool of patients eligible for outpatient total knee arthroplasty. How this change was associated with the characteristics of patients undergoing outpatient knee arthroplasty at hospital-owned surgery centers (HOSCs) vs freestanding ambulatory surgery centers (FASCs) is unknown. Objectives To describe the characteristics of patients undergoing outpatient, elective total and partial knee arthroplasty in 2017 and 2018 and to compare the cohorts receiving treatment at FASCs and HOSCs. Design, Setting, and Participants This observational retrospective cohort study included 5657 patients having elective, outpatient partial and total knee arthroplasty in the Florida and Wisconsin State Ambulatory Surgery Databases in 2017 and 2018. Prior admissions were identified in the State Inpatient Database. Statistical analysis was performed from March to June 2022. Main Outcomes and Measures Characteristics of patients undergoing surgery at a FASC vs a HOSC in 2017 and 2018 were compared. Results A total of 5657 patients (mean [SD] age, 64.2 [9.9] years; 2907 women [51.4%]) were included in the study. Outpatient knee arthroplasties increased from 1910 in 2017 to 3747 in 2018 and were associated with an increase in total knee arthroplasties (474 in 2017 vs 2065 in 2018). The influx of patients undergoing outpatient knee arthroplasty was associated with an amplification of differences between the patients treated at FASCs and the patients treated at HOSCs. Patients with private payer insurance seen at FASCs increased from 63.4% in 2017 (550 of 867) to 72.7% in 2018 (1272 of 1749) (P < .001), while the percentage of patients with private payer insurance seen at HOSCs increased, but to a lesser extent (41.6% [427 of 1027] in 2017 vs 46.4% [625 of 1346] in 2018; P < .001). In 2017, the percentages of White patients seen at FASCs and HOSCs were similar (85.0% [737 of 867] vs 88.2% [906 of 1027], respectively); in 2018, the percentage of White patients seen at FASCs had increased and was significantly different from the percentage of White patients seen at HOSCs (90.6% [1585 of 1749] vs 87.9% [1183 of 1346]; P = .01). Both types of facilities saw an increase from 2017 to 2018 in the percentage of patients from communities of low social vulnerability, but this increase was greater for FASCs (FASCs: 6.7% [58 of 867] in 2017 vs 33.9% [593 of 1749] in 2018; HOSCs: 7.6% [78 of 1027] in 2017 vs 21.2% [285 of 1346] in 2018). Finally, while FASCs and HOSCs had cared for a similar portion of patients with prior admissions in 2017 (7.8% [68 of 867] vs 9.4% [97 of 1027], respectively; P = .25), in 2018, FASCs cared for fewer patients with prior admissions than HOSCs (4.0% [70 of 1749] vs 8.1% [109 of 1346]; P < .001). Conclusions This study suggests that the increase in the number of patients undergoing outpatient knee arthroplasty in 2018 corresponded to FASCs treating a greater share of patients who were White, covered by private payer insurance, and healthier. These findings raise a concern that as more operations transition to the outpatient setting, variability in access to FASCs may increase, leaving hospital-owned centers to bear a greater share of the burden of caring for more vulnerable patients with more severe illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte M. Rajasingh
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Laurence C. Baker
- Department of Health Policy, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Sherry M. Wren
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
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Law JM, Brody M, Cavanaugh KE, Dy CJ. Catastrophic Health Expenditure in Patients with Lower-Extremity Orthopaedic Trauma. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2023; 105:363-368. [PMID: 36729433 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.22.00623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health-care expenditures are a leading contributor to financial hardship in the United States. Traumatic orthopaedic injuries are unpredictable and result in substantial expense. Our objectives were to quantify the catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) risk of patients with orthopaedic trauma and to examine the impact of insurance status, socioeconomic status, sex, and race on CHE. METHODS We identified all isolated lower-extremity orthopaedic trauma cases at a safety-net, Level-1 trauma center from 2018 to 2020. We queried an institutional charge database to obtain total hospital charges, insurance status, and ZIP Code to determine out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures. To evaluate financial hardship, we calculated the CHE risk as defined by the World Health Organization's threshold of OOP expenditures, ≥40% of estimated household post-subsistence income. RESULTS In our cohort of 2,535 patients, 33% experienced a risk of CHE. A risk of CHE was experienced by 99% of patients who were uninsured, 35% of patients with private insurance, 2% of patients with Medicare, and 0% of patients with Medicaid. Multivariable regression modeling showed that patients who were uninsured were significantly more likely to experience a risk of CHE compared with patients with private insurance (odds ratio, 107.68 [95% confidence interval, 37.20 to 311.68]; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS One-third of patients with lower-extremity orthopaedic trauma experience a risk of CHE, with patients who are uninsured facing a disproportionately higher risk of CHE compared with patients who are insured. Our results suggest that the expansion of public insurance options may provide substantial financial protection for those at the greatest risk for CHE. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jody M Law
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
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Kim DNW, Lee MS, Mahatme RJ, Gillinov SM, Islam W, Fong S, Lee AY, Abu S, Pettinelli N, Medvecky MJ, Jimenez AE. Short Symptom Duration Is Associated With Superior Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Primary Hip Arthroscopy: A Systematic Review. Arthroscopy 2023; 39:498-509. [PMID: 36395964 DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2022.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of duration of preoperative hip pain symptoms on outcomes in patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was conducted with the following key words: "hip arthroscopy," "outcomes," "femoroacetabular impingement," "duration," "symptoms," "time," "delay," "earlier," and "timing" was performed in PubMed and Cochrane in May 2022. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines were used for this review. When available, article information including the author, study type, study period, and follow-up, demographics, preoperative duration of symptoms, surgical outcome tools, and secondary surgeries were recorded. RESULTS Six studies including 3,298 hips were included in this systematic review. Five studies had a minimum of 2 years' follow-up, and 1 study had a minimum of 5 years' follow-up. Femoroacetabular impingement (including subtypes cam and pincer impingement) was a surgical indication in all 6 studies and the most common indication for surgery. All 6 studies reported patient-reported outcome scores. All studies conducted statistical analyses comparing the duration of symptoms' effect on outcomes and found superior outcomes in patients with shorter duration of symptoms before hip arthroscopy. In 3 studies, modified Harris Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score - Activities of Daily Living, Hip Outcome Score - Sports-Specific Subscale, and visual analog scale for satisfaction ranged from 79.1-82.6, 86.3-88.4, 75-75.5. and 75.3-82.5, respectively, in cohorts with <2-year duration of symptoms, compared with 72-77.7, 79.6-84, 65.0-66.7, and 69.7-75.3 in >2-year cohort. Similarly, in one study, the <2-year duration group was reported to have a conversion to total hip arthroplasty rate of 0.6% and an overall secondary surgery rate of 0.9%, whereas the >2-year duration group had a conversion to total hip arthroplasty rate of 6.4% and an overall secondary surgery rate of 10.1%. CONCLUSIONS Patients with hip pain symptoms of less than 2 years before arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome have better outcomes than those patients who had a longer duration of symptoms. However, significant improvements can still be expected regardless of time between onset of symptoms and surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, systematic review of Level III and Level IV studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Nam-Woo Kim
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.A
| | - Michael S Lee
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.A
| | - Ronak J Mahatme
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, U.S.A
| | - Stephen M Gillinov
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.A
| | - Wasif Islam
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.A
| | - Scott Fong
- Advanced Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, San Francisco, California, U.S.A
| | - Amy Y Lee
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.A
| | - Seyi Abu
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.A
| | | | - Michael J Medvecky
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.A
| | - Andrew E Jimenez
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.A.
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Handcox JE, Saucedo JM, Rose RA, Corley FG, Brady CI. Providing Orthopaedic Care to Vulnerably Underserved Patients: AOA Critical Issues. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2022; 104:e84. [PMID: 35696681 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.21.01349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Implementation of the Affordable Care Act has increased the number of Americans with health insurance. However, a substantial portion of the population is still considered underserved, including those who are uninsured, underinsured, and those who are enrolled in Medicaid. The patients frequently face substantial access-to-care issues. Many underlying social determinants of health impact this vulnerable, underserved population, and surgeons must understand the nuances of caring for the underserved. There are numerous opportunities to engage with this population, and providing care to the indigent can be rewarding for both the vulnerably underserved patient and their surgeon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan E Handcox
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - James M Saucedo
- Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist, Houston, Texas
| | - Ryan A Rose
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Fred G Corley
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Christina I Brady
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans' Hospital, San Antonio, Texas
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Inclan PM, Velicki K, Christ R, Miller AN, Brogan DM, Dy CJ. An Epidemic Amidst a Pandemic: Musculoskeletal Firearm Injuries During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2022; 104:215-220. [PMID: 34932517 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.21.00665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially impacted the delivery of health care, both through direct care associated with COVID-19 and through more pervasive effects. Our goal was to evaluate whether the number of orthopaedic consultations for firearm injuries differed during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the same period in prior years. We hypothesized that the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic, compared with the same period in prior years, would have a higher number of orthopaedic consultations for firearm injuries and a lower rate of outpatient follow-up after consultations. METHODS A prospectively collected database of orthopaedic trauma consultations at a level-I trauma center was queried for firearm injuries. We compared the number of orthopaedic consultations for firearm injury during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 23, 2020, to September 30, 2020, referred to as the pandemic group) with identical dates from 2017 to 2019 (referred to as the pre-pandemic group). Outpatient follow-up rates, ZIP codes (and associated Area Deprivation Index), and demographic data were compared between the pandemic group and the pre-pandemic group. RESULTS During the entire study period, 552 orthopaedic consultations for firearm injuries were identified. There was a 63% increase in the daily mean number of firearm injury consultations in the pandemic group, to 1.01, compared with the pre-pandemic group, 0.62 (p < 0.001). There was no difference in the rate of outpatient follow-up: 66% for the pandemic group and 72% for the pre-pandemic group. There was no difference in the percentage of patients from the most socially deprived decile: 45.3% in the pandemic group and 49.5% in the pre-pandemic group. Patients presenting during the pandemic were more often uninsured (75.8%) relative to the pre-pandemic group (67.9%), with a lack of health insurance significantly decreasing the likelihood of outpatient follow-up (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Compared with the same period in prior years, there was a significant increase in the number of orthopaedic consultations for firearm injuries during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in our community. Patient race, socioeconomic status, and outpatient follow-up were similar between the pandemic group and the pre-pandemic group. There was a higher proportion of uninsured patients within the pandemic group and a lower rate of follow-up among those without insurance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Inclan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri
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Gatto AP, Feeley BT, Lansdown DA. Low socioeconomic status worsens access to care and outcomes for rotator cuff repair: a scoping review. JSES REVIEWS, REPORTS, AND TECHNIQUES 2022; 2:26-34. [PMID: 37588282 PMCID: PMC10426503 DOI: 10.1016/j.xrrt.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Background Poor socioeconomic status (SES) is consistently associated with poor quality of health care, particularly in the field of orthopedics. Expanding insurance coverage has created a larger patient population by specifically making health care more accessible, translating to greater demand for care in the low-SES population. The purpose of this article is to provide a scoping review of literature observing access and outcomes of rotator cuff repair surgery among low-SES populations. Methods We performed a systematic review of articles using PubMed, Embase, and EBSCO (May 2021) from 2010 onward. Peer-reviewed articles that recorded at least one SES measure specific to patients who underwent rotator cuff repair from the United States were included. SES measures were methodically defined as income, occupation, employment, education, and race. All data that aligned with these SES measures were extracted. Results Of the 1009 titles reviewed, 109 studies were screened by abstract, 23 were reviewed in full, and 7 studies met criteria for inclusion. Of the 5 studies investigating access, all 5 found disparities among postoperative physical therapy, orthopedic consult, and surgery, using Medicaid status as a proxy for income in addition to other income measures. Of the 3 studies analyzing outcomes, 2 found that low-SES patients had worse pain and function, again based on Medicaid status and other income measures. Education did not have a significant impact on outcomes, as per the 1 study that included it. No studies included measures of occupation or employment. Conclusion Patients of low SES face reduced access to cuff repair care and worse associated outcomes, despite federal and state government efforts to reduce health care disparity through health care reform. The small nature of this review reflects how measures of SES are often not examined in rotator cuff repair studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P. Gatto
- Touro University California, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Vallejo, CA, USA
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Brian T. Feeley
- Touro University California, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Vallejo, CA, USA
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Drew A. Lansdown
- Touro University California, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Vallejo, CA, USA
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Kim DH, Jeong SY, Yang JH, Choi CH. Evaluation of Appropriateness of the Reimbursement Criteria of Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service for Total Knee Arthroplasty. Clin Orthop Surg 2022; 15:241-248. [PMID: 37008978 PMCID: PMC10060769 DOI: 10.4055/cios21214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We evaluated and compared South Korea's total knee arthroplasty (TKA) reimbursement criteria set by Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) with other TKA appropriateness criteria to find additional criterion to improve its appropriateness by reviewing TKA inappropriate cases. Methods Two TKA appropriateness criteria and HIRA's reimbursement criteria for TKA were adapted for use on patients undergoing TKA in one institute from December 2017 to April 2020. Preoperative data including 9 validated questionnaires on knee joint-specific parameters, age, and radiography were used. We categorized cases into appropriate, inconclusive, inappropriate groups and analyzed each group. Results Data on 448 cases that underwent TKA were examined. According to the HIRA's reimbursement criteria, 434 cases (96.9%) were appropriate and 14 cases (3.1%) were inappropriate; superior to other TKA appropriateness criteria. The inappropriate group had Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome score (KOOS) pain, KOOS symptoms, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) total score, and Korean Knee score total score with worse symptoms compared to the appropriate group classified by HIRA's reimbursement criteria. Conclusions In terms of insurance coverage, HIRA's reimbursement criteria was more effective in providing healthcare access to patients who had the most pressing need for TKA compared to other TKA appropriateness criteria. However, we found the lower age limit and patient-reported outcome measures of other criteria as useful tools in improving appropriateness of the current reimbursement criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Hong Kim
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hanyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soo-Young Jeong
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hanyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Hyuk Yang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri, Korea
| | - Choong Hyeok Choi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hanyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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11
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Chun DS, Leonard AK, Enchill Z, Suleiman LI. Racial Disparities in Total Joint Arthroplasty. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 2021; 14:434-440. [PMID: 34626322 PMCID: PMC8733080 DOI: 10.1007/s12178-021-09718-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The primary aim of this review was to evaluate recently published total joint arthroplasty (TJA) studies in order to accurately summarize the current concepts regarding racial and ethnic disparities in total joint arthroplasty. RECENT FINDINGS Many studies found that racial and ethnic disparities in TJA are present in all phases of arthroplasty care including access to, utilization of, and postoperative outcomes after TJA. Factors that limit patient access to TJA-increased patient comorbidities, lower socioeconomic status, and Medicaid/uninsured status-are also disproportionately associated with underrepresented patient populations. Minority patients are more likely to require more intensive postoperative rehabilitation and non-home discharge placement. This in turn potentially adds additional concerns regarding hospital/provider reimbursement in light of the current Medicare/Medicaid model for arthroplasty surgeons, thus creating a recurrent cycle in which disparities in TJA reflect the complex interplay of overall health disparities and access inequalities associated with racial and ethnic biases. Literature demonstrating evidenced-based interventions to minimize these disparities is sparse, but the multifactorial cause of disparities in TJA highlights the need for multifaceted solutions on both a systemic and individual level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle S Chun
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern University, 259 E. Erie St. 13th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Annemarie K Leonard
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern University, 259 E. Erie St. 13th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Zenaida Enchill
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern University, 259 E. Erie St. 13th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Linda I Suleiman
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern University, 259 E. Erie St. 13th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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Saks BR, Ouyang VW, Domb ES, Jimenez AE, Maldonado DR, Lall AC, Domb BG. Equality in Hip Arthroscopy Outcomes Can Be Achieved Regardless of Patient Socioeconomic Status. Am J Sports Med 2021; 49:3915-3924. [PMID: 34739305 DOI: 10.1177/03635465211046932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to quality health care and treatment outcomes can be affected by patients' socioeconomic status (SES). PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of patient SES on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after arthroscopic hip surgery. STUDY DESIGN Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS Demographic, radiographic, and intraoperative data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed on all patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and labral tear between February 2008 and September 2017 at one institution. Patients were divided into 4 cohorts based on the Social Deprivation Index (SDI) of their zip code. SDI is a composite measure that quantifies the level of disadvantage in certain geographical areas. Patients had a minimum 2-year follow-up for the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS), International Hip Outcome Tool-12, and visual analog scale (VAS) for both pain and satisfaction. Rates of achieving the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) were calculated for the mHHS, NAHS, and VAS pain score. Rates of secondary surgery were also recorded. RESULTS A total of 680 hips (616 patients) were included. The mean follow-up time for the entire cohort was 30.25 months. Division of the cohort into quartiles based on the SDI national averages yielded 254 hips (37.4%) in group 1, 184 (27.1%) in group 2, 148 (21.8%) in group 3, and 94 (13.8%) in group 4. Group 1 contained the most affluent patients. There were significantly more men in group 4 than in group 2, and the mean body mass index was greater in group 4 than in groups 1 and 2. There were no differences in preoperative radiographic measurements, intraoperative findings, or rates of concomitant procedures performed. All preoperative and postoperative PROMs were similar between the groups, as well as in the rates of achieving the MCID or PASS. No differences in the rate of secondary surgeries were reported. CONCLUSION Regardless of SES, patients were able to achieve significant improvements in several PROMs after hip arthroscopy for FAIS and labral tear at the minimum 2-year follow-up. Additionally, patients from all SES groups achieved clinically meaningful improvement at similar rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin R Saks
- American Hip Institute Research Foundation, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Core Physicians, Exeter, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Vivian W Ouyang
- American Hip Institute Research Foundation, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Elijah S Domb
- American Hip Institute Research Foundation, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Andrew E Jimenez
- American Hip Institute Research Foundation, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Ajay C Lall
- American Hip Institute Research Foundation, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Core Physicians, Exeter, New Hampshire, USA.,American Hip Institute, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Benjamin G Domb
- American Hip Institute Research Foundation, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Core Physicians, Exeter, New Hampshire, USA.,American Hip Institute, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Green CK, Scanaliato JP, Polmear MM, Narimissaei DS, Fitzpatrick KV, Parnes N, Dunn JC. Variation in state and federal reimbursement in the United States in the treatment of upper extremity fractures. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2021; 30:2543-2548. [PMID: 33930557 DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2021.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medicare and Medicaid are 2 of the largest government-run health care programs in the United States. Although Medicare reimbursement is determined at the federal level by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Medicaid reimbursement rates are set by each individual state. The purpose of this study is to compare Medicaid reimbursement rates with regional Medicare reimbursement rates for 12 orthopedic procedures performed to treat common fractures of the upper extremity. METHODS Twelve orthopedic procedures were selected and their Medicare reimbursement rates were collected from the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. Medicaid reimbursement rates were obtained from each state's physician fee schedule. Reimbursement rates were then compared by assessing the ratio of Medicaid to Medicare, the dollar difference in Medicaid to Medicare reimbursement, and the difference per relative value unit. The range of variation in Medicaid reimbursement and Medicare wage index-adjusted Medicaid reimbursement was calculated. Comparisons in reimbursement were calculated using coefficient of variation and Student t tests to evaluate the differences between the mean Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements. Two-sample coefficient of variation testing was used to determine whether dispersion in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates differed significantly. RESULTS There was significant difference in reimbursement rates between Medicare and Medicaid for all 12 procedures, with Medicare reimbursing on average 46.5% more than Medicaid. In 40 states, Medicaid reimbursed less than Medicare for all 12 procedures. Regarding the dollar difference per relative value unit, Medicaid reimbursed on average $18.03 less per relative value unit than Medicare. The coefficient of variation for Medicaid reimbursement rates ranged from 0.26-0.33. This is in stark contrast with the significantly lower variability observed in Medicare reimbursement, which ranged from 0.06-0.07. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the variation in reimbursement that exists among state Medicaid programs for 12 orthopedic procedures commonly used to treat fractures of the upper extremity. Furthermore, average Medicaid reimbursement rates were significantly lower than Medicare rates for all 12 procedures. Such discrepancies in reimbursement may act as a barrier, impeding many Medicaid patients from accessing timely orthopedic care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare K Green
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | - John C Dunn
- William Beaumont Army Medical Center, El Paso, TX, USA
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