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1.
J Urol ; 208(3): 618-625, 2022 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35848770

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Planning complex operations such as robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy requires surgeons to review 2-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) cross-sectional images to understand 3-dimensional (3D), patient-specific anatomy. We sought to determine surgical outcomes for robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy when surgeons reviewed 3D, virtual reality (VR) models for operative planning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter, randomized, single-blind clinical trial was conducted from January 2019 to December 2020. Patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy were prospectively enrolled and randomized to either a control group undergoing usual preoperative planning with prostate biopsy results and MRI only or to an intervention group where MRI and biopsy results were supplemented with a 3D VR model. The primary outcome measure was margin status, and secondary outcomes were oncologic control, sexual function and urinary function. RESULTS: Ninety-two patients were analyzed, with trends toward lower positive margin rates (33% vs 25%) in the intervention group, no significant difference in functional outcomes and no difference in traditional operative metrics (p >0.05). Detectable postoperative prostate specific antigen was significantly lower in the intervention group (31% vs 9%, p=0.036). In 32% of intervention cases, the surgeons modified their operative plan based on the model. When this subset was compared to the control group, there was a strong trend toward increased bilateral nerve sparing (78% vs 92%), and a significantly lower rate of postoperative detectable prostate specific antigen in the intervention subset (31% vs 0%, p=0.038). CONCLUSIONS: This randomized clinical trial demonstrated patients whose surgical planning involved 3D VR models have better oncologic outcomes while maintaining functional outcomes.


Subject(s)
Laparoscopy , Prostatic Neoplasms , Robotic Surgical Procedures , Virtual Reality , Humans , Laparoscopy/methods , Male , Prostate-Specific Antigen , Prostatectomy/methods , Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology , Prostatic Neoplasms/surgery , Robotic Surgical Procedures/methods , Single-Blind Method , Treatment Outcome
2.
J Urol ; 205(2): 444-451, 2021 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33026934

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Oncologic efficacy of focal therapies in prostate cancer depends heavily on accurate tumor size estimation. We aim to evaluate the agreement between radiologic tumor size and pathological tumor size, and identify predictors of pathological tumor size. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single arm study cohort included all consecutive patients with biopsy proven prostate cancer and a corresponding PI-RADS®v2 3 or greater index tumor on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging who subsequently underwent radical prostatectomy. Radiologic tumor size was defined as maximum tumor diameter on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and compared to whole mount histopathology tumor correlates. The difference between radiologic tumor size and pathological tumor size was assessed, and clinical, pathological and radiographic predictors of pathological tumor size were examined. RESULTS: A total of 461 consecutive lesions in 441 men were included for statistical analysis. Mean radiologic tumor size and pathological tumor size was 1.57 and 2.37 cm, respectively (p <0.001). Radiologic tumor size consistently underestimated pathological tumor size regardless of the preoperative covariates, and the degree of underestimation increased with smaller radiologic tumor size and lower PI-RADSv2 scores. Pathological tumor size was significantly larger for biopsy Gleason Grade Group (GG) 5 compared to GG1 (mean change 0.37 cm, p=0.014), PI-RADSv2 5 lesions compared to PI-RADSv2 4 (mean change 0.26, p=0.006) and higher prostate specific antigen density. The correlations between radiologic tumor size vs pathological tumor size according to biopsy GG and radiologic covariates were generally low with correlation coefficients ranging between 0.1 and 0.65. CONCLUSIONS: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging frequently underestimates pathological tumor size and the degree of underestimation increases with smaller radiologic tumor size and lower PI-RADSv2 scores. Therefore, a larger ablation margin may be required for smaller tumors and lesions with lower PI-RADSv2 scores. These variables must be considered when estimating treatment margins in focal therapy.


Subject(s)
Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Predictive Value of Tests , Preoperative Period , Prostatectomy , Prostatic Neoplasms/surgery , Retrospective Studies , Tumor Burden
3.
J Urol ; 197(5): 1200-1207, 2017 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27986531

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Frailty and functional status have emerged as significant predictors of morbidity and mortality for patients undergoing cancer surgery. To articulate the impact on value (ie quality per cost), we compared perioperative outcomes and expenditures according to patient function for older adults undergoing kidney cancer surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using linked SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results)-Medicare data, we identified 19,129 elderly patients with kidney cancer treated with nonablative surgery from 2000 to 2009. We quantified patient function using function related indicators (claims indicative of dysfunction and disability) and measured 30-day morbidity, mortality, resource use and cost. Using multivariable, mixed effects models to adjust for patient and hospital characteristics, we estimated the relationship of patient functionality with both treatment outcomes and expenditures. RESULTS: Of 19,129 patients we identified 5,509 (28.8%) and 3,127 (16.4%) with a function related indicator count of 1 and 2 or greater, respectively. While surgical complications did not vary (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.86-1.05), patients with 2 or more indicators more often experienced a medical event (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.10-1.36) or a geriatric event (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.33-1.81), or died within 30 days of surgery (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.10-1.86) compared with patients with no baseline dysfunction. These patients utilized significantly more medical resources and amassed higher acute care expenditures (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: During kidney cancer surgery, patients in poor functional health can face a more eventful medical recovery at elevated cost, indicating lower value care. Greater consideration of frailty and functional status during treatment planning and transitions may represent areas for value enhancement in kidney cancer and urology care.


Subject(s)
Cost-Benefit Analysis/statistics & numerical data , Health Expenditures/statistics & numerical data , Kidney Neoplasms/surgery , Nephrectomy/economics , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Fee-for-Service Plans/statistics & numerical data , Female , Frail Elderly/statistics & numerical data , Frailty/complications , Frailty/economics , Humans , Kidney Neoplasms/economics , Kidney Neoplasms/mortality , Male , Medicare/statistics & numerical data , Nephrectomy/adverse effects , Postoperative Complications/economics , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Postoperative Complications/therapy , SEER Program/statistics & numerical data , Treatment Outcome , United States
4.
Cancer ; 122(16): 2571-8, 2016 08 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27254231

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Care interactions as perceived by patients and families are increasingly viewed as both an indicator and lever for high-value care. To promote patient-centeredness and motivate quality improvement, payers have begun tying reimbursement with related measures of patient experience. Accordingly, the authors sought to determine whether such data correlate with outcomes among patients undergoing surgery for genitourinary cancer. METHODS: The authors used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample and Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) data from 2009 through 2011. They identified hospital admissions for cancer-directed prostatectomy, nephrectomy, and cystectomy, and measured mortality, hospitalization length, discharge disposition, and complications. Mixed effects models were used to compare the likelihood of selected outcomes between the top and bottom tercile hospitals adjusting for patient and hospital characteristics. RESULTS: Among a sample of 46,988 encounters, the authors found small differences in patient age, race, income, comorbidity, cancer type, receipt of minimally invasive surgery, and procedure acuity according to HCAHPS tercile (P<.001). Hospital characteristics also varied with respect to ownership, teaching status, size, and location (P<.001). Compared with patients treated in low-performing hospitals, patients treated in high-performing hospitals less often faced prolonged hospitalization (odds ratio, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.64-0.92) or nursing-sensitive complications (odds ratio, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.72-0.99). No difference was found with regard to inpatient mortality, other complications, and discharge disposition (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS: Using Nationwide Inpatient Sample and HCAHPS data, the authors found a limited association between patient experience and surgical outcomes. For urologic cancer surgery, patient experience may be optimally viewed as an independent quality domain rather than a mechanism with which to improve surgical outcomes. Cancer 2016;122:2571-8. © 2016 American Cancer Society.


Subject(s)
Hospitals/statistics & numerical data , Patient Satisfaction , Urologic Neoplasms/epidemiology , Urologic Surgical Procedures/statistics & numerical data , Aged , Comorbidity , Female , Health Care Surveys , Hospitals/standards , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Outcome Assessment, Health Care , United States/epidemiology , United States/ethnology , Urologic Neoplasms/surgery , Urologic Surgical Procedures/standards
5.
J Mol Diagn ; 26(7): 613-623, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38677548

ABSTRACT

The current noninvasive diagnostic approaches for detecting bladder cancer (BC) often exhibit limited clinical performance, especially for the initial diagnosis. This study aims to evaluate the validity of a streamlined urine-based PENK methylation test called EarlyTect BCD in detecting BC in patients with hematuria scheduled for cystoscopy in Korean and American populations. The test seamlessly integrates two steps, linear target enrichment and quantitative methylation-specific PCR within a single closed tube. The detection limitation of the test was approximately two genome copies of methylated PENK per milliliter of urine. In the retrospective training set (n = 105), an optimal cutoff value was determined to distinguish BC from non-BC, resulting in a sensitivity of 87.3% and a specificity of 95.2%. In the prospective validation set (n = 210, 122 Korean and 88 American patients), the overall sensitivity for detecting all stages of BC was 81.0%, with a specificity of 91.5% and an area under the curve value of 0.889. There was no significant difference between the two groups. The test achieved a sensitivity of 100% in detecting high-grade Ta and higher stages of BC. The negative predictive value of the test was 97.7%, and the positive predictive value was 51.5%. The findings of this study demonstrate that EarlyTect BCD is a highly effective noninvasive diagnostic tool for identifying BC among patients with hematuria.


Subject(s)
DNA Methylation , Hematuria , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms , Humans , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/urine , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/genetics , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/diagnosis , Hematuria/urine , Hematuria/diagnosis , Hematuria/genetics , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Aged , Sensitivity and Specificity , Biomarkers, Tumor/urine , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Retrospective Studies , ROC Curve , Aged, 80 and over , Early Detection of Cancer/methods , Adult
6.
JSLS ; 27(1)2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36818764

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives: Patient counseling for treatment of renal masses is complex. It can be difficult for patients to understand their disease and make treatment decisions when being shown standard black-and-white, two-dimensional computed tomography scans or magnetic resonance images. In a telehealth setting, the patient-physician interaction can be even more challenging. We sought to determine the impact of using digital three-dimensional (3D) models during consultation visits for patients with renal masses. Methods: Forty-seven patients participating in a consultation visit for renal masses, both in-person and virtual, were shown a digital 3D model comprised of their kidney, renal mass, and key adjacent structures as part of their counseling. Patients then completed a five-question survey to assess the impact of the 3D model on their visit, with a sixth question administered to telehealth patients. Results: Thirty-five patients undergoing telehealth visits and 12 patients seen in-person were shown the digital 3D model and surveyed. Survey results were universally positive, with all Likert scores > 4.7 (1 - 5 scale). There were no differences between the telehealth and in-person groups. Patients noted the digital 3D model made telehealth visits as effective as in-person visits (average Likert score 4.94). Conclusion: Counseling for patients with renal masses can be augmented with patient-specific digital 3D models, leading to increased provider loyalty, lower levels of patient anxiety, and better understanding and shared decision making.


Subject(s)
Kidney Neoplasms , Telemedicine , Humans , Kidney , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Counseling
7.
JSLS ; 25(3)2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34354337

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Minimally invasive surgery for renal masses is complex and relies on two-dimensional (2D) computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans for surgical planning. We sought to determine if three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality (VR) models generated from imaging of patients undergoing robotic partial nephrectomy influenced presurgical planning approaches when compared to routine planning. METHODS: The initial 15 patients underwent robotic assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy performed by one urologic surgeon. All patients pre-operatively underwent a CT and/or MRI scan. A pre-operative surgical plan was then recorded. 3D VR models were generated from these scans and reviewed. A second surgical plan was developed based on the 3D VR images. A comparison was made between the two studies prior to surgical intervention. All final surgical plans were implemented based on the 3D VR imaging studies. RESULTS: Six surgical approaches were changed based on the 3D VR images. Two surgical approaches were changed from a transperitoneal to a retroperitoneal approach and two from a retroperitoneal to a transperitoneal approach. Two patients had distinctive renal vasculature related to the renal cancers which were not appreciated on routine scans but were well delineated by VR imaging studies. As a result, the surgical approach for two patients was altered to accommodate the new findings. CONCLUSION: Operative planning is paramount when performing robotic partial nephrectomy and developing a 3D surgical approach from 2D imaging can be difficult. Three-dimensional VR models affords the surgeon a 3D view prior to and during surgery and can ensure the selection of the appropriate surgical approach.


Subject(s)
Kidney Neoplasms , Robotic Surgical Procedures , Virtual Reality , Female , Humans , Imaging, Three-Dimensional , Kidney Neoplasms/surgery , Male , Nephrectomy
8.
Urol Pract ; 8(4): 523-528, 2021 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37145463

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Decision aids aimed at men with benign prostatic hyperplasia used in clinical trials have decreased the use of procedures and affected elements of decisional quality. We employed an online, interactive decision aid for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia as a routine part of care with a urologist and tracked subsequent treatment choice. We further evaluated the role of patient preferences on treatment selection. METHODS: Men scheduled for a new patient visit with a urologist for benign prostatic hyperplasia at a single tertiary care center were invited to use a decision aid prior to their visit. We compared treatment patterns in men who used the decision aid to a usual care group identified prior to the decision aid's introduction. Latent class analysis identified clusters of patients by their treatment preferences, which were then compared to their treatment choice. RESULTS: The rate of procedures in the decision aid group was significantly lower than in the usual care group (6% vs 15%; p=0.0250), matching the rates reporting a procedure as their preferred treatment choice in the post-consult questionnaire (5% vs 15%; p=0.0082). Of the patients in our project 36% had never tried an alpha blocker prior to their urology consult. Latent class analysis found 2 clusters of patient preferences but without a significant association with final treatment selection. CONCLUSIONS: Use of a decision aid was associated with a significant decrease in procedural management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. A high proportion of patients were evaluated by urologists without exhausting primary care management options.

9.
Urology ; 125: 92-97, 2019 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30597166

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether 3-dimensional virtual reality models of patient-specific anatomy improve outcomes in patients undergoing robotic partial nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans for 30 patients undergoing robotic partial nephrectomy were converted to 3-dimensional virtual reality models prior to the patient's operation. These models were then viewed on the surgeon's mobile phone pre- and intraoperatively using a Google Cardboard headset to assist in surgical planning. This group was compared to 30 patients who previously underwent robotic partial nephrectomy. We compared operative time, clamp time, estimated blood loss, hospital stay, complications, and margin status between these groups. We used forward selecting multivariate regression models to create the final model controlling for significant demographic and clinical variables. RESULTS: When controlling for case complexity and surgeon, patients with 3-dimensional, virtual reality-assisted surgical planning had significantly lower operative time (141 minutes vs 201 minutes, P < .0001), clamp time (13.2 minutes vs 17.4 minutes, P = .0274), and estimated blood loss (134 cc vs 259 cc, P = .0233). Patients without 3-dimensional, virtual reality-assisted surgical planning were more likely to have a hospital stay of greater than 2 days (odds ratio 5.1, 95% confidence interval 1.0, 26.4). There were no complications or positive margins noted in the VR group. CONCLUSION: Use of a 3-dimensional, virtual reality model when performing robotic partial nephrectomy improves key surgical outcome parameters.


Subject(s)
Imaging, Three-Dimensional , Kidney/diagnostic imaging , Nephrectomy/methods , Patient Care Planning , Robotic Surgical Procedures/methods , Virtual Reality , Computer Simulation , Female , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Middle Aged , Tomography, X-Ray Computed
10.
JAMA Netw Open ; 2(9): e1911598, 2019 09 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31532520

ABSTRACT

Importance: Planning complex operations such as robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy requires surgeons to review 2-dimensional computed tomography or magnetic resonance images to understand 3-dimensional (3-D), patient-specific anatomy. Objective: To determine surgical outcomes for robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy when surgeons reviewed 3-D virtual reality (VR) models during operative planning. Design, Setting, and Participants: A single-blind randomized clinical trial was performed. Ninety-two patients undergoing robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy performed by 1 of 11 surgeons at 6 large teaching hospitals were prospectively enrolled and randomized. Enrollment and data collection occurred from October 2017 through December 2018, and data analysis was performed from December 2018 through March 2019. Interventions: Patients were assigned to either a control group undergoing usual preoperative planning with computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging only or an intervention group where imaging was supplemented with a 3-D VR model. This model was viewed on the surgeon's smartphone in regular 3-D format and in VR using a VR headset. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome measure was operative time. It was hypothesized that the operations performed using the 3-D VR models would have shorter operative time than those performed without the models. Secondary outcomes included clamp time, estimated blood loss, and length of hospital stay. Results: Ninety-two patients (58 men [63%]) with a mean (SD) age of 60.9 (11.6) years were analyzed. The analysis included 48 patients randomized to the control group and 44 randomized to the intervention group. When controlling for case complexity and other covariates, patients whose surgical planning involved 3-D VR models showed differences in operative time (odds ratio [OR], 1.00; 95% CI, 0.37-2.70; estimated OR, 2.47), estimated blood loss (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.04-3.78; estimated OR, 4.56), clamp time (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 0.79-3.23; estimated OR, 11.22), and length of hospital stay (OR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.59-5.14; estimated OR, 5.43). Estimated ORs were calculated using the parameter estimates from the generalized estimating equation model. Referent group values for each covariate and the corresponding nephrometry score were summed across the covariates and nephrometry score, and the sum was exponentiated to obtain the OR. A mean of the estimated OR weighted by sample size for each nephrometry score strata was then calculated. Conclusions and Relevance: This large, randomized clinical trial demonstrated that patients whose surgical planning involved 3-D VR models had reduced operative time, estimated blood loss, clamp time, and length of hospital stay. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers (1 registration per site): NCT03334344, NCT03421418, NCT03534206, NCT03542565, NCT03556943, and NCT03666104.


Subject(s)
Computer Simulation , Imaging, Three-Dimensional , Length of Stay/statistics & numerical data , Nephrectomy/instrumentation , Robotic Surgical Procedures , Blood Loss, Surgical/statistics & numerical data , Female , Glomerular Filtration Rate , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Nephrectomy/methods , Operative Time , Single-Blind Method , Virtual Reality
11.
Urology ; 116: 76-80, 2018 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29574123

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To measure decisional quality in patients being counseled on treatment for small renal masses and identify potential areas of improvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 73 patients diagnosed with small renal masses at the University of California, Los Angeles Health completed an instrument measuring decisional conflict, patient satisfaction with care, disease-specific knowledge, and patient impression that shared decision-making occurred in the visit after counseling by a specialist. Participant characteristics were compared between those with high and low decisional conflict using chi-square or Student t test (or Wilcoxon rank-sum test). RESULTS: Participants were mostly older (mean age 63.5), white (84%), in a relationship (61%), and unemployed or retired (63%). Mean knowledge score was 59% correct. The mean (standard deviation) decisional conflict score was 16.4 (18.4) indicating low levels of decisional conflict but with a wide range of scores. Comparing participants with high decisional conflict with those with low decisional conflict, there were significant differences in knowledge scores (Wilcoxon P = .0069), patient satisfaction with care (P = .0011), and perceived shared decision-making (P <.0001). CONCLUSION: Patients with small renal masses generally have low levels of decisional conflict and can identify a preferred treatment after a physician visit. However, both groups lack overall knowledge about their disease even after counseling, and thus may be heavily influenced by paternalistic care. Those patients with decisional conflicts are less likely to perceive their care as satisfactory and are less likely to be involved in decision-making.


Subject(s)
Clinical Decision-Making , Decision Making , Kidney Neoplasms/psychology , Physician-Patient Relations , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Attitude of Health Personnel , Conflict, Psychological , Counseling , Female , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Kidney Neoplasms/diagnosis , Kidney Neoplasms/therapy , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Participation , Patient Preference , Patient Satisfaction , Socioeconomic Factors , Young Adult
12.
Urol Oncol ; 35(2): 69-75, 2017 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27575917

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: We aim to highlight the progression from the early definition of nononcologic outcomes in prostate cancer (PC) to measurement and use of preferences to ensure appropriate treatment decisions in men with localized disease. METHODS: We review the assessment of nononcologic outcomes after PC treatment and ways to use the outcomes to augment patient care. RESULTS: PC treatments may have similar oncologic efficacy in men with certain clinical features, but they differ in their nononcologic outcomes. Tools to assess these outcomes have been developed and are useful in areas from treatment reimbursement to shared decision-making. CONCLUSIONS: The ability to measure and make useful data on nononcologic outcomes evolved substantially over the past 20 years. Current work suggests that individual preference assessment for nononcologic outcomes is a promising means of matching patients with appropriate treatment.


Subject(s)
Cancer Survivors , Prostatic Neoplasms/therapy , Quality of Life , Quality-Adjusted Life Years , Decision Making , Disease Progression , Humans , Male , Outcome Assessment, Health Care/methods , Outcome Assessment, Health Care/statistics & numerical data , Prostatic Neoplasms/psychology
13.
Urol Pract ; 4(4): 302-307, 2017 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37592671

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: We examined provider and regional variation in services provided and payments made to urologists by CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) by linking payments to individual beneficiaries and examining the proportion of submitted charges resulting in payments. METHODS: We analyzed Medicare Part B Provider Utilization and Payment Data released by CMS for 2012, the last year of the purely fee-for-service reimbursement model. For each provider we determined the ratio of number of services provided to individual beneficiaries as well as the ratio of total submitted charges-to-total Medicare payments. Each provider was stratified into deciles of total Medicare payments and the mean per decile of total Medicare payment was calculated. Finally, to elucidate the potential association between the ratio of services-to-beneficiaries, we conducted multivariate linear regressions. RESULTS: The 20th, 40th, 60th and 80th percentiles for the ratio of number of services per individual beneficiary ratios to total Medicare Part B payments are 2.8, 4.0, 5.2 and 7.4, respectively. Urologists with greater payments received provided more services to individual beneficiaries. Submitted charges exceeded payments by 3:1. Finally, female providers had lower ratios (p <0.01) and there was significant regional variation in the ratio of services per unique beneficiary (p <0.001 for each of the 10 Standard Federal Regions). CONCLUSIONS: We found significant variation in services and payment in CMS. Reimbursement models replacing fee-for-service should be tailored to ensure appropriate health care resource utilization.

14.
Patient ; 10(6): 785-798, 2017 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28623628

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Shared decision making (SDM) has been advocated as an approach to medical decision making that can improve decisional quality. Decision aids are tools that facilitate SDM in the context of limited physician time; however, many decision aids do not incorporate preference measurement. OBJECTIVES: We aim to understand whether adding preference measurement to a standard patient educational intervention improves decisional quality and is feasible in a busy clinical setting. METHODS: Men with incident localized prostate cancer (n = 122) were recruited from the Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center urology clinic, Olive View UCLA Medical Center, and Harbor UCLA Medical Center from January 2011 to May 2015 and randomized to education with a brochure about prostate cancer treatment or software-based preference assessment in addition to the brochure. Men undergoing preference assessment received a report detailing the relative strength of their preferences for treatment outcomes used in review with their doctor. Participants completed instruments measuring decisional conflict, knowledge, SDM, and patient satisfaction with care before and/or after their cancer consultation. RESULTS: Baseline knowledge scores were low (mean 62%). The baseline mean total score on the Decisional Conflict Scale was 2.3 (±0.9), signifying moderate decisional conflict. Men undergoing preference assessment had a significantly larger decrease in decisional conflict total score (p = 0.023) and the Perceived Effective Decision Making subscale (p = 0.003) post consult compared with those receiving education only. Improvements in satisfaction with care, SDM, and knowledge were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Individual-level preference assessment is feasible in the clinic setting. Patients with prostate cancer who undergo preference assessment are more certain about their treatment decisions and report decreased levels of decisional conflict when making these decisions.


Subject(s)
Conflict, Psychological , Decision Making , Decision Support Techniques , Patient Preference/psychology , Prostatic Neoplasms/psychology , Aged , Choice Behavior , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Education as Topic , Patient Participation , Socioeconomic Factors
15.
Urol Oncol ; 35(4): 153.e7-153.e14, 2017 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27955941

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The long-term benefits of nephron-sparing surgery for kidney cancer depend on patient health. Accordingly, we examined whether receipt of partial nephrectomy varied with baseline comorbidity or functionality among older adults with stage I kidney cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare data from 2000 to 2009, we identified patients treated with partial or radical nephrectomy for stage I kidney cancer. We examined treatment trends according to baseline comorbidity, function, and relevant health conditions. We then estimated the probability of partial nephrectomy using multivariable, mixed-effects models adjusting for patient, surgeon, and hospital characteristics. RESULTS: Overall, 2,956 of 11,678 patients (25.3%) underwent treatment with partial nephrectomy. Receipt of partial nephrectomy was associated with younger age, male sex, higher socioeconomic position, smaller tumor size, and treatment by a high-volume provider, cancer center, or academic institution (P<0.001). During the study period, utilization increased significantly (P<0.001) but did not differ according to comorbidity or patient function. Adjusting for patient, surgeon, and hospital characteristics, the probability of partial nephrectomy by comorbidity and function categories remained within a narrow range from 19.6% to 22.8%. Only preexisting kidney disease appeared to be linked to partial nephrectomy usage (odds ratio = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.33-1.66). CONCLUSION: With the exception of kidney disease, the increasing use of partial nephrectomy did not vary with respect to health status. As the potential benefits of partial nephrectomy differ according to a patient׳s underlying health, selection tools and algorithms that match treatment to patient comorbidity or function may be needed to optimize kidney cancer care in the United States.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Renal Cell/surgery , Health Status , Kidney Neoplasms/surgery , Nephrectomy , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Carcinoma, Renal Cell/pathology , Comorbidity , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Kidney Neoplasms/pathology , Male , Middle Aged , Prognosis , SEER Program , Survival Rate
16.
Urol Pract ; 3(1): 18-24, 2016 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37592704

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Through PPACA (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) many adults have or will gain health insurance via Medicaid expansion. To understand how this policy change may potentially impact patients with kidney cancer we examined the relationship between insurance status and cancer related outcomes. METHODS: Using SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results) data we identified 18,632 patients 26 to 64 years old with kidney cancer from 2007 to 2009. For each patient we classified insurance status as no insurance, Medicaid or private insurance. After adjusting for patient and county characteristics we measured the association of insurance status with cancer stage, treatment and 1-year mortality using multinomial logistic regression with clustering or generalized estimating equations as appropriate. RESULTS: In our study cohort 937 (5.0%) and 2,027 patients (10.9%) had no insurance and Medicaid, respectively. These patients were more likely to be younger, nonwhite, unmarried and residing in areas with lower income, education or employment (p <0.001). On adjusted analyses uninsured and Medicaid patients more often presented with advanced disease (21.3% vs 19.6% vs 11.0%) but less frequently received treatment (86.2% vs 87.9% vs 93.4%, each p <0.001) compared with privately insured patients. These adults also died of kidney cancer more often (13.6% vs 12.5% vs 6.4%, p <0.001) likely due to differences in stage and receipt of cancer directed therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Uninsured and Medicaid patients suffer disproportionately from kidney cancer with equal magnitude. Given the reliance on Medicaid, even as insurance coverage expands differences in outcomes will likely persist, underscoring the need for additional efforts that address disparities in kidney cancer care.

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