Insurance-Related Differences in the Risk of Ruptured Appendix

Abstract

Among patients with appendicitis an increased risk of ruptured appendix may be due to insurance-related delays in obtaining medical care. Both organizational and financial features of Medicaid and various types or levels of private third-party coverage may be involved. The significant association between ruptured appendix and insurance coverage after adjustment for socio-economic differences suggests barriers to receiving medically necessary acute care that should be considered in current deliberations on health policy.