Characterizing the Association of Race and Insurance Status with Resource Utilization in Brachial Plexopathy Surgery

Understanding the link between socioeconomic status and immediate postoperative brachial plexus injury (BPI) management outcomes is critical to mitigating disparities and optimizing postoperative recovery plans. The present study aimed to elucidate the association between socioeconomic status and resource utilization following surgery for BPI.

We conducted a cross-sectional study of adult patients (18 years) with a BPI diagnosis from the 2002-2017 National Inpatient Sample. Primary outcomes included home discharge rates, length of stay (LOS), and cost. We used multivariable regressions to analyze outcome measures.

A total of 23,755 BPI admissions were identified, 14.67% of whom received surgical intervention. Patients receiving Medicare had lower odds of home discharge compared with privately insured patients (adjusted odds ratio 0.65, 95% confidence interval 0.58-0.74; P < 0.001). Medicaid, Medicare, and uninsured patients had 6%-32% longer LOS than privately insured patients (P < 0.001, P = 0.004, and P = 0.006, respectively). Patients in the top income quartile had a 12% increase in costs compared with those in the bottom quartile (P < 0.001). Latinx and Other race groups had 11%-14% increased costs compared with White patients (Latinx P < 0.001, Other P = 0.003).

Differences in BPI resource utilization and allocation exist, from increased LOS among non-privately insured and non-White patients to increased BPI treatment costs among patients in higher-income quartiles. Further research is necessary to elucidate how these disparities exist and impact functional outcomes.