An Instrumental Variable Analysis Comparing Medicare Expenditures for Laparoscopic vs Open Colectomy.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Numerous study findings suggest that the use of laparoscopy is associated with lower health care costs for many operations, including colectomy. The extent to which these differences are due to the laparoscopic approach itself or selection bias from healthier patients undergoing the less invasive procedure is unclear.

Objective

To evaluate the differences in Medicare expenditures for laparoscopic and open colectomy.

Design, setting, and participants

A population-based study was conducted of Medicare beneficiaries undergoing laparoscopic or open colectomy between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2012. The dates of the analysis were November 13 to December 10, 2016. Using instrumental variable methods to account for selection bias, actual Medicare payments a

SUBMITTER: Sheetz KH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5710277 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature