Patterns of otolaryngologic surgery utilization in Syracuse, NY.

Utilization of otolaryngologic surgical procedures performed in Syracuse, NY, during 1983 and 1984 was evaluated. Both inpatient and outpatient procedures were included; classification was according to diagnosis related groups. The system-wide portion of the analysis demonstrated that 62.5% of otolaryngologic operations carried out during the study were performed in outpatient settings. Total utilization was highest for myringotomies, tonsillectomies, and adenoidectomies, over 80% of which were performed on an outpatient basis. The program-specific portion of the analysis indicated that the highest volumes for these procedures were produced by a free-standing ambulatory surgery program with dedicated facilities and staff. However, a hospital-integrated program, which made use of inpatient resources, also served a majority of total hospital cases for several types of procedures.