Health
Bariatric surgeries soar
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Feb. 5, 2007
Surgery for obesity increased dramatically from 1998 to 2004, according to a report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality released in January.
According to the paper, "Bariatric Surgery Utilization and Outcomes in 1998 and 2004," from the agency's Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, this type of operation has gone up 804% from 13,386 procedures in 1998 to 121,055 in 2004. Associated inpatient costs increased 756%, with about $147 million spent in 1998. In 2004, more than $1.26 billion was expended.
This is explained by the fact that this procedure's safety profile has improved, and the number of people who are eligible has grown.
Officials are warning the health care system to be braced for the increasing number of people who receive this surgery and who will need aftercare.
"As the rate of obesity continues to climb, the health care system needs to be prepared for continued escalation in the rate of this surgery and its potential complications," said AHRQ Director Carolyn M. Clancy, MD.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2007/02/05/hlbf0205.htm.
