Research published in the Journal of Arthroplasty examined the impact certificate of need laws might have on total hip arthroplasty volume.
Researchers studied the 100% Medicare Standard Analytic Files from 2005-2014 to compare total hip arthroplasty volumes, as well as reimbursements, charges and distribution of procedures based on facility volumes.
Here are the key details to know:
1. The per-capita incidence of total hip arthroplasty was higher in states without CON laws than those with CON laws.
2. The rate of change in incidence of total hip arthroplasty over the time period was higher in states with CON laws.
3. In CON states, patients typically had a longer length of stay and were more likely to receive care in high volume hospitals than patients who received care in non-CON states.
4. "CON laws did not appear to have limited the growth in incidence of total hip arthroplasty nor improved quality of care or outcomes during the study time period. It does appear that CON laws are associated with increased concentration of total hip arthroplasty procedures at higher volume facilities. Given the inherent potential confounding population and geographic factors, additional research is needed to confirm these findings," the researchers concluded.