Hand (New York, N.Y.)
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Hand (New York, N.Y.) · Nov 2021
Out-of-Pocket Spending for Thumb Carpometacarpal Arthritis: Capitation Matters.
Background: Patients are increasingly responsible for direct medical expenditures with a growth in out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses, which can impede access to care and affect treatment. This study aims to investigate the impact of capitation on OOP expenses for surgical and presurgical treatment for thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthritis. Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of thumb CMC arthritis who underwent surgery (2009-2016) comprised our study cohort. ⋯ In the adjusted regression, MC, Medicare-FFS, and Medicare-MC had approximately 21% to 46% of the predicted OOP expenses of patients with FFS plans (P < .01). Conclusion: Despite similar total costs, OOP expenses were significantly greater for patients with FFS or Medicare-FFS insurance. With healthcare costs transitioning to patients, providers should consider cost sharing when conferring care to help alleviate the financial burden placed on patients.