Preoperative resource utilization prior to minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-2021
Identifier
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2020.12.053
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Preoperative testing to assess the physiologic impact of pectus excavatum is sometimes ordered to meet third-party payor preauthorization requirements. This study describes the utility of physiologic testing prior to minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE).
METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients that underwent MIRPE from 1/2012-7/2016 at two academic children's hospitals. Data collected included demographics, insurance, Haller Index (HI), pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and echocardiograms (ECHO) obtained, and preauthorization denials.
RESULTS: A total of 360 patients (mean age 15.7 ± 2.0 years; mean HI 4.5 ± 1.5) underwent MIRPE (Hospital 1: 189, Hospital 2: 171). Commercial insurers covered 84% of patients. Hospital 1 obtained more frequent preoperative testing (PFTs: 73% vs 6%, p < 0.0001). Overall, 72% of PFTs were normal with abnormal studies limited to mild findings. Similarly, 85% of ECHOs were normal. Third-party payors more frequently denied preauthorization for MIRPE at Hospital 2 (11% vs. 5%, p = 0.03).
CONCLUSIONS: More frequent preoperative testing may decrease initial preauthorization denials for MIRPE; however, this increased utilization of resources may not be necessary as the majority of test results are normal.
Journal Title
American journal of surgery
Volume
222
Issue
3
First Page
650
Last Page
653
Keywords
Insurance; Pectus excavatum; Pediatric; Preoperative testing; Resource utilization
Recommended Citation
Yu YR, Sola R Jr, Jamal AR, et al. Preoperative resource utilization prior to minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum. Am J Surg. 2021;222(3):650-653. doi:10.1016/j.amjsurg.2020.12.053
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