Gross Pathology of Routine Pediatric Tonsillectomy Specimens: Optimizing the Value of Patient Care

Abstract

Objective This investigation seeks to evaluate the effect of gross pathologic analysis on our management of patients undergoing routine tonsillectomy and to evaluate charges and reimbursement. Study Design Retrospective chart review from 2005 through 2016. Setting Academic medical center. Subjects and Methods Participants were pediatric patients aged 14 years and younger undergoing tonsillectomy for either sleep-disordered breathing or tonsillitis, with tonsillectomy specimens evaluated by pathology, and without any risk factors for pediatric malignancy. Records were reviewed for demographics, surgical indications, and pathology. Abnormal reports prompted an in-depth review of the chart. Charges and reimbursement related to both hospital and professional fees for gross tonsil analysis were evaluated. Results From 2005 to 2016, 3183 routine pediatric tonsillectomy cases were performed with corresponding specimens that were sent for gross analysis revealing no significant pathologic findings; 1841 were males and 1342 were females. Ten cases underwent microscopy by pathologist order, revealing normal tonsillar tissue. The mean charge per patient for gross analysis was $60.67 if tonsils were together as 1 specimen and $77.67 if tonsils were sent as 2 separate specimens; respective reimbursement amounts were $28.74 and $35.90. Conclusions Gross pathologic analysis did not change our management of routine pediatric tonsillectomy patients. Foregoing the practice at our institution would eliminate $19,171.72 to $24,543.72 in charges and $9081.40 to $11,344.40 in reimbursement per year. Eliminating this test would improve the value of patient care by saving health care resources without compromising clinical outcomes.

Occult Malignancy in Adult Tonsillectomy for Benign Indication

“…Assuming that this rate is representative of practices nationwide, use of the Beaty-Schrock criteria to select specimens for pathologic analysis could allow for 79% of adult tonsillectomy patients with benign indication to forego microscopic histopathologic analysis. Prior authors have reported potential benefits from reduction in pathology usage, 10,25 though detailed analysis of such benefits is beyond the scope of this study.…”