The study evaluated Medicaid and uninsured patients who received operations for acute appendicitis or cholecystitis between 2001 and 2009 in Massachusetts and six other states.
Prior to the Massachusetts healthcare reform law, nonwhite patients were more than 5 percent less likely to receive minimally invasive surgery in all states. After the reform law was implemented in 2006, nonwhite patients in Massachusetts had an equal probability of receiving minimally invasive surgery compared to white patients.
Researchers concluded the insurance expansion was associated with resolution of racial disparities in surgical care for Medicaid and uninsured patients.
More Articles on Quality:
Medical, Surgical ICU Patients at Significant Risk for Cognitive Impairment
Study: Visual Inspection at Least as Effective as Commercial Evaluations for Environmental Clean
Patient Safety Tool: Safer Sign-Out Form for Patient Handoffs
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.