Perspectives on Home-based Healthcare as an Alternative to Hospital Admission After Emergency Treatment.

Introduction: The study objective was to explore emergency physicians' (EP) awareness, willingness, and prior experience regarding transitioning patients to home-based healthcare following emergency department (ED) evaluation and treatment; and to explore patient selection criteria, processes, and services that would facilitate use of home-based healthcare as an alternative to hospitalization.

Methods: We provided a five-question survey to 52 EPs, gauging previous experience referring patients to home-based healthcare, patient selection, and motivators and challenges when considering home-based options as an alternative to admission. In addition, we conducted three focus groups and four interviews.

Survey and Chart Review to Estimate Medicare Cost Savings for Home Health as an Alternative to Hospital Admission Following Emergency Department Treatment.

Background: Almost 70% of hospital admissions for Medicare beneficiaries originate in the emergency department (ED). Research suggests that some of these patients' needs may be better met through home-based care options after evaluation and treatment in the ED.

Objective: We sought to estimate Medicare cost savings resulting from using the Home Health benefit to provide treatment, when appropriate, as an alternative to inpatient admission from the ED.

Low anastomotic stricture rate after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass using a 21-mm circular stapling device.

Background: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) has been established as a safe and effective procedure for morbid obesity management. Amongst some of the postoperative complications are gastrojejunal (GJ) anastomotic strictures, with an incidence of 3 to 27 % in some series. This study evaluates the incidence of GJ strictures using a 21-mm circular stapling device and its response to treatment with endoscopic balloon dilation.

Laparoscopic gastric bypass for the adolescent patient: long-term results.

Background: Obesity is a major public health problem in the developed world. The National Survey of Children's Health 2003 estimated around 17 million children in the USA to be overweight, making this a significantly alarming disease in the young population. Findings from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey demonstrated at least 30 % of overweight adolescents to be suffering from the metabolic syndrome.

Laparoscopic gastric bypass in patients 60 years and older: early postoperative morbidity and resolution of comorbidities.

Background: Bariatric surgery has not been routinely presented as an option for patients over 60 years of age. Part of the reason is the long-standing perception that there is additional risk. Additionally, until its recent ruling, Medicare was inconsistent in its coverage, thus making it difficult for some beneficiaries to gain access to the procedures.