Geographic Disparities and Payment Variation for Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction in Massachusetts.
Journal
Annals of plastic surgery
ISSN: 1536-3708
Titre abrégé: Ann Plast Surg
Pays: United States
ID NLM: 7805336
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
01 Jul 2024
01 Jul 2024
Historique:
medline:
17
6
2024
pubmed:
17
6
2024
entrez:
17
6
2024
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Little is known about practice patterns and payments for immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR). This study aims to evaluate trends in ILR delivery and billing practices. We queried the Massachusetts All-Payer Claims Database between 2016 and 2020 for patients who underwent lumpectomy or mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection for oncologic indications. We further identified patients who underwent lymphovenous bypass on the same date as tumor resection. We used ZIP code data to analyze the geographic distribution of ILR procedures and calculated physician payments for these procedures, adjusting for inflation. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify variables, which predicted receipt of ILR. In total, 2862 patients underwent axillary lymph node dissection over the study period. Of these, 53 patients underwent ILR. Patients who underwent ILR were younger (55.1 vs 59.3 years, P = 0.023). There were no significant differences in obesity, diabetes, or smoking history between the two groups. A greater percentage of patients who underwent ILR had radiation (83% vs 67%, P = 0.027). In multivariable regression, patients residing in a county neighboring Boston had 3.32-fold higher odds of undergoing ILR (95% confidence interval: 1.76-6.25; P < 0.001), while obesity, radiation therapy, and taxane-based chemotherapy were not significant predictors. Payments for ILR varied widely. In Massachusetts, patients were more likely to undergo ILR if they resided near Boston. Thus, many patients with the highest known risk for breast cancer-related lymphedema may face barriers accessing ILR. Greater awareness about referring high-risk patients to plastic surgeons is needed.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
Little is known about practice patterns and payments for immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR). This study aims to evaluate trends in ILR delivery and billing practices.
METHODS
METHODS
We queried the Massachusetts All-Payer Claims Database between 2016 and 2020 for patients who underwent lumpectomy or mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection for oncologic indications. We further identified patients who underwent lymphovenous bypass on the same date as tumor resection. We used ZIP code data to analyze the geographic distribution of ILR procedures and calculated physician payments for these procedures, adjusting for inflation. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify variables, which predicted receipt of ILR.
RESULTS
RESULTS
In total, 2862 patients underwent axillary lymph node dissection over the study period. Of these, 53 patients underwent ILR. Patients who underwent ILR were younger (55.1 vs 59.3 years, P = 0.023). There were no significant differences in obesity, diabetes, or smoking history between the two groups. A greater percentage of patients who underwent ILR had radiation (83% vs 67%, P = 0.027). In multivariable regression, patients residing in a county neighboring Boston had 3.32-fold higher odds of undergoing ILR (95% confidence interval: 1.76-6.25; P < 0.001), while obesity, radiation therapy, and taxane-based chemotherapy were not significant predictors. Payments for ILR varied widely.
CONCLUSIONS
CONCLUSIONS
In Massachusetts, patients were more likely to undergo ILR if they resided near Boston. Thus, many patients with the highest known risk for breast cancer-related lymphedema may face barriers accessing ILR. Greater awareness about referring high-risk patients to plastic surgeons is needed.
Identifiants
pubmed: 38885166
doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000003920
pii: 00000637-202407000-00014
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
79-84Informations de copyright
Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
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