The impact of state approval requirements on elective cholecystectomy patients

A total of 215 cholecystectomies were performed at Kern Medical Center over a 20-month period from 10/92 to 5/94 and were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-four males and 191 females ranged in age from 15-70 years. Of the total 215 cholecystectomies, 119 were performed electively and were separated into two groups. Group 1 (79) consisted of patients awaiting state authorization for cholecystectomy. Group 2 (40) consisted of patients who did not require state authorization. Date of diagnosis was defined as the date when the positive gallbladder ultrasound was completed which, in context with the clinical presentation, confirmed the need for cholecystectomy. The average number of days between diagnosis and cholecystectomy differed significantly between Group 1 and 2 (116 vs 23 respectively, P < .01). The average number of preoperative emergency room (ER) visits differed significantly between Group 1 and 2 (1.48 vs 0.76 respectively, P < .01). The average number of preoperative surgery clinic visits also differed between the two groups (2.88 vs 1.96 in Group 1 and 2 respectively, P < .01). Patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis requiring state approval for cholecystectomy had to wait longer for their operation, and preoperatively visited the ER and outpatient surgery clinic more often. Delay increases patient discomfort and adds additional strain to an already overcrowded ER and clinic. Finally, the economic impact is most likely significant as lost work hours, and additional ER and clinic visits cost taxpayers money.