Does universal healthcare in Massachusetts equalize treatment between races in cervical spinal trauma? 5 key notes

A new study published in The Spine Journal examined how the patient’s race and hospital environment affects care for cervical spine fractures.

Advertisement

The researchers examined the Massachusetts Statewide Inpatient Dataset from 2003 to 2010. The researchers found:

 

1. There wasn’t a significant difference between surgical intervention rate between the white and non-white patients.

 

2. The length of stay at the hospital was greater for non-white patients.

 

3. Non-white patients were more likely to experience surgical complications and mortality than the white patients.

 

4. Massachusetts was the model for “universal access to care,” but the study concluded the universal access “may be insufficient to reduce differences in care among minority patients following cervical trauma.”

 

5. The researchers recommended future mixed-methods research to evaluate the etiologies behind these disparities associated with race in the different healthcare environments.

 

More articles on spine surgery:
ProDisc-C vs. spinal fusion: Which one has better results? 5 key notes
5 key notes on UTI after posterior spinal fusion
Dr. Frank Cammisa talks about back pain for pro-athletes—5 takeaways

At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Register to Attend Webinar

Is ambulatory care healthcare’s big margin engine? 4 leaders weigh in

Wednesday, July 29
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT

Presenters: Joe Ganley, athenahealthJeffrey Flynn, CASC, Gramercy Surgery CenterBryan Tsao, Access Center, Loma Linda University HealthJason Zepeda, Northridge Hospital Medical Center, CommonSpirit HealthGreg DeConciliis, PA-C, CASC, Boston Out­Patient Surgical Suites

Advertisement

Next Up in Spine

Advertisement

Comments are closed.