Racial Disparities in the Cost of Unplanned Hospitalizations after Breast Reconstruction

The study found that while race was not an independent predictor of unplanned hospital visits after breast reconstruction surgery, racial minorities experienced a higher cost burden even after accounting for insurance status. This highlighted ongoing health care disparities. The researchers suggested that adjusted payment models could help reduce these disparities in surgical care. They also recommended using both direct and indirect measures to more effectively identify and address the consequences of health care inequities.