Association of insurance status with postoperative resource utilization after metabolic/bariatric surgery-A...

Postoperative emergency department (ED) use and readmissions are key quality outcome measures for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) centers. Given increasing costs, limiting postoperative resource use is of paramount importance.

This study aimed to investigate disparities in postoperative resource use after metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) across primary payor status.

Two MBSAQIP-accredited centers.

Using data from our institutional MBSAQIP dataset (2020-2023), MBS cases were identified and categorized on the basis of primary payor type. Analysis of 30-day readmissions, reinterventions, and reoperations was performed on the basis of case characteristics and stratified by payor status to examine intergroup differences.

Medicaid beneficiaries were overall younger (40.4 years versus 46.5 years; P < .05) than patients with private insurance (PI) and more likely to be female. Body mass index was significantly greater for Medicaid compared with PI or Medicare (49.8 versus 47.8 versus 48.2; P < .05). Medicaid recipients had significantly greater rates of ED use (P < .0001) compared with PI and self-pay and longer operative times compared with PI and Self-Pay (144.8 min versus 126.7 versus 108.1 min; P < .05). Patients with Medicaid status also had a longer length of stay than patients with PI (1.68 days versus 1.48 days, P < .05). Despite these differences, Medicaid status was not associated with increased composite complications, composite infection, length of stay >5 days, or readmission.

Postoperative ED use and readmission/reoperation rates were notably higher in publicly insured (Medicare or Medicaid) patients compared with those with PI or self-pay. This highlights the importance of implementing targeted quality improvement measures to improve access to care in this population.