Minimally invasive versus open surgery in the Medicare population: a comparison of post-operative and economic outcomes.

Background: Despite strong evidence demonstrating the clinical and economic benefits of minimally invasive surgery (MIS), utilization of MIS in the Medicare population is highly variable and tends to be lower than in the general population. We sought to compare the post-operative and economic outcomes of MIS versus open surgery for seven common surgical procedures in the Medicare population.

Methods: Using the 2014 Medicare Provider Analysis and Review Inpatient Limited Data Set, patients undergoing bariatric, cholecystectomy, colectomy, hysterectomy, inguinal hernia, thoracic, and ventral hernia procedures were identified using DRG and ICD-9 codes.

Association of Opioids and Sedatives with Increased Risk of In-Hospital Cardiopulmonary Arrest from an Administrative Database.

Background: While opioid use confers a known risk for respiratory depression, the incremental risk of in-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest, respiratory arrest, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPRA) has not been studied. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence, outcomes, and risk profile of in-hospital CPRA for patients receiving opioids and medications with central nervous system sedating side effects (sedatives).

Methods: A retrospective analysis of adult inpatient discharges from 2008-2012 reported in the Premier Database.

Effect of laparoscopic surgery on health care utilization and costs in patients who undergo colectomy.

Importance: Laparoscopic colectomy is safe and effective in the treatment of many colorectal diseases. However, the effect of increasing use of laparoscopy on overall health care utilization and costs, especially in the long term, has not been thoroughly investigated.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of laparoscopic vs open colectomy on short- and long-term health care utilization and costs.

The HARM score: a novel, easy measure to evaluate quality and outcomes in colorectal surgery.

Objective: To develop a measurement tool based on HospitAl stay, Readmission, and Mortality rates (HARM) score, which is easily calculated from routine administrative data. Secondary goals were to validate the HARM score on a national inpatient sample.

Background: Concerns about patient safety, quality, and health care costs have increased demand for outcome measurement.

The effect of a telephone-based health coaching disease management program on Medicaid members with chronic conditions.

Background: Despite the growing popularity of disease management programs for chronic conditions, evidence regarding the effect of these programs has been mixed. In addition, few peer-reviewed studies have examined the effect of these programs on publicly insured populations.

Objectives: To examine the effect of a telephone-based health coaching disease management program on healthcare utilization and expenditures in Medicaid members with chronic conditions.