Understanding why insured patients still face emergency surgeries

Modifiable factors in emergent presentation of potentially elective general surgical disease for patients who are insured or insurance-eligible

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11004167

This study looks at why some people with health insurance still end up needing emergency surgeries instead of getting the planned surgeries they need on time, especially focusing on those who face extra challenges, and it aims to find ways to make it easier for everyone to get the care they deserve.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11004167 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the reasons why patients with health care coverage still often require emergency surgeries instead of receiving timely elective care. It focuses on vulnerable populations who, despite having insurance, face barriers to accessing necessary surgical treatments. The study aims to identify modifiable factors that contribute to these disparities, using detailed data collection and analysis to inform potential interventions. By examining the relationship between insurance status, race, income, and access to care, the research seeks to improve health outcomes for these patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have health care coverage but still experience delays in receiving elective surgical care.

Not a fit: Patients who are uninsured or do not have eligibility for health care coverage may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to elective surgical care for insured patients, reducing the need for emergency interventions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has highlighted disparities in access to care, but this study aims to explore untested modifiable factors that could lead to significant improvements.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, 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.