Time Required for Planned and Unplanned Episodes of Care in Septic and Aseptic Hip and Knee Revision Surgery

Background: Surgical reimbursement rates are established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Studies have indicated that revision hip (rTHA) and knee (rTKA) arthroplasties require significantly more work effort, but are reimbursed less than primary procedures. This study quantified planned and unplanned work performed for revision surgeries by the surgeon and/or the surgeon’s team during the episode of care “reimbursement window.” Quantification of time was performed separately for aseptic and septic (two-stage) revisions and compared to allowed reimbursement amounts. Methods: All unilateral rTHA and rTKA procedures performed over a 10-year period by a single surgeon at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Time dedicated to planned work was calculated over each episode of care, from surgery scheduling to 90 days postoperatively. Impromptu patient inquiries and treatments after discharge, but within the episode of care, involving the surgeon/surgeon team constituted unplanned work. Planned and unplanned work minutes were summed and divided by the number of patients reviewed to obtain average minutes of work per patient. Results: Calculations demonstrated average per patient work for aseptic rTKA exceeded the reimbursable amount by 31 minutes. Calculated average minutes of work per patient required for aseptic rTHA fell within the number of minutes approved for reimbursement. Average per patient work for septic rTKA and rTHA exceeded the reimbursable amounts by 331 and 166 minutes, respectively, equating to 2.8 to 5.5 hours of uncompensated time. Conclusion: Revision hip and knee procedures are substantially more complex than primary procedures, with many surgeons referring patients to out-of-network care. Financially dis-incentivizing surgeons to care for these patients reduces patient access to care when high quality care is needed the most, especially infection cases susceptible to high sepsis and mortality rates. Study findings will be applied to advocacy efforts for appropriate legislative reform.

Can Reducing Implant Costs Increase Revenue for Surgically Treated Ankle Fractures: Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing for 1-Year Episode of Care

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether decision-making regarding implant selection affects the reimbursement margins for the surgical fixation of ankle fractures. Methods: All ankle fractures treated between 2010 and 2017 within a single-insurer database were identified via Current Procedural Terminology codes by review of electronic medical record. Implant cost was determined via the implant record cross-referenced with the single contract institutional charge master database. The Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC) technique was used to determine the costs of care during all activities throughout the 1-year episode of care. Statistical analysis consisted of multiple linear regression and goodness-of-fit analyses. Results: In all, 249 patients met inclusion criteria. Implant costs ranged from $173 to $3944, averaging $1342 ± $751. The TDABC-estimated cost of care ranged from $1416 to $9185, averaging $3869 ± $1384. Finally, the total reimbursed cost of care ranged between $1335 and $65 645, averaging $13 954 ± $9445. The implant costs occupied an estimated 34.7% of the TDABC-estimated cost of care per surgical encounter. Implant cost, as a percentage of the overall TDABC, was estimated as 36.2% in the inpatient setting and 33% in the outpatient setting, which was the second highest percentage behind surgical costs in both settings. We found a significant increase in net revenue of $1.93 for each dollar saved on implants in the outpatient setting, whereas the increase in net revenue per dollar saved of $1.03 approached significance in the inpatient setting. Conclusion: There is a direct relationship between intraoperative decision-making, as evidenced by implant choices, and the revenue generated by surgical fixation of ankle fractures. Intraoperative decision-making that is cognitive of implant cost can facilitate adoption of institutional cost containment measures and prompt increased healthcare value. Level of Evidence: Level III: Retrospective cohort study

Demographic, Comorbidity, and Episode of Care Trends in Primary Hip Arthroplasty: 2008 to 2018

Background While previous studies have provided insight into time-trends in age and comorbidities of total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients, there is limited recent literature from within the past decade. The implication of these findings is relevant due to the projected THA volume increase and continued emphasis on healthcare system cost-containment policies. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify trends in THA patient demographics, comorbidities, and episode of care from 2008 to 2018. Methods The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) was queried to identify patient demographics, comorbidities, and episodes of care outcomes in patients undergoing primary THA from 2008 to 2018 (n = 216,524). Trends were analyzed using analysis of variances for continuous variables, while categorical variables were analyzed using chi-squared or Monte Carlo tests, where applicable. Results From 2008 to 2018, there were no clinically significant differences in age and body mass index (BMI) in patients with BMI over 40 kg/m2. However, modifiable comorbidities including patients with hypertension (60.2% in 2008, 54.3 in 2018%, p < 0.001) and anemia (19% in 2008, 11.2%, in 2016, p < 0.001) improved. Functional status and the overall morbidity probability have improved with a decrease in hospital lengths of stay (4.0 ± 2.8 days in 2008, 2.1 ± 2.2 days in 2018, p < 0.001), 30-day readmissions (4.2% in 2009, 3.3% in 2018, p < 0.001), and significant increase in home-discharges (70.1% in 2008, 87.3% in 2018, p < 0.001). Conclusion Patient overall health status improved from 2008 to 2018. While conjectural, our findings may be a reflection of a global shift toward value-based comprehensive care centering on patient optimization prior to arthroplasty, quality-of-care, and curtailing costs by mitigating perioperative adverse events.This study's level of evidence is III.

Implementation of “Epic Healthy Planet” registry for survivorship care coordination.

337 Background: The evolving Commission on Cancer (CoC) reporting mandate and institution’s growing survivorship program led to identifying the need for systematic tracking of survivorship patients, surveillance tests, return appointments and referrals placed. Our aim was to develop an electronic medical record (EMR) integrated registry utilizing discrete data fields to assist our team in tracking key elements of high-quality survivorship care. Methods: Stakeholders from our survivorship team (APP/RN), medical oncology, psychology, research, operations and IT analytics reached consensus on essential discrete EMR fields to be included in the registry. For implementation we utilized the EPIC module, “Healthy Planet”, where patients enter the registry by initiating an “Episode of Care” at their initial survivorship visit. SmartForm fields create unique discrete patient data points identified by the stakeholders. Results: The following domains were identified as important elements of care that require tracking in a dedicated survivorship program. The registry domains populate from two sources: 1) currently existing EMR data fields, 2) domains with no currently discrete data (e.g. lymphedema, peripheral neuropathy) were captured in the developed SmartForm (see Table). From January 1, 2019 to June 1, 2021, 778 patients were entered into the registry. Since September 4, 2020, 112 patient follow-up appointment reminders were sent via EMR which has led to a noticeable increase in return appointments. SmartForm data fields are being amended as additional malignancy types are added to our survivorship program. Conclusions: The utilization of Healthy Planet is an effective and user-friendly way to track survivorship return appointments, remind providers of diagnostic tests that are due, and track referrals for CoC reporting. As the numbers of cancer survivors continues to increase, systematic population management tools are essential to ensure adherence to survivorship guideline recommendations, follow-up care and mandatory reporting.[Table: see text]

123 Reduction of asthma hospitalizations in children in a tertiary care center in Quebec during the early confinement period of the COVID-19 pandemic

Primary Subject area Respirology Background Asthma in children and adolescents is a major cause of urgent visits and hospitalizations. In preschoolers, viral infections remain the main cause of these exacerbations, although environmental factors may also play a role. In older children and adolescents, many other risk factors are present including respiratory allergies, exercise, strong emotions, active and passive smoking and poor adherence to recommended treatments. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, clinicians have been concerned about the possibility of a significant increase in urgent consultations for asthma in children. However, due to the confinement imposed on a large part of the population from March 2020, we have suspected a reduction in the number of viral infections leading to urgent visits and hospitalizations in pediatric patients. Objectives Our hypothesis was that the number of children hospitalized with asthma exacerbations during the pandemic lockdown declined significantly. Our objective was to determine if the number and severity of hospitalizations at the CME of the CHU de Québec for asthma exacerbations in children aged 1 to 17 had significantly decreased during the confinement period from April 1 to July 1, 2020 and to what extent, according to various clinical features. Design/Methods Retrospective study reviewing episodes of care in medical records in children aged 1 to 17 and hospitalized on all wards at the CME-CHU de Québec. All patients with primary diagnosis of asthmatic exacerbation according to the summary sheets between April 1 to July 1, 2020 for the study group and from April 1 to July 1, 2019 for the control group were included. We aimed to determine the number of hospitalizations for this diagnosis for each period and determine the length of stay on the various pediatric wards for each episode of care according to the established criteria. We have determined the presence of risk factors (asthma diagnosis, underlying condition, regular asthma medication, allergies, and other factors relevant to asthma).We have further determined the presence of gravity markers during the course of hospitalization (need for: IV corticosteroids, Mg sulfate, IV bronchodilators, non-invasive ventilation, intubation, ICU stay and radiological pneumonia) for each episode of care. The data was denominated and collated in an encoded file, and shareable only between the investigators. Results After exclusions, a total of 97 charts were analyzed. Between April 1 and July 1 2019, a total of 89 patients were admitted with a diagnosis of asthma exacerbation while only eight patients were admitted during the same period in 2020. The median age of patients admitted in 2020 was higher than in 2019 (53 vs 25 months). In 2019, 40 children (48%) had a previous diagnosis of asthma, of whom 28 used regular controller medications compared to 2 children (25%) in 2020, both taking regular controller medications. More patients had an associated diagnosis of upper respiratory tract infection in 2019 than in 2020 (92% vs 63%). Nine patients required intensive care in 2019 compared to none in 2020. Conclusion Compared to 2019, hospital admissions for asthma exacerbations in our tertiary care centre in Quebec City were significantly lower during the early phase of the 2020 pandemic. More research is required to determine the exact causes of this significant reduction.

Effects of Venous Insufficiency in Patients Undergoing Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: An Analysis of 1.2 Million Patients

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is extraordinarily prevalent in our aging population with over 30 million people in the United States suffering from the disease. There is a paucity of data analyzing the effects of CVI on outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to utilize a nationwide administrative claims database to determine whether patients with CVI undergoing TKA have higher rates of: (1) in-hospital lengths of stay (LOS); (2) readmission rates; (3) medical complications; (4) implant-related complications; and (5) costs of care compared to controls. Using a nationwide database, we matched patients with CVI undergoing TKA to controls without CVI undergoing TKA in a 1:5 ratio by age, sex, and medical comorbidities associated with CVI. Primary outcomes analyzed within the study included LOS, 90-day readmission rates, 90-day medical complications, 2-year implant-related complications, in addition to 90-day total global episode of care costs. The query yielded 1,265,534 patients with (n = 210,926) and without (n = 1,054,608) CVI undergoing primary TKA. Patients with CVI had significantly longer LOS (4 vs. 3 days, p < 0.0001), higher 90-day readmission rates (20.96 vs. 15.34%; odds ratio [OR]: 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.44–1.48, p < 0.0001), and higher odds of medical complications (2.27 vs. 1.30%; OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.70–1.83, p < 0.0001) compared to matched controls. Patients with CVI also had higher odds of periprosthetic joint infections (2.23 vs. 1.03%; OR: 2.18, p < 0.0001) and implant-related complications in general (4.27 vs. 2.17%; OR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.96–2.06, p < 0.0001). Additionally, patients with CVI had higher total global 90-day episode of care costs ($15,583.07 vs. $14,286.95, p < 0.0001). Patients with CVI undergoing TKA have increased LOS, higher odds of medical and implant complications, and increased costs of care compared to those without CVI. The study can be utilized by orthopaedic surgeons to counsel patients on the potential complications following this procedure. This is a level III, retrospective cohort study.

How are reasons for encounter associated with influenza-like illness and acute respiratory infection diagnoses and interventions? A cohort study in eight Italian general practice populations

Background Influenza-like illness (ILI) and Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) are a considerable health problem in Europe. Most diagnoses are made by family physicians (FPs) and based on symptoms and clinical signs rather than on diagnostic testing. The International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC) advocates that FPs record patients’ ‘Reasons for Encounters’ (RfEs) as they are presented to them. This study analyses the association of patients’ RfEs with FPs’ diagnoses of ILI and ARI diagnoses and FPs’ management of those patients. Methods Cohort study of practice populations. Over a 4-month period during the winter season 2013–14, eight FPs recorded ILI and ARI patients’ RfEs and how they were managed. FPs recorded details of their patients using the ICPC format, collecting data in an Episode of Care (EoC) structure. Results There were 688 patients diagnosed as having ILI; between them they presented with a total of 2,153 RfEs, most commonly fever (79.7%), cough (59.7%) and pain (33.0%). The 848 patients with ARI presented with a total of 1,647 RfEs, most commonly cough (50.4%), throat symptoms (25.9%) and fever (19.9%). For patients with ILI, 37.0% of actions were related to medication for respiratory symptoms; this figure was 38.4% for patients with ARI. FPs referred six patients to specialists or hospitals (0.39% of all patients diagnosed with ILI and ARI). Conclusions In this study of patients with ILI and ARI, less than half received a prescription from their FPs, and the illnesses were mainly managed in primary care, with few patients’ needing referral. The ICPC classification allowed a standardised data collection system, providing documentary evidence of the management of those diseases.

Opioid Use Disorder in Patients Undergoing Primary 1- to 2-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Is Associated With Longer In-Hospital Lengths of Stay and Higher Rates of Readmissions, Complications, and Costs of Care

Study Design: Retrospective study. Objective: To determine whether opioid use disorder (OUD) patients undergoing 1- to 2-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (1-2ACDF) have higher rates of: 1) in-hospital lengths of stay (LOS); 2) readmissions; 3) complications; and 4) costs. Methods: OUD patients undergoing primary 1-2ACDF were identified within the Medicare database and matched to a control cohort in a 1:5 ratio by age, sex, and medical comorbidities. The query yielded 80,683 patients who underwent 1-2 ACDF with (n = 13,448) and without (n = 67,235) OUD. Outcomes analyzed included in-hospital LOS, 90-day readmission rates, 90-day medical complications, and costs. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to calculate odds-ratios (OR) for medical complications and readmissions. Welch’s t-test was used to test for significance for LOS and cost between the cohorts. An alpha value less than 0.002 was considered statistically significant. Results: OUD patients were found to have significantly longer in-hospital LOS compared to their counterparts (3.41 vs. 2.23-days, P < .0001), in addition to higher frequency and odds of requiring readmissions (21.62 vs. 11.57%; OR: 1.38, P < .0001). Study group patients were found to have higher frequency and odds of developing medical complications (0.88 vs. 0.19%, OR: 2.80, P < .0001) and incurred higher episode of care costs ($20,399.62 vs. $16,812.14, P < .0001). Conclusion: The study can help to push orthopaedic surgeons in better managing OUD patients pre-operatively in terms of safe discontinuation and education of opioid drugs and their effects on complications, leading to more satisfactory outcomes.