Intersurgeon cost variation in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion persists even when adjusting for patient comorbidities, according to findings published in Spine.
Here are five things to know:
1. Researchers conducted a retrospective review to assess the contribution of surgeon-specific cost variability and patient-reported outcomes to overall ACDF variability.
2. The study included 431 patients from a prospective registry database undergoing elective primary ACDF by five different surgeons.
3. Direct and indirect 90-day costs were compared across each surgeon as well as PROs. Predicted costs were calculated based on patient comorbidities.
4. Despite surgeon-specific cost variations, there were no differences in PROs across the surgeons.
5. The study authors found no apparent correlation between increased surgeon-specific costs and 90-day PROs. The researchers conclude intersurgeon cost variation can be improved without compromising PROs.