Regional availability of high-volume hospitals for major surgery

Health Aff (Millwood). 2004:Suppl Variation:VAR45-53. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.var.45.

Abstract

Despite evidence of increased risks, a large number of patients still have surgery in low-volume hospitals. To better understand why, we used Medicare data to study the regional availability of high-volume hospitals. More than half of patients undergoing three procedures in low-volume hospitals lived in regions lacking a high-volume hospital. Some regions simply lacked enough cases to support a high-volume hospital. Other regions had enough cases but too many hospitals performing them. Although consolidation of surgical services may be feasible in some settings, volume-based referral strategies are impractical for many U.S. regions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Humans
  • Medicare
  • Referral and Consultation
  • Surgery Department, Hospital / statistics & numerical data*
  • Surgery Department, Hospital / supply & distribution*
  • Surgical Procedures, Operative / statistics & numerical data*