The type of primary insurance patients carry affects outcomes of cardiac valve operations in the U.S., according to a new study. As a result, the type of primary insurance should be considered as an independent risk factor during preoperative risk stratification and planning, the researchers reported. They found that uninsured and Medicaid patients incur worse unadjusted and risk-adjusted outcomes following cardiac valve operations compared with those who carry private insurance.

Source: Outcomes for cardiac valve procedure patients are affected by insurance status, study finds