Impact of Delayed Appendicitis Diagnosis on Hospital Care Costs

A new study sheds light on the impact of delayed appendicitis diagnosis on hospital care costs, revealing implications for healthcare reimbursement policies and disparities in patient care. Delayed diagnosis of appendicitis is associated with adverse outcomes, prolonged hospital stays, and increased likelihood of readmissions.

Despite evidence of disparities in diagnosis rates, hospitals serving minority populations often receive lower reimbursement, raising concerns about equitable healthcare quality metrics. This study was published in the journal JAMA Network Open. The study was conducted by Kulaskera and colleagues.

Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study of 76,173 patients aged 18-64 who underwent appendectomy across multiple states in the US. The study analyzed data from 2016 to 2017, focusing on the association between delayed appendicitis diagnosis and hospital care costs. Patients with delayed diagnosis were identified based on prior abdominal diagnoses without appendicitis and no intervention seven days before appendectomy admission.

Key Findings

• Patients with delayed diagnosis had 1.23 times increased hospital care costs compared to those without delayed diagnosis.
• Median unadjusted costs for delayed diagnosis were $11,099, significantly higher than $9,177 for non-delayed diagnosis.
• Adjusted analysis revealed a 1.23 times higher likelihood of increased hospital costs for delayed diagnosis patients.
• Non-Hispanic Black individuals experienced 1.22 times higher appendicitis hospital care costs compared to non-Hispanic White patients.
• Older age groups and patients on Medicare disability or Medicaid had significantly greater costs.

The study underscores the importance of timely diagnosis in appendicitis management and its impact on healthcare costs. It highlights disparities in care quality and reimbursement policies, particularly affecting minority populations. Understanding the mechanisms behind delayed diagnosis among minority patients is crucial for addressing healthcare disparities effectively.

Delayed appendicitis diagnosis significantly increases hospital care costs, with implications for healthcare reimbursement policies and disparities in patient care. Addressing disparities in diagnosis rates and implementing equitable quality metrics are essential steps toward improving healthcare outcomes for all populations.

Reference

Kulasekere, D, Royan, R, Shan Y. Appendicitis Hospitalization Care Costs Among Patients With Delayed Diagnosis of Appendicitis. JAMA Network Open. 2024;7(4):e246721. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.6721.