Plastic and reconstructive surgery
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Plast. Reconstr. Surg. · Dec 2018
Effect of Regional Hospital Market Competition on Use Patterns of Free Flap Breast Reconstruction.
Market competition is believed to promote patient access and health care delivery. The authors examined the relationship between market competition and use of surgical services for cancer, using free flap immediate breast reconstruction as a model scenario. ⋯ A hospital's willingness to provide surgical services may be subject to market pressures. Market competition is associated with increased odds of free flap immediate breast reconstruction and higher use by racial minorities.
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Plast. Reconstr. Surg. · Dec 2018
Observational StudyState Variations in Public Payer Reimbursement for Common Plastic Surgery Procedures.
Existing data suggest decreased willingness of plastic surgeons to participate in Medicare and Medicaid. Significant disparities exist in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement for various general surgical procedures. The aims of this study were to investigate variations in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement across the nation for common plastic surgery procedures. ⋯ Variations exist between Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement for common plastic surgery procedures. The within-state variations in Medicaid reimbursement are likely reflective of important yet nontransparent differences in determining Medicaid reimbursement. These variations likely affect access to care for underserved populations. Professional societies should continue to convey the value of these important procedures and raise awareness regarding disparities in access to care.
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Plast. Reconstr. Surg. · Dec 2018
Unplanned Emergency Department Visits within 30 Days of Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction.
Unplanned emergency department visits are often overlooked as an indicator of care quality. The authors' objectives were to (1) determine the rate of 30-day emergency department visits following mastectomy with or without immediate reconstruction, (2) perform a risk analysis of potential factors associated with emergency department return, and (3) assess for potentially preventable visits with a focus on returns for pain. ⋯ Risk, III.
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Plast. Reconstr. Surg. · Dec 2018
Observational StudyOptimal Sites for Supermicrosurgical Lymphaticovenular Anastomosis: An Analysis of Lymphatic Vessel Detection Rates on 840 Surgical Fields in Lower Extremity Lymphedema Patients.
Supermicrosurgical lymphaticovenular anastomosis is becoming a useful treatment option for progressive lower extremity lymphedema because of its minimal invasiveness. Finding a lymphatic vessel is a minimum requirement for lymphaticovenular anastomosis surgery, but no study has reported comprehensive analysis on factors associated with lymphatic vessel detection. ⋯ Risk, III.