Disparities in Parathyroidectomy: Who Receives Appropriate Treatment for Primary Hyperparathyroidism?

Parathyroidectomy is underperformed despite clear benefits in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). We evaluated disparities in receipt of parathyroidectomy following PHPT diagnosis to explore barriers to care.

Adults diagnosed with PHPT 2013-2018 at a health system were identified. Recommended indications for parathyroidectomy include age ≤50 y, calcium >11 mg/dL, or the presence of nephrolithiasis, hypercalciuria, nephrocalcinosis, decreased glomerular filtration rate, osteopenia, osteoporosis, or pathological fracture 1 y prior to diagnosis. Kaplan-Meier analysis assessed rates of parathyroidectomy within 12 mo following diagnosis as well as median time to parathyroidectomy, and multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses assessed factors associated with undergoing parathyroidectomy.

Of 2409 patients, 75% were females, 12% aged ≤50 y, and 92% non-Hispanic White, while 52% had Medicaid/Medicare, 36% were commercial/self-pay or uninsured, and 12% unknown. Parathyroidectomy was performed within 1 y in 50% of patients. Within the 68% that met recommendations, parathyroidectomy was performed within 1 y in 54%; median time from diagnosis to surgery was shorter for males, patients aged ≤50 y, commercial/self-pay/no insurance patients (versus Medicaid/Medicare), and those with fewer comorbidities, P < 0.05. Multivariable analysis demonstrated non-Hispanic White patients and those with commercial/self-pay/uninsured were more likely to undergo parathyroidectomy after adjusting for comorbidity, age, and facility site. Among those strongly indicated, patients not on Medicare/Medicaid and aged ≤50 y were more likely to undergo parathyroidectomy after adjusting for race, comorbidity, and facility site.

Disparities in parathyroidectomy for PHPT were observed. Insurance type was associated with undergoing parathyroidectomy; patients on governmental insurance were less likely to undergo surgery and waited longer for surgery despite strong indications. Barriers to referral and access to surgery should be investigated and addressed to optimize all patients' access to care.