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Acosta JA. The role of race and insurance in trauma patients' mortality: A cross-sectional analysis based on a nationwide sample. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298886. [PMID: 38359054 PMCID: PMC10868734 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent disparities in trauma in-hospital mortality owing to insurance status and race remain a prominent issue within healthcare. This study explores the relationships among insurance status, race, length of stay (LOS) in-hospital mortality outcomes in trauma patients at extreme risk of mortality (EROM) trauma patients. METHODS Data was retrieved from the National Inpatient Sample, focusing on high-acuity trauma patients from 2007 to 2020, aged 18-64 years. Patients were identified using specific All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Groups codes. Emphasis was placed on those with EROM owing to their resource-intensive nature and the potential influence of insurance on outcomes. Patients aged 65 years or older were excluded owing to distinct trauma patterns, as were those diagnosed with burns or non-trauma conditions. RESULTS The study encompassed 70,381 trauma inpatients with EROM, representing a national estimate of 346,659. Being insured was associated with a 34% decrease in the odds of in-hospital mortality compared to being uninsured. The in-hospital mortality risk associated with insurance status varied over time, with insurance having no impact on in-hospital mortality during hospitalizations of less than 2 days (short LOS). In the overall group, Black patients showed an 8% lower risk of in-hospital mortality compared to White patients, while they experienced a 33% higher risk of in-hospital mortality during short LOS. CONCLUSION Insured trauma inpatients demonstrated a significant reduction in the odds of in-hospital mortality compared to their uninsured counterparts, although this advantage was not present in the short LOS group. Black patients experienced lower in-hospital mortality rates compared to White patients, but this trend reversed in the short LOS group. These findings underscore the intricate relationships between insurance status, race, and duration of hospitalization, highlighting the need for interventions to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A. Acosta
- New Mexico Department of Health, Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States of America
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Sheff ZT, Zhang A, Geisse K, Wiesenauer C, Engbrecht BW. Treatment of Severe Blunt Splenic Injury Varies Across Race and Insurance Type of Pediatric Patients. J Surg Res 2023; 291:80-89. [PMID: 37352740 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2023.05.016] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Racial and ethnic disparities in the management of adult patients with blunt splenic injuries (BSIs) have been previously demonstrated. It is unknown if similar disparities exist in pediatric patients with BSIs. Management of BSIs can include operative management, but nonoperative management (NOM) is preferred. This study assesses the association of race and insurance status on use of NOM among pediatric (aged < 18 y) patients following BSI. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data were abstracted from the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program Participant Use Files for calendar years 2013-2017. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations between race or insurance status and NOM while controlling for injury severity, age, and facility type. Secondary outcomes included blood transfusion within 24 h and hospital length of stay. RESULTS We analyzed 1436 pediatric BSI patients. Black, non-Hispanic patients were less likely (odds ratio: 0.45, 95% confidence interval: 0.21-1.02, P = 0.043) to undergo NOM and stayed 0.6 d longer (P = 0.010) than White, non-Hispanic patients. Uninsured patients were less likely (odds ratio: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.25-1.11, P = 0.080) to undergo NOM and publicly insured patients stayed 0.24 d (P = 0.048) longer than privately insured patients. CONCLUSIONS We found disparities in use of NOM for Black patients and uninsured patients as well as differences in length of stay. These results extend the literature on racial and socioeconomic disparities in care of trauma patients to pediatric BSI patients. Addressing these disparities requires additional studies aimed at identifying the underlying causes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abbie Zhang
- School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Karla Geisse
- Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Isazadehfar K, Salamati P, Zafarghandi MR, Rahimi-Movaghar V, Khormali M, Baigi V. Insurance status and traumatized patients' outcomes: a report from the national trauma registry of Iran. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:392. [PMID: 37095520 PMCID: PMC10124013 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09369-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trauma care is one of the most expensive medical procedures that is significantly affected by factors like insurance status. Providing medical care to injured patients has a significant impact on patients' prognosis. This study examined whether insurance status was associated with different outcomes, including hospital length of stay (HLOS), mortality, and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission. METHODS This prospective study analyzed the data of traumatized patients who had been registered in the National Trauma Registry of Iran (NTRI), and hospitalized at Sina Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from March 22, 2016, to February 8, 2021. Given the type of insurance, the insured patients were classified as basic, road traffic, and foreign nationality. The outcomes of in-hospital death, ICU admission, and HLOS between insured and uninsured patients, and then different insurance statuses, were compared using regression models. RESULT A total of 5014 patients were included in the study. 49% of patients (n = 2458) had road traffic insurance, 35.2% (n = 1766) basic insurance, 10.5% (n = 528) were uninsured, and 5.2% (n = 262) had foreign nationality insurance. The mean age of patients with basic, road traffic insurance, foreign nationality, and uninsured patients was 45.2 (SD = 22.3), 37.8 (SD = 15.8), 27.8 (SD = 13.3), and 32.4 (SD = 11.9) years, respectively. There was a statistically significant association between insurance status and mean age. Based on these results, the mean age of patients with basic insurance was higher than other groups (p < 0.001). Additionally, 85.6% of the patients were male, with male to female ratio of 9.64 in road traffic insurance, 2.99 in basic insurance, 14.4 in foreign nationality, and 16 in uninsured patients. There was no statistically significant difference between in-hospital mortality in insured and uninsured patients, 98 (2.3%) vs. 12 (2.3%), respectively. The odds of in-hospital mortality in uninsured patients were 1.04 times the odds of in-hospital death in insured patients [Crude OR: 1.04, 95%CI: 0.58 to 1.90]. Multiple logistic regression showed that after adjusting for age, sex, ISS, and Cause of trauma, the odds of in-hospital death in uninsured patients were 2.97 times the odds of in-hospital death in insured patients [adjusted OR: 2.97, 95%CI: 1.43 to 6.21]. CONCLUSION This study shows that having insurance can change the ICU admission, death, and HLOS in traumatized patients. The results of this study can provide essential data for national health policy for minimizing the disparities among different insurance statuses and proper use of medical resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khatereh Isazadehfar
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center (SDH), Medical Faculty, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Payman Salamati
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Vafa Rahimi-Movaghar
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Moein Khormali
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vali Baigi
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Sharperson C, Hajibonabi F, Hanna TN, Gerard RL, Gilyard S, Johnson JO. Are disparities in emergency department imaging exacerbated during high-volume periods? Clin Imaging 2023; 96:9-14. [PMID: 36731373 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2023.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Evaluate if disparities in the emergency department (ED) imaging timeline exist, and if disparities are altered during high volume periods which may stress resource availability. METHODS This retrospective study was conducted at a four-hospital healthcare system. All patients with at least one ED visit containing imaging from 1/1/2016 to 9/30/2020 were included. Peak hours were defined as ED encounters occurring between 5 pm and midnight, while all other ED encounters were non-peak hours. Patient-flow data points included ED length of stay (LOS), image acquisition time, and diagnostic image assessment time. RESULTS 321,786 total ED visits consisted of 102,560 during peak hours and 219,226 during non-peak hours. Black patients experienced longer image acquisition and image assessment times across both time periods (TR = 1.030; p < 0.001 and TR = 1.112; p < 0.001, respectively); Black patients also had increased length of stay compared to White patients, which was amplified during peak hours. Likewise, patients with primary payer insurance experienced significantly longer image acquisition and image assessment times in both periods (TR > 1.00; p < 0.05 for all). Females had longer image acquisition and image assessment time and the difference was more pronounced in image acquisition time during both peak and non-peak hours (TR = 1.146 and TR = 1.139 respectively with p < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSION When measuring radiology time periods, patient flow throughout the ED was not uniform. There was unequal acceleration and deceleration of patient flow based on racial, gender, age, and insurance status. Segmentation of patient flow time periods may allow identification of causes of inequity such that disparities can be addressed with targeted actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camara Sharperson
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Farid Hajibonabi
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America.
| | - Tarek N Hanna
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Roger L Gerard
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Shenise Gilyard
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Jamlik-Omari Johnson
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
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Stevens J, Reppucci ML, Pickett K, Acker S, Carmichael H, Velopulos CG, Bensard D, Kulungowski A. Using the Social Vulnerability Index to Examine Disparities in Surgical Pediatric Trauma Patients. J Surg Res 2023; 287:55-62. [PMID: 36868124 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2023.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) is a composite measure geocoded at the census tract level that has the potential to identify target populations at risk for postoperative surgical morbidity. We applied the SVI to examine demographics and disparities in surgical outcomes in pediatric trauma patients. METHODS Surgical pediatric trauma patients (≤18-year-old) at our institution from 2010 to 2020 were included. Patients were geocoded to identify their census tract of residence and estimated SVI and were stratified into high (≥70th percentile) and low (<70th percentile) SVI groups. Demographics, clinical data, and outcomes were compared using Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS Of 355 patients included, 21.4% had high SVI percentiles while 78.6% had low SVI percentiles. Patients with high SVI were more likely to have government insurance (73.7% versus 37.2%, P < 0.001), be of minority race (49.8% versus 19.1%, P < 0.001), present with penetrating injuries (32.9% versus 19.7%, P = 0.007), and develop surgical site infections (3.9% versus 0.4%, P = 0.03) compared to the low SVI group. CONCLUSIONS The SVI has the potential to examine health care disparities in pediatric trauma patients and identify discrete at-risk target populations for preventative resources allocation and intervention. Future studies are necessary to determine the utility of this tool in additional pediatric cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Stevens
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.
| | - Marina L Reppucci
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kaci Pickett
- The Center for Research in Outcomes for Children's Surgery, Center for Children's Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Shannon Acker
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Heather Carmichael
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | | | - Denis Bensard
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Ann Kulungowski
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
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Abstract
Purpose of Review The goal of this review is to describe how socioeconomic status (SES) is evaluated in the pediatric trauma literature and further consider how differences in SES can lead to inequities in pediatric injury. Recent Findings Insurance status, area-level income, and indices of socioeconomic deprivation are the most common assessments of socioeconomic status. Children from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds experience higher rates of firearm-related injuries, motor vehicle-related injuries, and violence-related injuries, contributing to inequities in morbidity and mortality after pediatric injury. Differences in SES may also lead to inequities in post-injury care and recovery, with higher rates of readmission, recidivism, and PTSD for children from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. Summary Additional research looking at family-level measures of SES and more granular measures of neighborhood deprivation are needed. SES can serve as an upstream target for interventions to reduce pediatric injury and narrow the equity gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Trinidad
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH MLC 2023 USA
| | - Meera Kotagal
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH MLC 2023 USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH USA
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Trinidad S, Kotagal M. Social determinants of health as drivers of inequities in pediatric injury. Semin Pediatr Surg 2022; 31:151221. [PMID: 36347129 DOI: 10.1016/j.sempedsurg.2022.151221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
A child's social determinants of health (SDH), including their neighborhood environment, insurance status, race and ethnicity, English language proficiency and geographic location, all significantly impact their risk of injury and outcomes after injury. Children from socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods experience overall higher rates of injury and different types of injuries, including higher rates of motor vehicle-, firearm-, and violence-related injuries. Similarly, children with public insurance or no insurance, as a proxy for lower socioeconomic status, experience higher rates of injuries including firearm-related injuries and non-accidental trauma, with overall worse outcomes. Race and associated racism also impact a child's risk of injury and care received after injury. Black children, Hispanic children, and those from other minority groups disproportionately experience socioeconomic disadvantage with sequelae of injury risk as described above. Even after controlling for socioeconomic status, there are still notable disparities with further evidence of racial inequities and bias in pediatric trauma care after injury. Finally, where a child lives geographically also significantly impacts their risk of injury and available care after injury, with differences based on whether a child lives in a rural or urban area and the degree of state laws regarding injury prevention. There are clear inequities based on a child's SDH, most predominantly in a child's risk of injury and the types of injuries they experience. These injuries are preventable and the SDH provide potential upstream targets in injury prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Trinidad
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children...s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.
| | - Meera Kotagal
- Assistant Professor, Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, Director, Trauma Services, Director, Pediatric Surgery Global Health Program, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 2023, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States.
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Grenn E, Kutcher M, Hillegass WB, Iwuchukwu C, Kyle A, Bruehl S, Goodin B, Myers H, Rao U, Nag S, Kinney K, Dickens H, Morris MC. Social determinants of trauma care: Associations of race, insurance status, and place on opioid prescriptions, postdischarge referrals, and mortality. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2022; 92:897-905. [PMID: 34936591 PMCID: PMC9038661 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000003506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial disparities in trauma care have been reported for a range of outcomes, but the extent to which these remain after accounting for socioeconomic and environmental factors remains unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the unique contributions of race, health insurance, community distress, and rurality/urbanicity on trauma outcomes after carefully controlling for specific injury-related risk factors. METHODS All adult (age, ≥18 years) trauma patients admitted to a single Level I trauma center with a statewide, largely rural, catchment area from January 2010 to December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Primary outcomes were mortality, rehabilitation referral, and receipt of opioids in the emergency department. Demographic, socioeconomic, and injury characteristics as well as indicators of community distress and rurality based on home address were abstracted from a trauma registry database. RESULTS Analyses revealed that Black patients (n = 13,073) were younger, more likely to be male, more likely to suffer penetrating injuries, and more likely to suffer assault-based injuries compared with White patients (n = 10,946; all p < 0.001). In adjusted analysis, insured patients had a 28% lower risk of mortality (odds ratio, 0.72; p = 0.005) and were 92% more likely to be referred for postdischarge rehabilitation than uninsured patients (odds ratio, 1.92; p = 0.005). Neither race- nor place-based factors were associated with mortality. However, post hoc analyses revealed a significant race by age interaction, with Black patients exhibiting more pronounced increases in mortality risk with increasing age. CONCLUSION The present findings help disentangle the social determinants of trauma disparities by adjusting for place and person characteristics. Uninsured patients were more likely to die and those who survived were less likely to receive referrals for rehabilitation services. The expected racial disparity in mortality risk favoring White patients emerged in middle age and was more pronounced for older patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic and epidemiological, Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Grenn
- Department of Surgery, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Matthew Kutcher
- Department of Surgery, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - William B. Hillegass
- Department of Data Science, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Chinenye Iwuchukwu
- Department of Surgery, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Amber Kyle
- Department of Surgery, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Stephen Bruehl
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Burel Goodin
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Hector Myers
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Uma Rao
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior and Center for Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California – Irvine, California, USA
- Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Subodh Nag
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience & Pharmacology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN
| | - Kerry Kinney
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Harrison Dickens
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Matthew C. Morris
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
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Risk Factors for Dual Burden of Severe Maternal Morbidity and Preterm Birth by Insurance Type in California. Matern Child Health J 2022; 26:601-613. [PMID: 35041142 PMCID: PMC8917014 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-021-03313-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Among childbearing women, insurance coverage determines degree of access to preventive and emergency care for maternal and infant health. Maternal-infant dyads with dual burden of severe maternal morbidity and preterm birth experience high physical and psychological morbidity, and the risk of dual burden varies by insurance type. We examined whether sociodemographic and perinatal risk factors of dual burden differed by insurance type. Methods We estimated relative risks of dual burden by maternal sociodemographic and perinatal characteristics in the 2007–2012 California birth cohort dataset stratified by insurance type and compared effects across insurance types using Wald Z-statistics. Results Dual burden ranged from 0.36% of privately insured births to 0.41% of uninsured births. Obstetric comorbidities, multiple gestation, parity, and birth mode conferred the largest risks across all insurance types, but effect magnitude differed. The adjusted relative risk of dual burden associated with preeclampsia superimposed on preexisting hypertension ranged from 9.1 (95% CI 7.6–10.9) for privately insured to 15.9 (95% CI 9.1–27.6) among uninsured. The adjusted relative risk of dual burden associated with cesarean birth ranged from 3.1 (95% CI 2.7–3.5) for women with Medi-Cal to 5.4 (95% CI 3.5–8.2) for women with other insurance among primiparas, and 7.0 (95% CI 6.0–8.3) to 19.4 (95% CI 10.3–36.3), respectively, among multiparas. Conclusions Risk factors of dual burden differed by insurance type across sociodemographic and perinatal factors, suggesting that care quality may differ by insurance type. Attention to peripartum care access and care quality provided by insurance type is needed to improve maternal and neonatal health. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10995-021-03313-1.
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Kulaylat AN, Hollenbeak CS, Armen SB, Cilley RE, Engbrecht BW. The Association of Race, Sex, and Insurance With Transfer From Adult to Pediatric Trauma Centers. Pediatr Emerg Care 2021; 37:e1623-e1630. [PMID: 32569252 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our objective was to investigate whether racial/ethnic-based or payer-based disparities existed in the transfer practices of pediatric trauma patients from adult trauma center (ATC) to pediatric trauma center (PTC) in Pennsylvania. METHODS Data on trauma patients aged 14 years or less initially evaluated at level I and II ATC were obtained from the Pennsylvania Trauma Outcome Study (2008-2012) (n = 3446). Generalized estimating equations regression analyses were used to evaluate predictors of subsequent transfer controlling for confounders and clustering. Recent literature has described racial and socioeconomic disparities in outcomes such as mortality after trauma; it is unknown whether these factors also influence the likelihood of subsequent interfacility transfer between ATC and PTC. RESULTS Patients identified as nonwhite comprised 36.1% of the study population. Those without insurance comprised 9.9% of the population. There were 2790 patients (77.4%) who were subsequently transferred. Nonwhite race (odds ratio [OR], 4.3), female sex (OR, 1.3), and lack of insurance (OR, 2.3) were associated with interfacility transfer. Additional factors were identified influencing likelihood of transfer (increased odds: younger age, intubated status, cranial, orthopedic, and solid organ injury; decreased odds: operative intervention at the initial trauma center) (P < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS Although we assume that a desire for specialized care is the primary reason for transfer of injured children to PTCs, our analysis demonstrates that race, female sex, and lack of insurance are also associated with transfers from ATCs to PTCs for children younger than 15 years in Pennsylvania. Further research is needed to understand the basis of these health care disparities and their impact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Brett W Engbrecht
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Peyton Manning Children's Hospital, Indianapolis, IN
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Funke L, Canal C, Ziegenhain F, Pape HC, Neuhaus V. Does the insurance status influence in-hospital outcome? A retrospective assessment in 30,175 surgical trauma patients in Switzerland. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2021; 48:1121-1128. [PMID: 34050424 PMCID: PMC9001570 DOI: 10.1007/s00068-021-01689-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Introduction There has been growing evidence in trauma literature that differences in insurance status lead to inequality in treatment and outcome. Most studies comparing uninsured to insured patients were done in the USA. We sought to gain further insights into differences in the outcomes of trauma patients in a healthcare system with mandatory public health coverage by comparing publicly versus privately insured patients. Methods We used a prospective national quality assessment database from the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Qualitätssicherung in der Chirurgie (AQC). More than 80 surgical departments in Switzerland are part of this quality program. We included all patients in the AQC database with any S- or T-code diagnosis according to the International Classification of Diseases ICD-10 (any injuries) who were treated during the 11-year period of 2004–2014. Missing insurance status information was an exclusion criterion. In total, 30,175 patients were included for analysis. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included overall and intra- and postoperative complications. Bi- and multivariate analyses were performed, adjusted for insurance status, age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status category, type of injury, and surgeon’s level of experience. Results In total, 76.8% (n = 23,196) of the patients were publicly insured. Patients with public insurance were significantly younger (p < 0.001), more often male (p < 0.001), and in better general health according to the ASA physical status category (p < 0.001). Length of pre- and postoperative stay and the number of operations per case were similar in the two groups. Patients with public insurance had a lower mortality rate (1.3% vs. 1.9%, p < 0.001), but after adjusting for confounders, insurance status was not a predictor of mortality. Overall complication rates were significantly higher for publicly insured patients (8.4% vs. 6.2%, p < 0.001), and after adjusting for confounders, insurance status was identified as an independent risk factor for overall complications (p < 0.001). Conclusion Differences exist with respect to patient and procedural characteristics: publicly insured patients were younger, more often male, and scored better on ASA physical status. Insurance status seems not to be a predictor for fatal outcome after trauma, although it is associated with complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Funke
- Division of Trauma Surgery, Department of Traumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Claudio Canal
- Division of Trauma Surgery, Department of Traumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Franziska Ziegenhain
- Division of Trauma Surgery, Department of Traumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hans-Christoph Pape
- Division of Trauma Surgery, Department of Traumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Valentin Neuhaus
- Division of Trauma Surgery, Department of Traumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
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Rebollo Salazar D, Velez-Rosborough A, DiMaggio C, Krowsoski L, Klein M, Berry C, Tandon M, Frangos S, Bukur M. Race and Insurance Status are Associated With Different Management Strategies After Thoracic Trauma. J Surg Res 2021; 261:18-25. [PMID: 33401122 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2020.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Health-care disparities based on race and socioeconomic status among trauma patients are well-documented. However, the influence of these factors on the management of rib fractures following thoracic trauma is unknown. The aim of this study is to describe the association of race and insurance status on management and outcomes in patients who sustain rib fractures. METHODS The Trauma Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify adult patients who presented with rib fractures between 2015 and 2016. Patient demographics, injury severity, procedures performed, and outcomes were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the effect of race and insurance status on mortality and the likelihood of rib fixation surgery and epidural analgesia for pain management. RESULTS A total of 95,227 patients were identified. Of these, 2923 (3.1%) underwent rib fixation. Compared to White patients, Asians (AOR: 0.57, P = 0.001), Blacks or African-Americans (AA) (AOR: 0.70, P < 0.001), and Hispanics/Latinos (HL) (AOR: 0.78, P < 0.001) were less likely to undergo rib fixation surgery. AA patients (AOR: 0.67, P = 0.004), other non-Whites (ONW) (AOR: 0.61, P = 0.001), and HL (AOR 0.65, P = 0.006) were less likely to receive epidural analgesia. Compared to privately insured patients, mortality was higher in uninsured patients (AOR: 1.72, P < 0.001), Medicare patients (AOR: 1.80, P < 0.001), and patients with other non-private insurance (AOR: 1.23, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Non-White race is associated with a decreased likelihood of rib fixation and/or epidural placement, while underinsurance is associated with higher mortality in patients with thoracic trauma. Prospective efforts to examine the socioeconomic disparities within this population are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Charles DiMaggio
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Leandra Krowsoski
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Michael Klein
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Cherisse Berry
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Manish Tandon
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Spiros Frangos
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Marko Bukur
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
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Carroll AL, Garcia D, Cassells SJ, Bruce JS, Bereknyei Merrell S, Schillinger E. "Making It Work": A Preliminary Mixed Methods Study of Rural Trauma Care Access and Resources in New Mexico. Cureus 2020; 12:e11143. [PMID: 33251053 PMCID: PMC7685818 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.11143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Patients in the rural western United States face challenges accessing trauma and surgical services and are more likely to succumb to their injuries. New Mexico, a rural and medically underresourced state, is a salient space to study these disparities. We examine how travel distance from trauma centers impacts injured patient outcomes and describe care delivery obstacles. Materials and Methods We conducted an explanatory mixed methods study by creating geospatial maps of New Mexico’s trauma data, incorporating linear regression analyses on patient outcomes as a function of estimated travel distance from trauma centers. We also conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews with trauma providers to illuminate and provide context for the geospatial findings utilizing a systematic, collaborative, iterative transcript analysis process. We constructed a conceptual framework describing rural trauma care delivery obstacles. Results Geospatial analyses revealed that most New Mexicans face long travel times to trauma centers. Comparing regression analyses using different data sources suggests that solely hospital-derived data may undercount rural trauma deaths. Interviews with 10 providers suggest that elements that may contribute to these findings include on-the-ground resource-based challenges and those related to broader healthcare systems-based issues. Our conceptual framework denotes how these elements collectively may impact rural trauma outcomes and proposes potential solutions. Conclusions In addressing rural patients’ needs, healthcare policy decision-makers should ensure that their datasets are comprehensive and inclusive. They must also take into account the particular challenges of underserved rural patients and providers who care for them by eliciting their perspectives, as presented in our conceptual framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Carroll
- Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA
| | - Deanna Garcia
- Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, USA
| | | | - Janine S Bruce
- Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA
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Shellito AD, Sareh S, Hart HC, Keeley JA, Tung C, Neville AL, Putnam B, Kim DY. Trauma patients returning to the emergency department after discharge. Am J Surg 2020; 220:1492-1497. [PMID: 32921401 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2020.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While readmission rates of trauma patients are well described, little has been reported on rates of re-presentation to the emergency department (ED) after discharge. This study aimed to determine rates and contributing factors of re-presentation of trauma patients to the ED. METHODS One-year retrospective analysis of discharged adult trauma patients at a county-funded safety-net level one trauma center. RESULTS Of 1416 trauma patients, 195 (13.8%) re-presented to the ED within 30 days. Of those that re-presented, 47 (24.1%) were re-admitted (3.3% overall). The most common reasons for re-presentation were pain control and wound complications. Patients with Medicare (AOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3 to 5.2) or other government insurance (AOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.6 to 4.1) were more likely to re-present than patients with private insurance. CONCLUSION A considerable number of trauma patients re-presented to the ED after discharge for reasons that did not require hospitalization. Discharge planning for certain vulnerable groups should emphasize wound care, pain control and scheduled follow-up to decrease the reliance on the ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam D Shellito
- Department of Surgery, Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA.
| | - Sohail Sareh
- Department of Surgery, Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Hayley C Hart
- Department of Surgery, Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Jessica A Keeley
- Department of Surgery, Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Christine Tung
- Department of Surgery, Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Angela L Neville
- Department of Surgery, Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Brant Putnam
- Department of Surgery, Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Dennis Y Kim
- Department of Surgery, Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
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Dobbins AB, Krumme J, Gaddis M, Park SH, Varghese M, Brancato MR, Shaw CM, Wambach K. Insurance Does Not Affect Adverse Events While Awaiting Surgery for Ankle Trauma in One System. West J Emerg Med 2020; 21:1242-1248. [PMID: 32970581 PMCID: PMC7514388 DOI: 10.5811/westjem.2020.5.46861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Ankle injuries that are not properly cared for can have devastating effects on a patient’s health and ability to maintain an active lifestyle. Recommended outpatient surgery may be difficult to obtain for many groups of patients, including those without insurance or minority races. Patients who are of low socioeconomic status also have worse outcomes following trauma. The purpose of this study was to examine whether insurance status impacts the number of adverse events that patients face prior to receiving surgical treatment following an emergency department (ED) visit for an acute ankle injury. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review at two medical centers within the same healthcare system. The sample included 192 patients presenting to the ED with an unstable ankle injury between October 1, 2015– May 1, 2018. We used chi-square and t-test analysis to determine differences in rates of adverse events occurring while awaiting surgery. Results Few (4%) patients presented as being self-pay. Neither Medicare (χ2 (1) (N = 192) = 2.389, p = .122), Medicaid (χ2 (1), (N = 192) = .084, p = .772), other insurances (χ2 (1) (N = 192) = .567, p = .452), or private insurance (χ2 (1) (N=192) = .000, p = .982) was associated with a difference in rates of adverse events. Likewise, gender (χ2 (1) (N = 192) = .402, p = .526), race (χ2 (3) (N = 192) = 2.504, p = .475), and all other demographic variables failed to show a difference in occurrence of adverse events. Those admitted to the hospital did show a lower rate of adverse events compared to those sent home from the ED (χ2 (1) (N = 192) = 5.452, p = .020). Sampled patients were admitted to the hospital at a high rate (49%). Conclusion The sampled facilities did not have adverse event rates that differed based on insurance status or demographic features. These facilities, with hospital-based subsidy programs and higher than expected admission rates, may manage their vulnerable populations well and may indicate their efforts to eliminate health disparity are effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam B Dobbins
- University of Kansas Medical Center, School of Nursing, Department, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - John Krumme
- Washington Cancer Institute, Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Washington DC, Maryland
| | - Monica Gaddis
- University of Missouri Kansas City, Department of Emergency Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri.,University of Missouri Kansas City, Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Shin Hye Park
- University of Kansas Medical Center, School of Nursing, Department, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Manna Varghese
- University of Missouri Kansas City, School of Medicine, Department, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Michael R Brancato
- University of Missouri Kansas City, School of Medicine, Department, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Christopher M Shaw
- University of Missouri Kansas City, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Karen Wambach
- University of Kansas Medical Center, School of Nursing, Department, Kansas City, Kansas
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Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury: Ethnicity, Documentation, and Insurance Status. Crit Care Med 2020; 48:31-40. [PMID: 31567403 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0000000000004043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Disparities in traumatic brain injury outcomes for ethnic minorities and the uninsured have previously been demonstrated; however, outcomes in undocumented immigrants have not been examined. We wanted to determine whether ethnicity, insurance, and documentation status served as risk factors for disparities in traumatic brain injury outcomes between undocumented immigrants and documented residents. DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING Patients diagnosed with traumatic brain injury admitted to the surgical/trauma ICU at a level 1 trauma center serving a large immigrant population in New York City from 2009 to 2016. PATIENTS Four-hundred seventy-one traumatic brain injury patients requiring surgical/trauma ICU admission. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Undocumented immigrants constituted 29% of the population, were younger (39 vs 57 yr old, respectively; p < 0.0001), Hispanic (83%; p < 0.0001), and uninsured (87%; p < 0.0001). Falls resulted in the majority of traumatic brain injuries in the total population, however, undocumented immigrants were almost twice as likely to be assaulted (p = 0.0032). There was no difference in presence of midline shifts, Injury Severity Score, Glasgow Coma Score, hypotension, hypoxia, and pupillary reactions between undocumented immigrants and documented residents. Undocumented immigrants presented with significantly more effaced basilar cisterns (p = 0.0008). There was no difference in hospital care between undocumented immigrants and documented residents as determined by emergency department to surgical/trauma ICU transfer times (p = 0.967). Undocumented immigrants were more likely to be discharged home (53% vs 33%, respectively; p = 0.0009) and less likely to be sent to rehabilitation (25% vs 32%, respectively; p = 0.0009). After adjusting length of stay and mortality for covariates, undocumented immigrants had shorter length of stay (p < 0.05) and there was no difference in hospital mortality between undocumented immigrants and documented residents. CONCLUSIONS Undocumented immigrants with traumatic brain injuries were more likely to be younger, have shorter length of stay, and experience similar mortality rates to documented residents. Social economic status may play a role in events prior to hospitalization and likely does in disposition outcomes.
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Disparities in Adult and Pediatric Trauma Outcomes: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. World J Surg 2020; 44:3010-3021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00268-020-05591-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Chou RL, Grigorian A, Nahmias J, Schubl SD, Delaplain PT, Barrios C. Racial Disparities in Adult Blunt Trauma Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. J Intensive Care Med 2020; 36:584-588. [PMID: 32253968 DOI: 10.1177/0885066620916170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Study incidence and mortality for blunt trauma patients developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) across race and insurance. DESIGN The National Trauma Data Bank (2007-2015) was queried for blunt trauma patients age >16. Covariates (age >65, injury severity score [ISS] >25, traumatic brain injury, lung injury, pneumonia, severe sepsis, hypotension on admission, and blood transfusion) were included in a multivariable logistic regression analysis. SETTING Despite progress in the treatment for ARDS, it remains a significant concern. Racial differences in response to trauma and ARDS have been inconsistently demonstrated. Since these prior studies, ARDS has been redefined by the Berlin Criteria, advances in care have been made, and health-care accessibility has changed. PATIENTS Adult blunt trauma patients with ISS > 15 and length of stay ≥ 3 days to examine patients at high risk of ARDS. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS There were 28 727 patients with ARDS. Most were white (76.2%), followed by blacks (11.5%), Hispanics (11.3%), and Asians (1.8%). Overall mortality was 20.5%. Compared to whites, blacks (odds ratio [OR]: 1.15, confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-1.20, P < .001) had higher risk of ARDS, being Hispanic was protective (OR: 0.80, CI: 0.76-0.83, P < .001). Asians with ARDS were at greater risk of death (OR: 1.31, CI: 1.07-1.61, P < .05) while being black was not associated with risk of death. Patients with private insurance had less diagnosed ARDS and those with ARDS had lower mortality than other insurances (OR: 0.86, CI: 0.79-0.92, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Data from the National Trauma Data Bank (2007-2015) demonstrates racial and insurance disparities in the development of ARDS in blunt trauma patients. When compared to whites, blacks are at higher risk of developing ARDS while being Hispanic is protective. Likewise, Asians are at greatest risk of death and blacks have no difference in mortality when compared to whites. Patients with private insurance have lower risk of incidence and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond L Chou
- Division of Trauma, Burns, and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, 8788University of California-Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Areg Grigorian
- Division of Trauma, Burns, and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, 8788University of California-Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Jeffry Nahmias
- Division of Trauma, Burns, and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, 8788University of California-Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Sebastian D Schubl
- Division of Trauma, Burns, and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, 8788University of California-Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Patrick T Delaplain
- Division of Trauma, Burns, and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, 8788University of California-Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Cristobal Barrios
- Division of Trauma, Burns, and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, 8788University of California-Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
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Janke AT, Danagoulian S, Venkatesh AK, Levy PD. Medicaid expansion and resource utilization in the emergency department. Am J Emerg Med 2020; 38:2586-2590. [PMID: 31982222 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2019.12.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has impacted the insurance mix of emergency department (ED) visits, yet the degree to which this has influenced provider behavior is not clear. METHODS This was a difference-in-differences (DID) analysis of ED-visit data from five states in 2013 and 2014. Sample states included 3 expanding Medicaid under the ACA, 1 rejecting ACA funding and delaying an eligibility expansion, and 1 with no eligibility change. We included self-pay and Medicaid patients aged 27 to 64 years. A subsample analysis was done for chest pain visits. DID logistic models were estimated for likelihood of admission for given Medicaid-paid ED visits in expansion states as compared to non-expansion states. Among chest pain visits we assessed likelihood given visits resulted in admission or advanced cardiac imaging, where clinician discretion may be more significant. RESULTS A total of 8,157,748 ED visits with primary payer Medicaid and self-pay were included, of which 331,422 were for chest pain. The proportion of visits paid for by Medicaid rose in expansion states by between 15.8% and 38.9%. Medicaid eligibility expansion was associated with increased odds of admission (OR 1.070 [95% CI 1.051-1.089]). Among chest pain visits, expansion was associated with increased odds of admission (OR 1.294 [95% CI 1.144-1.464]), but not advanced cardiac imaging (OR 1.099 [95% CI 0.983-1.229]). CONCLUSION Medicaid expansion was associated with small increases in ED visit admissions across the board and among the subgroup of patients presenting with chest pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander T Janke
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 464 Congress, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
| | - Shooshan Danagoulian
- Department of Economics, Wayne State University, 656 W Kirby St 2074, FAB, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Arjun K Venkatesh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 464 Congress, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Phillip D Levy
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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Bakhsh W, Childs S, Oh I, Flemister S, Baumhauer J, Ketz J. Evaluating Patients for Elective Outpatient Foot and Ankle Surgery: Insurance as a Predictor of Patient Outcomes. Foot Ankle Spec 2019; 12:522-529. [PMID: 30628476 DOI: 10.1177/1938640018823070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background. Elective surgical procedures necessitate careful patient selection. Insurance level has been associated with postoperative outcomes in trauma patients. This study evaluates the relationship insurance level has with outcomes from elective foot and ankle surgery. Methods. Retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent elective surgery at a single center with 1-year follow-up. Patients were classified by insurance: under-/uninsured (Medicaid, Option plans) versus fully insured. Outcomes included narcotic refills, patient-reported outcomes (PROMIS) of pain, function, and mood, and compliance with follow-up visits. Statistical analysis involved mean comparison and multivariate regression modeling, with significance P < .05. Results. Cohort groups included 220 insured and 47 under-/uninsured. Outcomes between the insured and under-/uninsured groups differed significantly in narcotic refills (0.72 vs 1.74 respectively, P < .01), missed appointments (0.13 vs 0.62, P < .01), and PROMIS results (pain 54.5 vs 60.2; function 44.3 vs 39.5; mood 44.6 vs 51.3; P < .01). The change in PROMIS scores from preoperative to 1-year postoperative were different in pain (-7.3 vs -2.5, P = .03) and function (+6.3 vs +1.3, P = .04). Regression results confirm insurance as a significant factor (coefficient 0.27, P < .01). Conclusion. These results establish that under-/uninsured patients have worse pain, patient-reported outcomes, and functional outcomes after elective foot and ankle surgery, which may inform patient selection. Levels of Evidence: Level III: Retrospective cohort study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wajeeh Bakhsh
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Sean Childs
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Irvin Oh
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Sam Flemister
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Judy Baumhauer
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - John Ketz
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
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Jones RE, Babb J, Gee KM, Beres AL. An investigation of social determinants of health and outcomes in pediatric nonaccidental trauma. Pediatr Surg Int 2019; 35:869-877. [PMID: 31147762 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-019-04491-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Nonaccidental trauma (NAT) is a leading cause of pediatric mortality and disability. We examined our institution's experience with NAT to determine if socioeconomic status is correlated with patient outcomes. METHODS NAT cases were reviewed retrospectively. Socioeconomic determinants included insurance status and race; outcomes included mortality, discharge disability and disposition. Correlations were identified using t test, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression. RESULTS The cohort comprised of 337 patients, with an overall uninsured rate of 5.6%. This rate was achieved by insuring 64.7% of the cohort after admission. Non-survivors were more likely to have no insurance coverage (14.8% versus 4.8%, p = 0.041). Regression revealed that uninsured had 8 times (95% CI 1.7-38.7, p = 0.008) higher in-hospital mortality than those with insurance when controlling for injury severity. Additionally, injury severity score ≥ 15, transfer from outside hospital, need for ICU or operative treatment were predictive of mortality. Adjusted risk factors for severe disability at discharge did not include insurance status or race, while ISS ≥ 15 and ICU stay were predictive. CONCLUSIONS There are significant associations of insurance status with pediatric NAT outcomes, highlighting that determinants other than disease severity may influence mortality and morbidity. High-risk patients should be identified to develop strategies to improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Ellen Jones
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., 1935 Medical District Drive, D-2000, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Jacqueline Babb
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., 1935 Medical District Drive, D-2000, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Kristin M Gee
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., 1935 Medical District Drive, D-2000, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Alana L Beres
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., 1935 Medical District Drive, D-2000, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA.
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The Impact of Race and Socioeconomic Status on Treatment and Outcomes of Blunt Splenic Injury. J Surg Res 2019; 240:60-69. [PMID: 30909066 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2019.02.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities have been shown to exist in trauma patients. Management of blunt splenic injuries (BSIs) can include splenectomy, embolization, or nonoperative management. This study assesses the effect of race and insurance status on outcomes in patients after blunt splenic trauma. METHODS The National Trauma Data Bank was used to study patients aged 15-89 y with BSIs from 2013 to 2015. Patients with abbreviated injury scores greater than two in nonabdominal areas, excluding extremities, were eliminated, as were patients with other concomitant abdominal injuries requiring repair. Variables of interest were compared across groups using chi-square tests, and those with significant associations were used in multivariate regression models for each outcome. RESULTS We analyzed 13,537 BSI patients. Uninsured patients had increased odds of mortality, more splenic operations, and were less likely to have nonoperative management (P < 0.001). Uninsured patients were also twice as likely to be discharged home and three times as likely to leave against medical advice (P < 0.001). African Americans and Hispanics had higher mortality (odds ratio [OR] 2.03, CI 1.34-3.08; OR 1.58, CI 1.03-2.44, respectively). African Americans had more splenic operations (OR 1.33, CI 1.08-1.64) and were 60% less likely to receive angioembolization (CI 0.41-0.84). Hispanics had fewer splenic operations (OR 0.79, CI 0.63-0.98). CONCLUSIONS Noteworthy differences exist in the management of splenic trauma patients based on race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status, despite controlling for demographics and injury characteristics. Insurance status and race likely affect surgical treatment plans and mortality, particularly for uninsured, black, and Hispanic patients, but further research is needed to identify the root cause of these disparities.
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Bakhsh W, Childs S, Judd K, Soles G, Humphrey C, Gorczyca J, Ketz J. Ankle fractures: What role does level of insurance play in recovery and outcomes? TRAUMA-ENGLAND 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/1460408618809018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction A number of factors including socioeconomic status have been correlated with post-operative outcomes in orthopedic trauma. The objective of this study is to compare post-operative courses and patient-reported outcomes following operatively managed ankle fractures taking into account a patient's level of insurance coverage. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed at a single level I trauma center. Patients were identified by billing code for operative intervention of ankle fractures (OTA 44) from January 2014 to January 2015. Study outcomes included narcotic refills, compliance with follow-up visits, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) survey data, and perioperative complication rates. Statistical analysis included mean comparison between insurance groups and multivariate regression modeling. Results From January 2014 to January 2015, 209 patients met the inclusion criteria (45 patients under/uninsured vs. 164 fully insured). No differences were found amongst demographic data or fracture characteristics. The underinsured group had a higher average number of narcotic prescriptions (2.6 refills vs. 1.5 refills, p < 0.05). The underinsured group also demonstrated a significantly greater number of missed post-operative clinic visits (0.8 vs. 0.3 visits p < 0.05); the total number of post-operative visits were similar (6.4 vs. 6.9, p = 0.38). At one-year follow-up, the underinsured group had higher pain scores (VAS 3.8 vs. 2.1, p < 0.05), and significantly worse PROMIS scores with respect to mood (54 vs. 49.1, p < 0.05), pain (59.6 vs. 55.5, p < 0.05), and functional outcomes (38 vs. 44.7, p < 0.05). There was no difference in perioperative complication rates. Multivariate regression modeling found insurance (p < 0.05), age (p < 0.05), and smoking (p < 0.05) to be significant determinants of post-operative outcomes. Conclusion Despite similar demographic and fracture characteristics, patients with decreased insurance coverage demonstrated higher narcotic requirements and missed more appointments. They had worse subjective and objective outcomes. As physician reimbursement becomes increasingly dependent on outcomes, further understanding of the psychosocial factors of this subset of patients is needed to establish realistic expectations and identify avenues for further intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wajeeh Bakhsh
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Sean Childs
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Kyle Judd
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Gillian Soles
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Catherine Humphrey
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - John Gorczyca
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - John Ketz
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
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Sossenheimer PH, Andersen MJ, Clermont MH, Hoppenot CV, Palma AA, Rogers SO. Structural Violence and Trauma Outcomes: An Ethical Framework for Practical Solutions. J Am Coll Surg 2018; 227:537-542. [PMID: 30149067 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2018.08.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Philip H Sossenheimer
- The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Michael J Andersen
- The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Max H Clermont
- Section for Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Claire V Hoppenot
- MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Alejandro A Palma
- Section of Emergency Medicine, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Selwyn O Rogers
- Section for Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL.
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Berg GM, Searight M, Sorell R, Lee FA, Hervey AM, Harrison P. Payer Source Associated with Disparities in Procedural, but Not Surgical, Care in a Trauma Population. Am Surg 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/000313481808400856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Trauma centers are legally bound by Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act to provide equal treatment to trauma patients, regardless of payer source. However, evidence has suggested that disparities in trauma care exist. This study investigated the relationships between payer source and procedures (total, diagnostic, and surgical) and the number of medical consults in an adult trauma population. This is a 10-year retrospective trauma registry study at a Level I trauma facility. Payer source of adult trauma patients was identified, demographics and variables associated with trauma outcomes were abstracted, and multivariate logistic regression tests were used to determine statistical differences in the number of procedures and medical consults. Of the 12,870 records analyzed, 69.1 per cent of patients were commercially insured, 21.2 per cent were uninsured, and 9.6 per cent had Medicaid. After controlling for patient- and injury-related variables, the commercially insured received more total procedures (4.30) than the uninsured (3.35) or those with Medicaid (3.34), and more diagnostic (2.59) procedures than the uninsured (2.03) or those with Medicaid (2.04). There was not a difference in the number of surgical procedures or medical consults among payer sources. This study noted that disparities (measured by the number of procedures received) compared by payer source existed in the care of trauma patients. However, for medical consults and definitive care (measured by surgical procedures), disparities were not observed. Future research should focus on secondary factors that influence levels of care such as patient-level factors (health literacy) and trauma program policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina M. Berg
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita, Kansas
- Department of Trauma Services, Wesley Healthcare, Wichita, Kansas
| | - Maggie Searight
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita, Kansas
| | - Ryan Sorell
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita, Kansas
| | - Felecia A. Lee
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita, Kansas
| | - Ashley M. Hervey
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita, Kansas
| | - Paul Harrison
- Department of Trauma Services, Wesley Healthcare, Wichita, Kansas
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Yue JK, Ordaz A, Winkler EA, Deng H, Suen CG, Burke JF, Chan AK, Manley GT, Dhall SS, Tarapore PE. Predictors of 30-Day Outcomes in Octogenarians with Traumatic C2 Fractures Undergoing Surgery. World Neurosurg 2018; 116:e1214-e1222. [PMID: 29886301 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.05.237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Predictors of surgical outcomes following traumatic axis (C2) fractures in octogenarians remain undercharacterized. METHODS Patients age ≥80 years undergoing cervical spine surgery following traumatic C2 fractures were extracted from the National Sample Program of the National Trauma Data Bank (2003-2012). Outcomes include overall inpatient complications, individual complications with an incidence >1%, hospital length of stay (HLOS), discharge disposition, and mortality. Demographics, comorbidities, and injury predictors were analyzed using multivariable regression. Odds ratios (OR), mean differences, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Statistical significance was assessed at P < 0.05. RESULTS The cohort of 442 patients was 48.6% male and had a mean age of 84.3 ± 2.7 years. The distribution of admissions was 42.3% to the hospital floor, 40.3% to the intensive care unit (ICU), 7.7% to telemetry, 2.0% to the operating room, and 7.7% to other/unknown. Mortality was 9.7%, mean HLOS was 13.1 ± 9.2 days, the rate of complications was 38.5%, and 81.5% of survivors were discharged to a nonhome facility. Injury severity was predictive of mortality and overall complications. History of bleeding disorder/coagulopathy predicted mortality (OR, 4.02; 95% CI, 1.07-15.05), overall complications (OR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.09-8.32), cardiac arrest (OR, 8.19; 95% CI, 1.06-63.54), and renal complications (OR, 10.36; 95% CI, 2.13-50.38). History of congestive heart failure predicted mortality (OR, 3.10; 95% CI, 1.10-8.69). ICU admission (vs. floor) predicted overall complications (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.23-3.27) and pneumonia (OR, 4.65; 95% CI, 1.91-11.30). Telemetry admission (vs. floor) predicted unplanned intubation (OR, 7.76; 95% CI, 1.24-48.49). CONCLUSIONS In this cohort of octogenarians undergoing surgery for traumatic C2 fracture, injury severity and a history of bleeding disorder/coagulopathy were identified as risk factors for inpatient complications and mortality. Heightened surveillance should be considered for ICU and/or telemetry admissions for the development of complications. These findings warrant consideration by the clinician, patient, and family to inform clinical decisions and goals of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- John K Yue
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Angel Ordaz
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ethan A Winkler
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Hansen Deng
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Catherine G Suen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - John F Burke
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Andrew K Chan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Geoffrey T Manley
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sanjay S Dhall
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Phiroz E Tarapore
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California, USA.
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Socioeconomic disparities in the thoracic trauma population. J Surg Res 2017; 224:160-165. [PMID: 29506834 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2017.11.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health-care disparities based on socioeconomic status have been well documented in the trauma literature; however, there is a paucity of data on how these factors affect outcomes in patients experiencing severe thoracic trauma. This study aims to identify the effect of insurance status and race on patient mortality and disposition after thoracic trauma. METHODS The National Trauma Data Bank was queried from 2007 to 2012 for patients with sternal fractures, rib fractures, and flailed chest. Demographics data were examined for the cohort based on insurance status. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used, controlling for patient comorbidities, age, injury severity score, and associated injuries, to determine the impact of race and insurance status on length of stay, mortality, and discharge disposition. RESULTS A total of 152,655 thoracic traumas were included in our analysis. As compared to privately insured patients, uninsured patients with thoracic trauma were 1.9 times more likely to die (odds ratio [OR]: 1.91, confidence interval [CI]: 1.76-2.09) and 4.6 times more likely to leave against medical advice (OR: 4.61, CI: 3.14-6.79). When compared to Caucasians, Hispanics had slightly higher in-hospital mortality (OR: 1.14, CI: 1.02-1.27), but there was no survival difference seen in black patients (OR: 0.95, CI: 0.86-1.05). CONCLUSIONS Insurance status appears to have a more significant effect on thoracic trauma patient outcomes than race, but substantial socioeconomic disparities were seen in this patient population. Further studies are needed to show reproducibility of our findings and to investigate the impact of universal health care and expansion of insurance availability on thoracic trauma outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 3, economic/decision.
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Holzmacher JL, Townsend K, Seavey C, Gannon S, Schroeder M, Gondek S, Collins L, Amdur RL, Sarani B. Association of Expanded Medicaid Coverage With Hospital Length of Stay After Injury. JAMA Surg 2017; 152:960-966. [PMID: 28658482 DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2017.1720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Importance The expansion of Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act is a state-level decision that affects how patients with traumatic injury (trauma patients) interact with locoregional health care systems. Washington, DC; Maryland; and Virginia represent 3 unique payer systems with liberal, moderate, and no Medicaid expansion, respectively, under the Affordable Care Act. Characterizing the association of Medicaid expansion with hospitalization after injury is vital in the disposition planning for these patients. Objective To determine the association between expanded Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act and duration of hospitalization after injury. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study included patients admitted from Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC, to a single level I trauma center. Data were collected from January 1, 2013, through March 6, 2016, in Virginia and Washington, DC, and from May 1, 2013, through March 6, 2016, in Maryland. All patients with Medicare or Medicaid coverage and all uninsured patients were included. Patients with private insurance, patients with severe head or pelvic injuries, and those who died during hospitalization were excluded. Main Outcomes and Measures Hospital length of stay (LOS) and whether its association with patient insurance status varied by state of residence. Results A total of 2314 patients (1541 men [66.6%] and 773 women [33.4%]; mean [SD] age, 52.9 [22.8] years) were enrolled in the study. The uninsured rate in the Washington, DC, cohort (190 of 1699 [11.2%]) was significantly lower compared with rates in the Virginia (141 of 296 [47.6%]) or the Maryland (106 of 319 [33.2%]) cohort (P < .001). On multivariate regression controlling for injury severity and demographic variables, the difference in LOS for Medicaid vs non-Medicaid recipients varied significantly by state. For Medicaid recipients, mean LOS in Washington, DC, was significantly shorter (2.57 days; 95% CI, 2.36-2.79 days) than in Maryland (3.51 days; 95% CI, 2.81-4.38 days; P = .02) or Virginia (3.9 days; 95% CI, 2.79-5.45 days; P = .05). Conclusions and Relevance Expanded Medicaid eligibility is associated with shorter hospital LOS in mildly injured Medicaid recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy L Holzmacher
- Center for Trauma and Critical Care, Department of Surgery, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Kerry Townsend
- Center for Trauma and Critical Care, Department of Surgery, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Caleb Seavey
- Center for Trauma and Critical Care, Department of Surgery, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Stephanie Gannon
- Department of Social Work, George Washington University Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Mary Schroeder
- Center for Trauma and Critical Care, Department of Surgery, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Stephen Gondek
- Center for Trauma and Critical Care, Department of Surgery, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Lois Collins
- Department of Nursing, George Washington University Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Richard L Amdur
- Center for Trauma and Critical Care, Department of Surgery, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Babak Sarani
- Center for Trauma and Critical Care, Department of Surgery, George Washington University, Washington, DC
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