In the superobese, weight loss and resolution of obesity comorbidities after biliopancreatic bypass and/or duodenal switch vary according to health insurance carrier: Medicaid vs Medicare vs Private insurance vs Self-Pay in 1681 Bariatric Outcomes Longitudinal Database patients.

BACKGROUND

Differences in Medicaid vs Medicare vs Private vs Self-Pay duodenal switch (DS) results are unknown. This study identified DS outcomes variations by health insurance.

METHODS

Data from 1,681 DS patients were analyzed retrospectively: Medicaid (n = 138), Medicare (n = 313), Private insurance (n = 1,171), and Self-Pay (n = 59). General linear models included baseline and postoperative data and were modified for dichotomous variables.

RESULTS

Hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, abdominal hernia, diabetes, and 9 other hepatobiliary, and somatic conditions were lowest in Private (P < .05). Self-Pay cholelithiasis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, back and/or musculoskeletal pain, and 3 others were lowest; asthma, angina, congestive heart failure, alcohol use, liver disease, and 3 others were highest (P < .05). Medicare had highest abdominal hernia and musculoskeletal pain, pseudotumor cerebri; lowest asthma, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (P < .05). Medicaid hypertension, sleep apnea, cholelithiasis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, diabetes, back pain, and 5 others were highest (P < .05); dyslipidemia and alcohol use were lowest.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes after DS vary by health insurance. These findings may facilitate management of DS patients.