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Access to arthroplasty in South Florida
Carlos J Lavernia1, Juan S Contreras, Jose C Alcerro
1Orthopaedic Institute at Mercy, 3659 S. Miami Ave Ste 4008, Miami, FL 33133, USA.
The Journal of Arthroplasty
|May 5, 2012
Summary
Adults with Medicaid insurance face significant barriers accessing hip and knee replacement surgery. Compared to privately insured patients, those with Medicaid experienced substantially longer wait times and limited appointment availability for total joint arthroplasty.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Health Services Research
- Health Economics
Background:
- Access to total joint arthroplasty (hip and knee replacement) is crucial for adults with end-stage arthritis.
- Insurance type, such as Medicaid versus private insurance, may influence healthcare access and appointment availability.
- Understanding disparities in access is vital for improving equitable healthcare delivery in orthopedic surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the accessibility of hip and knee arthroplasty appointments for patients with Medicaid versus private insurance.
- To evaluate potential differences in appointment wait times based on insurance coverage.
- To identify access limitations for Medicaid-insured adults seeking total joint arthroplasty.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted in a South Florida county, contacting all orthopedic surgeons' offices.
- A hypothetical patient scenario requiring hip or knee arthroplasty for end-stage arthritis was presented.
- Two insurance scenarios were used: Medicaid coverage and private insurance coverage.
Main Results:
- Only 14.3% of offices offered appointments for hip or knee arthroplasty to patients with Medicaid.
- All offices offered appointments to patients with private insurance.
- The mean wait time for an appointment was significantly longer for patients with Medicaid compared to those with private insurance.
Conclusions:
- Adults insured by Medicaid have demonstrably limited access to hip and knee arthroplasty in the studied community.
- Significant disparities exist in appointment availability and wait times based on insurance type for total joint arthroplasty.
- Addressing these access barriers is essential to ensure equitable care for Medicaid-insured populations undergoing orthopedic procedures.
