How payment models affect surgical care for vulnerable populations

The impact of population and episode-based payment models on surgical disparities

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10862690

This study looks at how Medicare's payment systems affect access to surgery for people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, as well as those with lower incomes, to see if these systems make it harder for them to get the care they need.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10862690 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how Medicare's payment models impact access to surgical care for racial and ethnic minorities and individuals with low socioeconomic status. It focuses on understanding whether these models inadvertently worsen existing disparities in surgical outcomes and access. By analyzing data on surgical procedures and patient demographics, the research aims to provide insights that can help policymakers design better payment models that protect vulnerable patients. The study will assess the effects of these payment models on surgical care across different insurance types and provider financial incentives.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include racial and ethnic minorities and individuals with low socioeconomic status who require surgical procedures.

Not a fit: Patients who do not belong to vulnerable groups or who do not require surgical interventions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved surgical access and outcomes for vulnerable patient populations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that payment models can significantly impact healthcare access and outcomes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.