Ethnic and economic disparities effect on management of hyperparathyroidism

Abstract

Background Successful parathyroidectomy requires advanced surgeon experience. We aim to examine population characteristics at risk of being managed by low-volume surgeons. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed utilizing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, 2004 to 2009. The study population included adult inpatients who underwent parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism. Results A total of 3,503 discharge records were included. Men, Hispanics, and those with Medicaid/Medicare health coverage were more likely to be managed by low-volume surgeons (P