National Geographical Variation in Sinus Balloon Dilation

Abstract

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to describe national variations in sinus balloon dilation (SBD), examine the relationship between endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and SBD prevalence patterns, and evaluate associations between reimbursement rates and regional variations in sinus surgery. Study Design: Retrospective observational study. Setting: Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment (PUP) Part B Data from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2016. Subjects and Methods: Physicians in the PUP Part B Database Performing ESS or SBD in 2016. States were stratified into average- or high-volume utilizers based on the number of ESS procedures and SBD procedures per population and compared. Results: Eight states were classified as high-volume utilizers of SBD—Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Texas. Only 3 of these states—Kansas, Mississippi, and Nevada—were classified as high-volume utilizers of ESS. Reimbursement rates were significantly higher for SBD as compared to ESS ($1538 [interquartile range (IQR), 1473-1664] vs $335 [IQR, 261-412] per procedure, P