Ambulatory surgery center utilization by vitreoretinal surgeons: 1999-2011

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) are increasingly utilized for various surgical procedures.
• Understanding ASC utilization trends is crucial for healthcare planning and resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utilization rates of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) in Florida for vitreoretinal, cataract, and glaucoma surgeries.
• To analyze these trends over a 13-year period (1999-2011).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of the Florida State Ambulatory Surgery Databases (SASD) from 1999-2011.
• Identification of procedures using ICD-9 codes for vitreoretinal, cataract, and glaucoma surgeries.
• Joinpoint regression analysis to determine average annual percent change (APC) in ASC utilization.

Main Results:

• Overall APC in ASC utilization from 1999-2011 was +26.4% for vitreoretinal, +21.3% for cataract, and +20.9% for glaucoma surgery.
• From 2007-2011, APC showed a decrease: -1.2% for vitreoretinal, -9.2% for cataract, and -17.3% for glaucoma surgery.
• The recent decline in ASC utilization for cataract and glaucoma procedures was statistically significant.

Conclusions:

• A significant overall increase in ASC utilization for these ophthalmic procedures was observed during the study period.
• However, the data from the most recent five years (2007-2011) suggests a reversal of these increasing trends.
• This reversal may indicate shifts in surgical practice patterns or healthcare policies affecting ASC use.