Indiscriminate Pathologic Examination of Pediatric Supraglottoplasty Specimens: An Evidence-Based Approach toward Exempt Status.
Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg
; 163(2): 194-197, 2020 Aug.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-31935163
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
The primary aim of this study was to demonstrate that indiscriminate pathologic evaluation of supraglottoplasty specimens is unnecessary and does not influence postoperative management. The secondary objective was to determine the costs associated with pathologic evaluation of supraglottoplasty specimens.METHODS:
A planned chart review was conducted to evaluate data from consecutive patients undergoing supraglottoplasty. Demographic data were extracted and pathology reports were reviewed. Projected cost savings were estimated based on 2018 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reimbursement rates for Current Procedural Terminology code 88304 (surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examination).RESULTS:
A total of 1417 consecutive patients were identified. All specimens underwent gross and microscopic examination. Pathologic outcomes were categorized into 3 major categories no diagnostic abnormality (n = 1069), chronic inflammation (n = 346), and other (n = 2). Pathologic evaluation did not alter postoperative management in any patient. Projected yearly and 5-year cost- savings totaled $11,818.08 and $59,173.92, respectively.DISCUSSION:
These findings demonstrate that pathologic examination of supraglottoplasty specimens adds no value to patient management. A more selective approach to pathologic examination of certain surgical specimens is an improvement opportunity to enhance the value of patient care by eliminating direct financial costs and "hidden costs" associated with unnecessarily increased workload. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Addressing inappropriate, indiscriminate pathologic examination of certain surgical specimens is a potential quality improvement opportunity that has a meaningful impact on the value of patient care and reduces strains on the workload of surgical and pathology department personnel.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Asunto principal:
Epiglotis
Tipo de estudio:
Health_economic_evaluation
/
Prognostic_studies
Límite:
Child
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Child, preschool
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Female
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Humans
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Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg
Asunto de la revista:
OTORRINOLARINGOLOGIA
Año:
2020
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos