Abdominal and robotic sacrocolpopexy costs following implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare perioperative costs and morbidity between open and robotic sacrocolpopexy after implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway. METHODS: The present retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing open or robotic sacrocolpopexy (January 1, 2014, through November 30, 2017) used an ERAS protocol with liposomal bupivacaine infiltration of laparotomy incisions. Primary outcomes were costs associated with index surgery and hospitalization, determined with Medicare cost-to-charge ratios and reimbursement rates and adjusted for variables expected to impact costs. Secondary outcomes included narcotic use, length of stay (LOS), and complications from index hospitalization to postoperative day 30. RESULTS: For the total of 231 patients (open cohort, 90; robotic cohort, 141), the adjusted mean cost of robotic surgery was $3239 higher compared with open sacrocolpopexy (95% confidence interval [CI] $1331-$5147; P < 0.001). Rates were not significantly different for intraoperative complications (robotic, 4.3% [6/141]; open, 5.6% [5/90]; P = 0.754), 30-day postoperative complications (robotic, 11.4% [16/141]; open, 16.7% [15/90]; P = 0.322), or readmissions (robotic, 5.7% [8/141]; open, 3.3% [3/90]; P = 0.535). The percentage of patients dismissed on postoperative day 1 was greater in the robotic group (89.4% [126/141] vs. 48.9% [44/90], P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased LOS associated with ERAS provided significant cost savings with open sacrocolpopexy versus robotic sacrocolpopexy without adverse impacts on perioperative complications or readmissions.

Impact of enhanced recovery implementation in women undergoing abdominal sacrocolpopexy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) with and without liposomal bupivacaine (LB) on opioid use, hospital length of stay (LOS), costs, and morbidity of women undergoing sacrocolpopexy. METHODS: Retrospective cohort of women who underwent abdominal sacrocolpopexy between April 1, 2009 and November 30, 2017. Costs for relevant healthcare services were determined by assigning 2017 charges multiplied by 2017 Medicare Cost Report's cost to charge ratios. Outcomes were compared among periods with multivariable regression models adjusted for age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and concurrent hysterectomy and posterior repair. RESULTS: Patients were subdivided into pre-ERAS (G1, n = 128), post-ERAS (G2, n = 83), and post-ERAS plus LB (G3, n = 91). The proportion of patients needing opioids during postoperative days 0-2 was significantly less for G3 (75.8%) compared with G1 (97.7%) and G2 (92.8%); P < 0.001). The median morphine equivalent units (MEU) with interquartile ranges, mean LOS, and adjusted mean standardized costs were significantly lower in G3 compared with the other two groups (35 [20-75] vs. 67 [31-109], and 60 [30-122] MEUs; 1.8 vs. 2.3 vs. 2.9 days; and $2391, $2975, and $3844, for G3, G2, and G1, respectively; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Implementation of an ERAS pathway led to significant decreases in opioid use, LOS, and costs. Supplementation with LB further improved these measures.

Cost and clinical outcomes of postoperative intensive care unit versus general floor management in head and neck free flap reconstructive surgery patients.

PURPOSE: To compare clinical, surgical, and cost outcomes in patients undergoing head and neck free-flap reconstructive surgery in the setting of postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) against general floor management. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of head and neck free-flap reconstructive surgery patients at a single tertiary academic medical center. Clinical data was obtained from medical records. Cost data was obtained via the Mayo Clinic Rochester Cost Data Warehouse, which assigns Medicare reimbursement rates to all professional billed services. RESULTS: A total of 502 patients were included, with 82 managed postoperatively in the ICU and 420 on the general floor. Major postoperative outcomes did not differ significantly between groups (Odds Ratio[OR] 1.54; p = 0.41). After covariate adjustments, patients managed in the ICU had a 3.29 day increased average length of hospital stay (Standard Error 0.71; p < 0.0001) and increased need for take-back surgery (OR 2.35; p = 0.02) when compared to the general floor. No significant differences were noted between groups in terms of early free-flap complications (OR 1.38;p = 0.35) or late free-flap complications (Hazard Ratio 0.81; p = 0.61). Short-term cost was $8772 higher in the ICU (range = $5640-$11,903; p < 0.01). Long-term cost did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: Postoperative management of head and neck oncologic free-flap patients in the ICU does not significantly improve major postoperative outcomes or free-flap complications when compared to general floor care, but does increase short-term costs. General floor management may be appropriate when cardiopulmonary compromise is not present.

Health Care Costs and Utilization Predictions by the Skilled Nursing Facility Readmission Risk Instrument.

OBJECTIVES: Health care providers at hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are increasingly expected to optimize care of post-acute patients to reduce hospital readmissions and contain costs. To achieve these goals, providers need to understand their patients' risk of hospital readmission and how this risk is associated with health care costs. A previously developed risk prediction model identifies patients' probability of 30-day hospital readmission at the time of discharge to an SNF. With a computerized algorithm, we translated this model as the Skilled Nursing Facility Readmission Risk (SNFRR) instrument. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between 30-day health care costs and hospital readmissions according to the level of risk calculated by this model. DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study used SNFRR scores to evaluate patient data. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The patients were discharged from Mayo Clinic Rochester hospitals to 11 area SNFs. METHODS: We compared the outcomes of all-cause 30-day standardized direct medical costs and hospital readmissions between risk quartiles based on the distribution of SNFRR scores for patients discharged to SNFs for post-acute care from April 1 through November 30, 2017. RESULTS: Mean 30-day all-cause standardized costs were positively associated with SNFRR score quartiles and ranged from $9199 in the fourth quartile (probability of readmission, 0.27-0.66) to $2679 in the first quartile (probability of readmission, 0.07-0.13) (P ≤ .05). Patients in the fourth SNFRR score quartile had 5.68 times the odds of 30-day hospital readmission compared with those in the first quartile. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The SNFRR instrument accurately predicted standardized direct health care costs for patients on discharge to an SNF and their risk for 30-day hospital readmission. Therefore, it could be used to help categorize patients for preemptive interventions. Further studies are needed to confirm its validity in other institutions and geographic areas.

Costs of Definitive Chemoradiation, Surgery, and Adjuvant Radiation Versus De-Escalated Adjuvant Radiation per MC1273 in HPV+ Cancer of the Oropharynx.

PURPOSE: De-escalated treatment for human papillomavirus (HPV)+ oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has shown promising initial results. Health-care policy is increasingly focusing on high-value care. This analysis compares the cost of care for HPV+ OPSCC treated with definitive chemoradiation (CRT), surgery and adjuvant radiation (RT), and surgery and de-escalated CRT on MC1273. METHODS AND MATERIALS: MC1273 is a prospective, phase 2 study evaluating adjuvant CRT to 30 to 36 Gy plus docetaxel for HPV+ OPSCC after surgery for high-risk patients. Matched standard-of-care control groups were retrospectively identified for patients treated with definitive CRT or adjuvant RT. Standardized costs were evaluated before radiation, during treatment (during RT), and at short-term (6 month) and long-term (7-24 month) follow-up periods. RESULTS: A total of 56 definitive CRT, 101 adjuvant RT, and 66 MC1273 patients were included. The CRT arm had more T3-4 disease (63% vs 17-21%) and higher N2c-N3 disease (52% vs 20-24%) vs both other groups. The total treatment costs in the CRT, adjuvant RT, and MC1273 groups were $47,763 (standard deviation [SD], $19,060], $57,845 (SD, $17,480), and $46,007 (SD, $9019), respectively, and the chemotherapy and/or RT costs were $39,936 (SD, $18,480), $26,603 (SD, $12,542), and $17,864 (SD, $3288), respectively. The per-patient, per-month, average short-term follow-up costs were $3860 (SD, $10,525), $1072 (SD, $996), and $972 (SD, $833), respectively, and the long-term costs were $978 (SD, $2294), $485 (SD, $1156), and $653 (SD, $1107), respectively. After adjustment for age, T-stage, and N-stage, treatment costs remained lower for CRT and MC1273 versus adjuvant RT ($45,450 and $47,114 vs $58,590, respectively; P < .001), whereas the total per-patient, per-month follow-up costs were lower in the MC1273 study group and adjuvant RT versus CRT ($853 and $866 vs $2030, respectively; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: MC1273 resulted in 10% and 20% reductions in global costs compared with standard-of-care adjuvant RT and definitive CRT treatments. Substantial cost savings may be an added benefit to the already noted low toxicity and maintained quality of life of treatment per MC1273.

Direct Inpatient Medical Costs of Operative Treatment of Periprosthetic Hip and Knee Infections Are Twofold Higher Than Those of Aseptic Revisions.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are associated with substantial morbidity. A better understanding of the costs of PJI treatment can inform prevention, treatment, and reimbursement strategies. The purpose of the present study was to describe direct inpatient medical costs associated with the treatment of hip and knee PJI. METHODS: At a single tertiary care institution, 176 hips and 266 knees that underwent 2-stage revisions for the treatment of PJI from 2009 to 2015 were compared with 1,611 hips and 1,276 knees that underwent revisions for aseptic indications. In addition, 84 hips and 137 knees that underwent irrigation and debridement (I&D) with partial component exchange were compared with 39 hips and 138 knees that underwent partial component exchange for aseptic indications. Line-item details of services billed during hospitalization were retrieved, and standardized direct medical costs were calculated in 2018 inflation-adjusted dollars. RESULTS: The mean direct medical cost of 2-stage revision THA performed for the treatment of PJI was significantly higher than that of aseptic revision THA ($58,369 compared with $22,846, p < 0.001). Similarly, the cost of 2-stage revision TKA performed for the treatment of PJI was significantly higher than that of aseptic revision TKA ($56,900 compared with $24,630, p < 0.001). Even when the total costs of aseptic revisions were doubled for a representative comparison with 2-stage procedures, the costs of PJI procedures were 15% to 28% higher than those of the doubled costs of aseptic revisions (p < 0.001). The mean direct medical cost of I&D procedures for PJI was about twofold higher than of partial component exchange for aseptic indications. CONCLUSIONS: The direct medical costs of operative treatment of PJI following THA and TKA are twofold higher than the costs of similar aseptic revisions. The high economic burden of PJI warrants efforts to reduce the incidence of PJI. Reimbursement schemes should account for the high costs of treating PJI in order to ensure sustainable patient care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Cost analysis and complication rate comparing open, mini-open, and all arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Hypothesis/Background: Value-based healthcare delivery models are becoming increasingly common and are driving cost effectiveness initiatives. Rotator cuff repair (RCR) is a commonly performed procedure with some variations on the specific surgical technique. The purpose of this study was to perform a comprehensive analysis of the cost, complications, and readmission rates of 3 categories of RCR techniques (open [oRCR], combined arthroscopically assisted and mini-open [CRCR], and all arthroscopic [ARCR]) at a high-volume institution. Methods: All RCR procedures performed by 2 fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons at a single institution between 2012 and 2017 were retrospectively identified. These consisted of oRCR, CRCR, and ARCR repair techniques. One surgeon performed oRCR and CRCR, and the second surgeon performed ARCR. A cost analysis was designed to include a period of 60 days preoperatively, the index surgical hospitalization, and 90 days postoperatively, including costs of any readmission or reoperation. Results: The cohort consisted of 95 oRCR, 233 CRCR, and 287 ARCR. Median standardized costs were as follows: preoperative evaluation $486.03; index surgical hospitalization oRCR $9,343.10, CRCR $10,057.20, and ARCR $10,330.60; and postoperative care $875.02. Preoperative and postoperative costs did not vary based on the type of RCR performed. However, significant differences were observed among index surgical costs (P = .0008). The highest standardized cost for hospitalization for both the CRCR group and the ARCR group was related to the cost of the operating room and the implants. The 90-day complication, reoperation, and readmission rates were 1.1%, 1.1%, and 2.1% in the open group; 0.8%, 0.8%, and 1.7% in the combination group; 0%, 0%, and 1.7% in the all arthroscopic group, respectively. There were no significant differences among the 3 surgical procedures with respect to complication (P = .26), reoperation (P = .26), and readmission rates (P = .96). Discussion/Conclusions: In this investigation, the median standardized costs for RCR inclusive of 60-day workup and 90-day postoperative care were $10,704.15, $11,418.25, and $11,691.65 for oRCR, CRCR (average added cost $714.10), and ARCR (added cost $987.50), respectively. The group complication, reoperation, and readmission rate were 0.5%, 0.5%, and 1.8% with no significant differences between the varying techniques, respectively. This retrospective cost analysis and complication profile may serve as a useful reference as surgeons consider engaging in bundled payment for RCR. As value based initiatives continue to progress, implant cost may serve as an actionable area for cost reduction.

Comparing outcomes and costs among warfarin-sensitive patients versus warfarin-insensitive patients using The Right Drug, Right Dose, Right Time: Using genomic data to individualize treatment (RIGHT) 10K warfarin cohort.

Oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy has been the main treatment approach for stroke prevention for decades. Warfarin is the most widely prescribed OAC in the United States, but is difficult to manage due to variability in dose requirements across individuals. Pharmacogenomics may mitigate risk concerns related to warfarin use by fostering the opportunity to facilitate individualized medicine approaches to warfarin treatment (e.g., genome-guided dosing). While various economic evaluations exist examining the cost-effectiveness of pharmacogenomics testing for warfarin, few observational studies exist to support these studies, with even fewer using genotype as the main exposure of interest. We examined a cohort of individuals initiating warfarin therapy between 2004 and 2017 and examined bleeding and cost outcomes for the year following initiation using Mayo Clinic's billing and administrative data, as well the Mayo Clinic Rochester Cost Data Warehouse. Analyses included descriptive summaries, comparison of characteristics across exposure groups, reporting of crude outcomes, and multivariate analyses. We included N = 1,143 patients for analyses. Just over a third of our study population (34.9%) carried a warfarin-sensitive phenotype. Sensitive individuals differed in their baseline characteristics by being of older age and having a higher number of comorbid conditions; myocardial infarction, diabetes, and cancer in particular. The occurrence of bleeding events was not significantly different across exposure groups. No significant differences across exposure groups existed in either the likelihood of incurring all-cause healthcare costs or in the magnitude of those costs. Warfarin-sensitive individuals were no more likely to utilize cardiovascular-related healthcare services; however, they had lower total and inpatient cardiovascular-related costs compared to warfarin-insensitive patients. No significant differences existed in any other categories of costs. We found limited evidence that warfarin-sensitive individuals have different healthcare spending than warfarin-insensitive individuals. Additional real-world studies are needed to support the traditional economic evaluations currently existing in the literature.

Cost analysis and complication profile of primary shoulder arthroplasty at a high-volume institution.

BACKGROUND: Paralleling the increased utilization of shoulder arthroplasty, bundled-payment reimbursement is becoming increasingly common. An understanding of the costs of each element of care and detailed information on the frequency of and reasons for readmission and reoperation are keys to developing bundled-payment initiatives. The purpose of this study was to perform a comprehensive analysis of complications, readmission rates, and costs of primary shoulder arthroplasty at a high-volume institution. METHODS: Between 2012 and 2016, 2 shoulder surgeons from a single institution performed 1794 consecutive primary shoulder arthroplasties: 636 anatomic total shoulder arthroplasties (TSAs), 1081 reverse shoulder arthroplasties (RSAs), and 77 hemiarthroplasties. A cost analysis was designed to include a period of 60 days preoperatively, the index surgical hospitalization, and 90 days postoperatively, including costs of any readmission or reoperation. RESULTS: The 90-day complication, reoperation, and readmission rates were 2.3%, 0.6%, and 1.8%, respectively. The 90-day readmission risk was higher among patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 3 or greater; a 1-unit increase in the American Society of Anesthesiologists score was associated with a $429 increase in index cost. Of the hospital readmissions, 10 were directly related to the index arthroplasty whereas 21 were not. The median standardized costs were as follows: preoperative evaluation, $481; index surgical hospitalization, $15,758; and postoperative care, $183. The median standardized costs for index surgical hospitalization were different for each procedure: TSA, $14,010; RSA, $16,741; and hemiarthroplasty, $12,709. CONCLUSION: In this study, primary shoulder arthroplasty was associated with low 90-day reoperation and complication rates. The median standardized costs inclusive of preoperative workup and 90-day postoperative recovery were $14,675 and $17,407 for TSA and RSA, respectively.

Cost-effectiveness of the Collaborative Care to Preserve Performance in Cancer (COPE) trial tele-rehabilitation interventions for patients with advanced cancers.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this analysis was to determine the cost-effectiveness of a Collaborative Care Model (CCM)-based, centralized telecare approach to delivering rehabilitation services to late-stage cancer patients experiencing functional limitations. METHODS: Data for this analysis came from the Collaborative Care to Preserve Performance in Cancer (COPE) trial, a randomized control trial of 516 patients assigned to: (a) a control group (arm A), (b) tele-rehabilitation (arm B), and (c) tele-rehabilitation plus pharmacological pain management (arm C). Patient quality of life was measured using the EQ-5D-3L at baseline, 3-month, and 6-month follow-up. Direct intervention costs were measured from the experience of the trial. Participants' hospitalization data were obtained from their medical records, and costs associated with these encounters were estimated from unit cost data and hospital-associated utilization information found in the literature. A secondary analysis of total utilization costs was conducted for the subset of COPE trial patients for whom comprehensive cost capture was possible. RESULTS: In the intervention-only model, tele-rehabilitation (arm B) was found to be the dominant strategy, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $15 494/QALY. At the $100 000 willingness-to-pay threshold, this tele-rehabilitation was the cost-effective strategy in 95.4% of simulations. It was found to be cost saving compared to enhanced usual care once the downstream hospitalization costs were taken into account. In the total cost analysis, total inpatient hospitalization costs were significantly lower in both tele-rehabilitation (arm B) and tele-rehabilitation plus pain management (arm C) compared to control (arm A), (P = .048). CONCLUSION: The delivery of a CCM-based, centralized tele-rehabilitation intervention to patients with advanced stage cancer is highly cost-effective. Clinicians and care teams working with this vulnerable population should consider incorporating such interventions into their patient care plans.

Systematic review of the evidence on the cost-effectiveness of pharmacogenomics-guided treatment for cardiovascular diseases.

PURPOSE: To examine the evidence on the cost-effectiveness of implementing pharmacogenomics (PGx) in cardiovascular disease (CVD) care. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review using multiple databases from inception to 2018. The titles and abstracts of cost-effectiveness studies on PGx-guided treatment in CVD care were screened, and full texts were extracted. RESULTS: We screened 909 studies and included 46 to synthesize. Acute coronary syndrome and atrial fibrillation were the predominantly studied conditions (59%). Most studies (78%) examined warfarin-CYP2C9/VKORC1 or clopidogrel-CYP2C19. A payer's perspective was commonly used (39%) for cost calculations, and most studies (46%) were US-based. The majority (67%) of the studies found PGx testing to be cost-effective in CVD care, but cost-effectiveness varied across drugs and conditions. Two studies examined PGx panel testing, of which one examined pre-emptive testing strategies. CONCLUSION: We found mixed evidence on the cost-effectiveness of PGx in CVD care. Supportive evidence exists for clopidogrel-CYP2C19 and warfarin-CYP2C9/VKORC1, but evidence is limited in other drug-gene combinations. Gaps persist, including unclear explanation of perspective and cost inputs, underreporting of study design elements critical to economic evaluations, and limited examination of PGx panel and pre-emptive testing for their cost-effectiveness. This review identifies the need for further research on economic evaluations of PGx implementation.

Outcomes and Direct Costs of Needle Aponeurotomy, Collagenase Injection, and Fasciectomy in the Treatment of Dupuytren Contracture.

PURPOSE: The aims of our study were to evaluate the rates and predictors of reinterventions and direct costs of 3 common treatments of Dupuytren contractures-needle aponeurotomy, collagenase injection, and surgical fasciectomy. METHODS: A retrospective review identified 848 interventions for Dupuytren contracture in 350 patients treated by a single surgeon from 2005 to 2016. The treatments included needle aponeurotomy (NA) (n = 444), collagenase injection (n = 272), and open fasciectomy (n = 132). We collected information on demographics, contracture details, and comorbidities. Outcomes included reintervention rates, time to reintervention, and direct cost of treatments. Standardized costs were calculated by applying 2017 Medicare reimbursement to professional services and cost-to-charge ratios to hospital charges. RESULTS: Demographics were similar among the 3 treatment groups. The fifth finger was the most commonly affected digit including 43% of the NA, 60% of the collagenase, and 45% of the fasciectomy groups. The 2-year rates of reintervention following NA, collagenase, and fasciectomy were 24%, 41%, and 4%, respectively, and the 5-year rates were 61%, 55%, and 4%, respectively. Younger age and severity of preintervention proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint contracture were predictive of reintervention in the NA and collagenase groups. The standardized direct costs for NA, collagenase, and fasciectomy were $624, $4,189, and $5,291, respectively. Including all reinterventions, the cumulative costs per digit following NA, collagenase, and surgery at 5 years were $1,540, $5,952, and $5,507, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with collagenase resulted in the highest rate of reintervention at 2 years, comparable reintervention rates to NA at 5 years, and the highest cumulative costs. The NA was the least expensive and resulted in longer duration before reintervention compared with collagenase. More severe PIP joint contractures and younger age at time of initial intervention were predictive of reintervention after collagenase and NA. Fasciectomy has a high initial cost but the lowest reintervention rate. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty for the Treatment of Fracture: More Expensive, More Complications, Same Diagnosis-Related Groups: A Local and National Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Revision total hip arthroplasty (revision THA) occurs for a wide variety of indications and in the United States it is coded under Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRGs) 466, 467, and 468, which do not account for revision etiology, a potentially substantial driver of cost. This study investigates revision THA costs and 30-day complications by indication, both locally and nationally. METHODS: Hospitalization costs and complication rates for 1,422 aseptic revision THAs performed at a high-volume center between 2009 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Additionally, charges for 28,133 revision THAs in the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) were converted to costs using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project cost-to-charge ratios, and 30-day complication rates for 3,224 revision THAs were obtained with use of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP). Costs and complications were compared between revision THAs performed for fracture, wear/loosening, and dislocation/instability with use of simultaneous and pairwise comparisons and a multivariable model accounting for American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, age, and sex. RESULTS: Local hospitalization costs for fracture (median, $25,672) were significantly higher than those for wear/loosening ($20,228; p < 0.001) or dislocation/instability ($17,911; p < 0.001), with differences remaining significant even after adjusting for patient comorbidities (p < 0.001). NIS costs for fracture (median, $27,596) were higher than those for other aseptic indications (wear/loosening: $21,176, p < 0.001; dislocation/instability: $16,891, p< 0.001). Local 30-day orthopaedic complication rates for fracture (20.7%) were higher those than for dislocation/instability (9.0%; p = 0.007) and similar to those for wear/loosening (17.6%; p = 0.434). Nationally, combined medical and surgical complication rates for fracture (71.3% of patients with ≥1 complication) were significantly higher than those for wear/loosening (35.2%; p < 0.001) or dislocation/instability (35.1%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalization costs for revision THA for fracture were 33% to 48% higher than for all other aseptic revision THAs, both locally and nationally. This increased cost persisted even after multivariable comorbidity adjustment, the current DRG basis for stratifying revision THA reimbursement. Additionally, 30-day complication rates suggest that increased resource utilization for fracture patients continues even after discharge. Indication-specific coding and reimbursement systems are necessary to maintain sustainable access to revision THA for all patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Utilization and Cost Analysis of Lung Transplantation and Survival After 10 Years of Adapting the Lung Allocation Score.

BACKGROUND: Lungs are allocated in the United States using the lung allocation score (LAS). We investigated the effect of LAS trends on lung transplant-related costs, healthcare utilization, and mortality. METHODS: Utilization data from Mayo Clinic (Florida and Minnesota) from 2005 to 2015 were obtained from the electronic health records (N = 465). Costs were categorized as 1-year posttransplant or transplant episode and standardized using 2015 Medicare reimbursement and cost-to-charge ratios. Regression analysis was used to assess the relationship of LAS to length of stay (LOS), mortality, and cost of transplant. RESULTS: The mean LAS at transplant increased from 45.7 to 58.3 during the study period, whereas the 1-year survival improved from 88.1% to 92.5% (P < 0.0001). The proportion of patients transplanted with LAS of 60 or greater increased from 16.9% to 33.3%. Posttransplant, overall, and intensive care unit LOS increased with increasing LAS. Patients with higher LAS had substantially higher transplant episode costs. An increase of LAS at transplant by 10 points increased inflation-adjusted costs by 12.0% (95% confidence interval, 9.3%-14.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The mean LAS at transplant has significantly increased over time associated with increases in LOS, resource utilization and cost. Lung allocation score has not jeopardized overall survival, but a high LAS (>60) at transplant is associated with increased mortality.

The cost burden of clinically significant esophageal anastomotic leaks-a steep price to pay.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate resource consumption of clinically significant esophageal anastomotic leaks. METHODS: Between September 1, 2008, to December 31, 2014, a prospectively maintained database was queried to identify patients with grade III to IV anastomotic leaks after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Inflation-adjusted standardized costs were applied to billed services related to leak diagnosis and treatment, from time of leak detection to resumption of oral diet. A matched analysis was used to compare average expenditures in patients without vs. those with an anastomotic leak. RESULTS: Of 448 patients undergoing esophagectomy after neoadjuvant treatment, 399 patients met inclusion criteria. Twenty-four grade III to IV anastomotic leaks were identified (6% leak rate). Five transhiatal esophagectomies accounted for 20.8% of cases, whereas 9 Ivor Lewis and 10 McKeown esophagectomies accounted for 37.5% and 41.7%, respectively. The median time required to treat an anastomotic leak was 73 days (range 14-701). The additional median standardized cost per leak was $68,296 (mean $119,822). Matched analysis demonstrated that mean treatment costs were 2.6 times greater for patients with an anastomotic leak. This was primarily attributed to prolonged hospitalization, with post-leak detection length of stay ranging from 7 to 73 days. The largest contributors to cost for all patients were intensive care stay (30%), hospital room (17%), pharmacy (16%), and surgical intervention (13%). CONCLUSIONS: Grade III to IV esophageal anastomotic leaks more than double the cost of an esophagectomy and have a significant cost burden. Focus should be placed on preventative measures to avoid leaks at the time of the index operation.

Interdisciplinary aerodigestive care model improves risk, cost, and efficiency.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to evaluate the impact of an interdisciplinary care model for pediatric aerodigestive patients in terms of efficiency, risk exposure, and cost. METHODS: Patients meeting a standard clinical inclusion definition were studied before and after implementation of the aerodigestive program. RESULTS: Aerodigestive patients seen in the interdisciplinary clinic structure achieved a reduction in time to diagnosis (6 vs 150 days) with fewer required specialist consultations (5 vs 11) as compared to those seen in the same institution prior. Post-implementation patients also experienced a significant reduction in risk, with fewer radiation exposures (2 vs 4) and fewer anesthetic episodes (1 vs 2). Total cost associated with the diagnostic evaluation was significantly reduced from a median of $10,374 to $6055. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to utilize a pre-post cohort to evaluate the reduction in diagnostic time, risk exposure, and cost attributable to the reorganization of existing resources into an interdisciplinary care model. This suggests that such a model yields improvements in care quality and value for aerodigestive patients, and likely for other pediatric patients with chronic complex conditions.

Improving Value of Care for Older Adults With Advanced Medical Illness and Functional Decline: Cost Analyses of a Home-Based Palliative Care Program.

CONTEXT: Identifying high-value health care delivery for patients with clinically complex and high-cost conditions is important for future reimbursement models. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the Medicare reimbursement savings of an established palliative care homebound program. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study involving 50 participants enrolled in a palliative care homebound program and 95 propensity-matched control patients at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, between September 1, 2012, and March 31, 2013. Total Medicare reimbursement was compared in the year before enrollment with the year after enrollment for participants and controls. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in demographic characteristics or prognostic indices between the two groups. Total Medicare reimbursement per program participant the year before program enrollment was $16,429 compared with $14,427 per control patient, resulting in $2004 higher charges per program patient. In 12 months after program enrollment, mean annual payment was $5783 per patient among participants and $22,031 per patient among the matched controls. In the second year, the intervention group had a decrease of $10,646 per patient; the control group had an increase of $7604 per patient. The difference between the participant group and control group was statistically significant (P < 0.001) and favored the palliative care homebound program enrollees by $18,251 (95% CI, $11,268-$25,234). CONCLUSION: The Mayo Clinic Palliative Care Homebound Program reduced annual Medicare expenditures by $18,251 per program participant compared with matched control patients. This supports the role of home-based palliative medicine in delivering high-value care to high-risk older adults.

Cost comparison and safety of emergency department conscious sedation for the removal of ear foreign bodies.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relative cost and safety of ear foreign body (FB) removal via conscious sedation in the emergency department. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients presenting from 2000 to 2015 to the emergency department at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota was performed. 63 patients requiring sedation for ear foreign body removal were identified. Descriptive data, safety data, and costs were obtained for the study. RESULTS: There were no appreciable differences in patient safety outcomes and otologic outcomes in patients who received sedation in the emergency department or anesthesia in the operating room for FB removal. Cost analysis demonstrated increased cost associated with operating room utilization verses conscious sedation in the emergency department, with the greatest cost increase being in patients evaluated first in the emergency department and then sent to the operating room. CONCLUSIONS: Ear foreign body removal in the emergency department is shows a similar safety profile to removal in the operating room, but at a markedly lower cost. Emergency department conscious sedation should be considered a viable option in appropriately selected patients with this common problem given these results.

Incidence and cost analysis of hospital admission and 30-day readmission among patients with cirrhosis.

We examined risks for first hospitalization and the rate, risk factors, costs, and 1-year outcome of 30-day readmission among patients admitted for complications of cirrhosis. Data were retrospectively analyzed for adult patients with cirrhosis residing in Minnesota, Iowa, or Wisconsin and admitted from 2010 through 2013 at both campuses of the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, MN. Readmission was captured at the two hospitals as well as at community hospitals in the tristate area within the Mayo Clinic Health System. The incidence of hospitalization for complications of cirrhosis was 100/100,000 population, with increasing age and male sex being the strongest risks for hospitalization. For the 2,048 hospitalized study patients, the overall 30-day readmission rate was 32%; 498 (24.3%) patients were readmitted to Mayo Clinic hospitals and 157 (7.7%) to community hospitals, mainly for complications of portal hypertension (52%) and infections (30%). Readmission could not be predicted accurately. There were 146 deaths during readmission and an additional 105 deaths up to 1 year of follow-up (50.4% total mortality). Annual postindex hospitalization costs for those with a 30-day readmission were substantially higher ($73,252) than those readmitted beyond 30 days ($62,053) or those not readmitted ($5,719). At 1-year follow-up, only 20.4% of patients readmitted within 30 days were at home. In conclusion, patients with cirrhosis have high rates of hospitalization, especially among men over 65 years, and of unscheduled 30-day readmission. Readmission cannot be accurately predicted. Postindex hospitalization costs are high; nationally, the annual costs are estimated to be more than $4.45 billion. Only 20% of patients readmitted within 30 days are home at 1 year. (Hepatology Communications 2018;2:188-198).

Developing a standardized healthcare cost data warehouse.

BACKGROUND: Research addressing value in healthcare requires a measure of cost. While there are many sources and types of cost data, each has strengths and weaknesses. Many researchers appear to create study-specific cost datasets, but the explanations of their costing methodologies are not always clear, causing their results to be difficult to interpret. Our solution, described in this paper, was to use widely accepted costing methodologies to create a service-level, standardized healthcare cost data warehouse from an institutional perspective that includes all professional and hospital-billed services for our patients. METHODS: The warehouse is based on a National Institutes of Research-funded research infrastructure containing the linked health records and medical care administrative data of two healthcare providers and their affiliated hospitals. Since all patients are identified in the data warehouse, their costs can be linked to other systems and databases, such as electronic health records, tumor registries, and disease or treatment registries. RESULTS: We describe the two institutions' administrative source data; the reference files, which include Medicare fee schedules and cost reports; the process of creating standardized costs; and the warehouse structure. The costing algorithm can create inflation-adjusted standardized costs at the service line level for defined study cohorts on request. CONCLUSION: The resulting standardized costs contained in the data warehouse can be used to create detailed, bottom-up analyses of professional and facility costs of procedures, medical conditions, and patient care cycles without revealing business-sensitive information. After its creation, a standardized cost data warehouse is relatively easy to maintain and can be expanded to include data from other providers. Individual investigators who may not have sufficient knowledge about administrative data do not have to try to create their own standardized costs on a project-by-project basis because our data warehouse generates standardized costs for defined cohorts upon request.