Unveiling the Hidden Discrepancies Between Medicare Physician Reimbursement Rates and Inflation Across Different Surgical Specialties.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the trends of Medicare physician reimbursement from 2011 to 2021 and compare the rates across different surgical specialties. BACKGROUND: Knowledge of Medicare is essential because of its significant contribution in physician reimbursements. Previous studies across surgical specialties have demonstrated that Medicare, despite keeping up with inflation in some areas, has remained flat when accounting for physician reimbursement. STUDY DESIGN: The Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary data for the calendar year 2021 were queried to extract the top 50% of Current Procedural Terminology codes based on case volume. The Physician Fee Schedule look-up tool was accessed, and the physician reimbursement fee was abstracted. Weighted mean reimbursement was adjusted for inflation. Growth rate and compound annual growth rate were calculated. Projection of future inflation and reimbursement rates were also calculated using the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. RESULTS: After adjusting for inflation, the weighted mean reimbursement across surgical specialties decreased by -22.5%. The largest reimbursement decrease was within the field of general surgery (-33.3%), followed by otolaryngology (-31.5%), vascular surgery (-23.3%), and plastic surgery (-22.8%). There was a significant decrease in median case volume across all specialties between 2011 and 2021 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that, when adjusted for inflation, over the study period, there has been a consistent decrease in reimbursement for all specialties analyzed. Awareness of the current downward trends in Medicare physician reimbursement should be a priority for all surgeons, as means of advocating for compensation and to maintain surgical care feasible and accessible to all patients.

Comparing Trends in Medicare Reimbursement and Inflation within Plastic Surgery Subspecialties.

BACKGROUND: Over the past decade across multiple surgical specialties, Medicare reimbursement rates have remained stagnant, failing to keep pace with inflation. An internal comparison of subspecialties within plastic surgery has not yet been attempted. The goal of this study was to investigate the trends in reimbursement from 2010 to 2020 and compare across the subspecialties of plastic surgery. METHODS: The Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary was used to extract the annual case volume for the top 80% most-billed CPT codes within plastic surgery. Codes were defined into the following subspecialties: microsurgery, craniofacial surgery, breast surgery, hand surgery, and general plastic surgery. The Medicare physician reimbursement was weighted by case volume. The growth rate and compound annual growth rate were calculated and compared against an inflation-adjusted reimbursement value. RESULTS: On average, inflation-adjusted growth in reimbursement for the procedures analyzed in this study was -13.5%. The largest decrease in growth rate was within the field of microsurgery (-19.2%), followed by craniofacial surgery (-17.6%). These subspecialties also had the lowest compound annual growth rate (-2.11% and -1.91%, respectively). For case volumes, microsurgery increased case volumes by an average of 3% per year, whereas craniofacial surgery increased case volumes by an average of 5% per year. CONCLUSIONS: After adjusting for inflation, all subspecialties had a decrease in growth rate. This was particularly evident in the fields of craniofacial surgery and microsurgery. Consequently, practice patterns and patient access may be negatively affected. Further advocacy and physician participation in reimbursement rate negotiation may be essential to adjust for variance and inflation.

24-Month results of the BRAVO study: A prospective, multi-center study evaluating the clinical outcomes of a ventral hernia cohort treated with OviTex® 1S permanent reinforced tissue matrix.

Background: This study evaluated the performance of OviTex® 1S (TELA Bio Inc., Malvern, PA, USA) over 24 months when used for ventral hernia repair. Methods: This was a prospective, single-arm, multi-center clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03074474). A ninety-two patient cohort with ventral hernias were enrolled. The surgical approach (open, laparoscopic, or robotic) and plane of placement (retrorectus, intraperitoneal, or pre-peritoneal) were at the discretion of the surgeon. Patients were characterized as high risk for a surgical site occurrence (SSO) based on the following comorbidities: BMI between 30 and 40, active smoker, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, advanced age ( ≥ 75 years). Subjects underwent physical examinations to evaluate safety events and completed quality of life surveys at 1 months, 3 months, 12 months, and 24 months post-surgery. Results: Sixty-five of the 92 enrolled patients (70.7%) completed 24-month follow-up. The Kaplan Meier estimate for risk of recurrence at day 730 (24 months) was 2.6%; among subjects who completed their 24-month visit or had a previous recurrence, the unadjusted rate of recurrence was 4.5% (3/66). SSOs were observed in 38.0% of patients (35/92). The most prevalent SSO was surgical site infection occurring in 20.7% (19/92) of patients, followed by seroma formation, which occurred in 13.0% of patients; however, only 3.3% required intervention. HerQLes and EQ-5D assessments showed improvement from baseline as soon as 3 months post-surgery. Continued improvement was observed through 24 months. Conclusions: Overall the BRAVO study demonstrates that use of the ovine reinforced tissue matrix OviTex 1S is a viable option for use in ventral hernia repair. Additional studies with longer term follow-up data are needed to draw definitive conclusions on the use of OviTex 1S.

Aesthetic and technical refinements in latissimus dorsi implant breast reconstruction: a 15-year experience.

BACKGROUND: The latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap and implant breast reconstruction procedure has undergone many refinements over its lifetime. In fact, the authors have made many aesthetic and technical refinements to their own approach to breast reconstruction. OBJECTIVES: The authors review the historical progression of latissimus flap and breast reconstruction techniques and compare these to their own 15-year experience. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for all latissimus and implant breast reconstructions performed by the senior author (MAC) from July 1994 to June 2009, for a total of 52 procedures in 31 patients. Surgical and oncological data, complications, and outcomes data were recorded. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients at time of surgery was 47.6 years. Average mastectomy weight was 283 grams and average final implant volume was 364 cc. Average follow-up was three years, four months. Of the 52 total procedures, 34.6% were immediate breast reconstructions utilizing skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM); 13.5% of the reconstructed breasts also had preservation of the areola (areolar-sparing mastectomy [ASM]). The most common complication was donor site seroma (40.4%). Aesthetic and surgical refinements identified over the time period included the adoption of SSM and ASM techniques, immediate nipple reconstruction, the placement of an adjustable saline implant to allow for postoperative size adjustment, and implant placement in the prepectoral position. The overall latissimus dorsi implant reconstruction success rate was 94.2% (49/52). CONCLUSIONS: The data demonstrated a successful outcome for latissimus dorsi and implant breast reconstruction for patients with a low or normal body mass index and a small (A to C cup) breast size. The aesthetic outcome of latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction has been improved over the past 15 years by the adoption of SSM and ASM techniques. Immediate nipple reconstruction and the placement of an adjustable saline implant potentially render this procedure a true single-stage reconstruction. Prepectoral implant position provides good aesthetics while preserving the subpectoral space for future management of capsular contracture if required.

A Prospective, Single Arm, Multi-Center Study Evaluating the Clinical Outcomes of Ventral Hernias Treated with OviTex® 1S Permanent Reinforced Tissue Matrix: The BRAVO Study 12-Month Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Conflicting results from previous studies have led to dissent over whether surgical mesh is safe and effective in ventral hernia repair. A newer class of mesh known as a reinforced tissue matrix, combining a biologic scaffold and minimal polymer reinforcement, offers promise in reducing inflammatory response and increasing abdominal wall support. This study sought to assess the clinical utility of a reinforced tissue matrix (OviTex) in ventral hernia repair 12 months after implantation. METHODS: This is a prospective, single-arm, multi-center study to evaluate the clinical performance of OviTex® 1S Permanent (OviTex) in the repair of primary or recurrent ventral hernias (VH) in consecutive patients (ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03074474). The rate of surgical site occurrences (SSOs) was evaluated 90 days post-surgery as the primary endpoint. Hernia recurrence and the incidence of postoperative events were evaluated between three and 12 months as secondary endpoints. The incidence of other complications and patient-reported outcomes were also recorded. RESULTS: Ninety-two (92) patients were enrolled in the study, of whom seventy-six (76) reached the 12-month follow-up. All patients were at least 18 years of age with a BMI of <40 kg/m2. Hernia defects were <20 × 20 cm, classified as class I-III according to the CDC wound classification system. Of the 76 patients who reached 12-month follow-up, twenty-six (34%) had previous VH repairs and thirteen (17%) had previous surgical infection. Sixty (79%) had factors known to increase the risk of recurrence. Twenty patients (26%) experienced SSOs, with ten (13%) requiring procedural intervention. Two of the 75 patients (2.7%) experienced a recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The low rate of hernia recurrence and SSOs requiring intervention illustrates the potential that reinforced tissue matrices, and OviTex 1S, in particular, have to improve outcomes in VH repairs. Follow-up to 24 months is ongoing.

Patient retention and replacement trends after saline breast implants: are deflations inflationary?

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine serial operative trends with patients who have experienced surgical implant deflation. In addition, the economic impact of deflation on practice caseload was analyzed. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted to examine patients who experienced deflation from 2000 to 2007. Patient demographics, implant data, and the presence of secondary (performed at explantation) or tertiary (performed later) procedures were examined. Financial information was tabulated to determine the economic multiplier effect (i.e. the expected value of revenue from secondary and tertiary procedures divided by explantation cost) of taking on deflation cases in a practice. RESULTS: For this study, 285 patients with an average age of 38.4 years were identified. The average time to explantation was 50 months. Slightly more than half of the patients (55%) had both implants replaced at the time of explantation, whereas 59% switched to silicone implants and 41% continued with saline implants. A larger implant was chosen by 54% of the patients (average increase, 82 ml), whereas 18% underwent secondary procedures at the time of explantation including mastopexy (n = 22), facial rejuvenation (n = 8), liposuction (n = 7), or a combination of the two (n = 8). Tertiary procedures were performed for 31% of the patients after their explantation/reimplantation (average time frame, 13 months). The tertiary procedures included replacement with silicone (33.7%), liposuction (24.7%), abdominoplasty (11.2%), facial rejuvenation (13.5%), or nonsurgical rejuvenation using Botox, Restylane, or laser procedure (33.7%). Economic multiplier analysis showed that the financial impact of revenue derived from implant deflation on downstream practice revenue is 1.02. CONCLUSION: At the time of explantation, replacement with silicone after saline deflation is common (59% of patients). In this study, patients who chose replacement with saline had a significant tendency to replace with silicone (33%) as a tertiary procedure. Saline deflation represents a substantial opportunity for practice development. In particular, it has a positive impact on patient retention for additional aesthetic surgical or nonsurgical procedures. Economic multiplier analysis can be used to quantify the financial impact of saline deflation.

Safe and consistent outcomes of successfully combining breast surgery and abdominoplasty: an update.

BACKGROUND: Combined cosmetic procedures have become increasingly popular. One of the most common combinations of cosmetic procedures includes abdominoplasty and cosmetic breast surgery. The shortened recovery and financial savings associated with combined surgery contribute to the increased demand for these combined surgeries. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of combined abdominoplasty and breast surgery at a single plastic surgery practice that performs a large volume of these cases. This is an update to a study published in 2006. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed for patients who underwent combined abdominoplasty and cosmetic breast surgery during the last 10 years at a single outpatient surgery center. Abdominoplasty inclusion criteria were defined as lower, mini, full, reverse, or circumferential abdominoplasty. Cosmetic breast surgery inclusion criteria were defined as augmentation, mastopexy, augmentation-mastopexy, reduction, or removal and replacement of implants. Pertinent preoperative and intraoperative data were recorded along with complications and revisions. RESULTS: There were 268 patients during the 10-year period between 1997 and 2007. There were no cases of death, pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, or other life-threatening complications. The overall complication rate was 34%. Abdominoplasty seroma and scars requiring revision comprised 68% (n = 74) of the complications. The total revision rate was 13%. CONCLUSIONS: Combined abdominoplasty and cosmetic breast surgery was safe and effective in this large series of cases performed at a single plastic surgery practice. The complication and revision rates of the combined surgery were similar to those reported for individually staged procedures.

Eyelid Reconstruction.

The goals of eyelid reconstruction are to provide adequate globe coverage, proper closing mechanics, preservation of tear film integrity, maintenance of an unobstructed visual field, and to recreate an aesthetically appealing eye. There are several requirements for an eyelid reconstruction to be considered "aesthetic." Both lids have to be in proper position, with normal palpebral fissure width and height. The eyelid margin should be distinct from the preseptal segment. Tissues must be thin to blend seamlessly with local skin. Finally, the canthal angles must be sharp and crisp. In this paper, we provide a practical guide to simplify eyelid reconstruction. This is not an exhaustive review of all available reconstructive techniques; instead, this is a description of the techniques we have found effective that together can address many eyelid defects.

Clinical experience with a fourth-generation textured silicone gel breast implant: a review of 1012 Mentor MemoryGel breast implants.

BACKGROUND: Since the introduction of fourth- and fifth-generation silicone gel implants, manufacturers have conducted several prospective, multicenter trials to examine their safety and efficacy. However, these studies were not standardized with regard to surgeon skill, pocket placement, operative technique, adjunct therapies, or postoperative management. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the surgical outcomes of a single surgeon (WGS) in a consecutive series of breast augmentation cases using a fourth-generation cohesive silicone MemoryGel breast implant (Mentor, Santa Barbara, CA). METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify all patients who underwent silicone breast augmentation within the Mentor Adjunct Silicone MemoryGel breast implant by a single surgeon (WGS) within a single free-standing outpatient surgical center over a 13-year period (1992 to 2006). For each patient, demographic information, comorbidities, and surgical information (implant size and concomitant surgery) were recorded. In addition, outcomes were analyzed to identify complications and the need for surgical revision. RESULTS: A total of 1012 fourth-generation, textured, cohesive silicone gel implants were placed in 511 patients during the 13-year study period. The overall complication rate per implant was 5.5% (n=56 implants in 43 patients). The most common complication was capsular contracture (n=26; 2.6 %) followed by abnormal scarring (n=11; 1.1%). The overall revision rates per patient and per implant were 8.0% (n = 41 patients) and 6.8% (n = 69 implants), respectively. The average time interval between initial implantation and revision was 18.5 months (range, 2 weeks to 26 months). The most common indication for surgical revision was patient desire for implant size change (n=15 patients) followed by Baker class III or IV capsular contracture (n=13 patients). The presence of previous surgery for capsular contracture was not statistically correlated to the need for revision (P= .326). Age (P= .568), previous history of breast surgery (P= .704), and history of smoking (P= .138) were also not statistically correlated to revision. Placement of the implant in the subglandular position (n=30 implants), however, was statistically correlated with need for revision (P< .01). CONCLUSIONS: Mentor fourth-generation cohesive silicone gel implants possess a complication and revision profile that is superior to earlier-generation silicone gel implants. Implantation with MemoryGel implants, when standardized with regard to surgeon and operative technique, can have significantly reduced complication and revision rates compared to the Mentor Core Data.

Evolution in Tissue Expander Design for Breast Reconstruction: Technological Innovation to Optimize Patient Outcomes.

Tissue expander design in breast reconstruction has evolved substantially over the last 60 years. An insightful appreciation of breast aesthetics, coupled with competition among industry partners, has resulted in innovative and disruptive technology to benefit patients desiring immediate reconstruction following mastectomy. In this article, we discuss the evolution of breast expander technology and the implications in improving patient outcomes in breast reconstruction.

The utility of sentinel lymph node biopsy in head and neck melanoma in the pediatric population.

Intraoperative lymph node mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy have proven beneficial techniques in staging adult patients with melanoma of the head and neck, where there is great variability in lymphatic drainage. This technique has also been applied to pediatric patients with truncal cutaneous melanomas in an effort to determine nodal status without the morbidity associated with complete lymph node dissection. Nevertheless, the utility of sentinel lymph node biopsy in head and neck melanoma in the pediatric population has not been established. The objective of the authors' study was to determine the clinical utility of intraoperative lymph node mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy of head and neck melanoma in the pediatric population. The authors reviewed the records of seven pediatric patients with head and neck melanoma or borderline melanocytic proliferations of unknown biologic potential who underwent intraoperative lymph node mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy between 1998 and 2001. All sentinel lymph node specimens were examined by a melanoma dermatopathologist for the presence of metastatic melanoma. The mean operative time for each case was 3 hours, 8 minutes (range, 2 hours, 15 minutes to 3 hours, 50 minutes). All seven pediatric patients who underwent extirpation of a primary head and neck melanoma and preoperative lymphoscintigraphy had unique and identifiable basins of drainage to regional nodal groups. Four of seven patients had at least one positive sentinel lymph node. Overall, five of 19 sentinel nodes (26 percent) resected had evidence of metastatic melanoma. Of the patients with positive sentinel lymph nodes, two of the primary lesions were diagnosed as melanoma while two were initially considered atypical melanocytic proliferations of uncertain biologic potential with melanoma in the differential diagnosis. Sentinel lymph nodes in pediatric patients with melanoma of the head and neck can be successfully mapped and biopsied, as in adult patients. In addition, this procedure can provide critical diagnostic information for those pediatric patients with diagnostically challenging, controversial, or borderline melanocytic lesions.

Eyelid reconstruction.

Reconstruction of the eyelids after excision of skin cancer can be challenging. Knowledge of surgical eyelid anatomy and appropriate preoperative planning are critical in order to perform eyelid reconstruction and minimize complications and the need for reoperation. The fundamental principle for full-thickness eyelid reconstruction is based on reconstructing the subunits of the eyelid, including the anterior and posterior lamellae as well as the tarsoligamentous sling.

Competency versus performance in plastic surgery: navigating through new technologies and medical devices.

The purpose of this article is to examine how plastic surgeons learn to use novel technology in their practices. In addition, a critical evaluation of current teaching methods as they relate to surgeon competence in these new technologies is discussed.

Minor complications after blepharoplasty: dry eyes, chemosis, granulomas, ptosis, and scleral show.

SUMMARY: Blepharoplasty remains one of the most popular operations in facial aesthetic surgery. Serious complications, which include blindness, retrobulbar hematoma, and ectropion, although relatively rare, are well reported in the literature. As techniques evolve in aesthetic eyelid surgery, minor complications continue to be very common. Nonetheless, management of these complications can be challenging and may require extended management or surgical revision. The authors discuss several of the most common minor complications, including hematoma, dry-eye syndrome, infections, atypical lesions, lid malposition, and scarring. In addition, preoperative assessment of risk factors, treatment, and management of these minor complications are presented.

Transconjunctival blepharoplasty for upper and lower eyelids.

BACKGROUND: Transconjunctival blepharoplasty remains a popular and safe technique to treat periorbital aging. In the lower lid, it can be used successfully for orbital fat excision, redistribution, or septal tightening. In the upper lid, transconjunctival blepharoplasty has a role in removal of the nasal fat pad via an isolated, direct approach. METHODS: The authors review anatomy, indications, and surgical approaches for upper and lower lid transconjunctival blepharoplasty. RESULTS: Potential complications, patient results, and the senior author's personal series are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: In the lower lid, this technique can be advocated in an effort to avoid lower lid complications such as sclera show or lid malposition. In the upper lid, it can be effective in treating isolated fat pads with minimal skin excess.

Blepharoplasty and brow lift.

Brow lift and blepharoplasty are among the most commonly requested procedures in facial aesthetic surgery. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of current concepts, including goals, surgical options, and outcomes for aesthetic improvement of the forehead and periorbital region. Preoperative patient assessment, anatomical and surgical concepts, advantages and disadvantages, and prevention and management of complications and expected results are discussed. Surgical results of endoscopic and lateral brow lift, upper lid blepharoplasty with supratarsal fixation, and lower lid blepharoplasty with correction of the tear trough are presented. Details of the perioperative techniques are presented in accompanying video format. A critical understanding of patient expectation, surgical anatomy, and operative technique is important for avoiding complications and achieving aesthetic results in brow and eyelid rejuvenation.