Title: Understanding Racial Differences in Access to Quality Cardiac Surgeons
Investigator: Mukamel, Dana B.
Investigator Affiliation/Address: University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 644, Rochester, NY 14642
Investigator Tel: (716) 275-1985
Fax: (716) 461-4532
Email Address: dana_mukamel@urmc.rochester.edu
Supporting Agency: Commonwealth Fund
Performing Agency: University of Rochester Medical Center
Initial Year: 0109
Final Year: 0408
Award Type: Grant
Grant Support: 20010555
Abstract: Minority men and women are less likely than whites overall to receive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for the treatment of heart disease. Moreover, a recent study found that minority patients who do undergo these life-saving procedures often do so in the hands of surgeons or in hospitals with higher risk-adjusted mortality rates. This project seeks to understand the dynamics that prevent minority patients from accessing high-quality cardiac surgeons.
Population Base: State
Study Population: Medicare beneficiaries in New York State who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Study Design: Specifically, this study will analyze data for Medicare beneficiaries in New York State who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery to identify factors associated with referral to poorer-outcome surgeons and facilities. It will also examine whether a correlation exists between needing emergent surgery and receiving poorer-outcome surgical care, and whether minority patients receive poor-outcome surgical care because they are hospitalized in facilities with a concentration of surgeons with higher risk-adjusted mortality rates. Project staff will identify numerous areas for future interventions to improve cardiac care for minority patients.
MeSH Terms:
Other ID: CMWL/20021221
State: New York (NY)
Zip Code: 14642
UI: 2002
Project Status: Ongoing