Outcomes of surgery under Medicaid

In this study, health outcomes during the 6-month period following surgery are examined for all Medicaid recipients in Michigan and Georgia who underwent selected surgical procedures between July 1, 1981, and June 30, 1982. Readmissions were somewhat more prevalent in both States for hysterectomy, cholecystectomy, appendectomy, and myringotomy. On almost all measures in both States, levels of post-surgical utilization, expenditure, and complications were higher among females, older patients, Supplemental Security Income enrollees, and those with higher levels of presurgical utilization and longer and more costly surgical stays. The results further demonstrate the utility of claims data in monitoring outcomes of surgery.