Hand (New York, N.Y.)
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Hand (New York, N.Y.) · Oct 2020
Variability in Medicaid Reimbursement in Hand Surgery May Lead to Inequality in Access to Patient Care.
Medicare (MCR) and Medicaid (MCD) remain the dominant providers of government-funded health insurance in the United States. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the variability between MCR and MCD reimbursements for common hand and wrist surgical procedures. We hypothesized that MCD reimbursement rates would have substantial variation between states, whereas MCR rates would remain relatively constant. ⋯ These findings demonstrate a wide variation in MCD payments between states. When compared with MCR, the lower average state MCD reimbursement questions the sustainability for hand surgeons to accept these patients in practice.
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Hand (New York, N.Y.) · Oct 2020
A Simple Brochure Improves Disposal of Unused Opioids: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study.
We evaluated the effectiveness of a simple, low-cost educational brochure in improving disposal rates of unused opioids after outpatient upper extremity surgery. ⋯ Distribution of an educational brochure significantly improved disposal of unused opioids after surgery. This easily implemented intervention can improve disposal of unused opioids and ultimately decrease excess opioids available for diverted use in the community.