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Academic Emergency Medicine : Official... Dec 1997To determine whether telephone preauthorization for reimbursement of ED care (medical "gate-keeping") by managed care organizations (MCOs) is associated with adverse... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To determine whether telephone preauthorization for reimbursement of ED care (medical "gate-keeping") by managed care organizations (MCOs) is associated with adverse outcomes.
METHODS
A structured review was performed of case reports solicited during 1994 and 1995 with possible adverse outcomes related to managed care gatekeeping. Gatekeeping was defined as the requirement imposed by an MCO that ED staff contact on-call gatekeepers (i.e., clinical or nonclinical MCO personnel) to request preauthorization for ED treatment (a requirement that such MCOs enforce by refusing payment for the ED care unless preauthorization is obtained). Cases in which gatekeeper denial of preauthorization occurred were sought. Two physicians agreed on patient eligibility and classification criteria, then independently, retrospectively classified case reports identified as MCO ED payment denials into 1 of 4 categories: 1) adverse outcome; 2) patient placed at increased risk of death or disability; 3) "near miss" (emergency physicians prevented adverse outcome by caring for patient despite denial); and 4) none of the above.
RESULTS
Of the 143 cases reviewed, 29 reports represented MCO ED payment denial. Of these 29 eligible cases, there were 4 (14%) patients with adverse outcomes, 4 (14%) patients placed at increased risk, and 21 (72%) near misses. All of the 29 cases came from different EDs, representing 9 different states, with the majority from California. Adverse outcomes included respiratory failure from fulminant meningococcemia, hypovolemic syncope from ruptured ectopic pregnancy, hypovolemic arrest from vascular fibroid hemorrhage necessitating emergency hysterectomy, and prolonged postoperative course following ruptured duodenal ulcer. Patients placed at increased risk were diagnosed as having epiglottitis, myocardial infarction, ruptured ectopic pregnancy, and delayed treatment of hip septic arthritis. Near misses included diagnoses of ectopic pregnancy (n = 2), pneumothorax (n = 2), alcohol withdrawal seizures and pancreatitis necessitating intensive care unit admission, appendicitis, bacterial meningitis, cerebrovascular accident, cryptococal meningitis in immuno comprised host, endocarditis, incarerated inguinal hernia, meningocococemia, meninoccocal meningitis, peritonsillar abscess, pneumococcal meningitis, ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, shock from gastrointestinal bleeding, small bowel obstruction, schizophrenic crisis resulting in psychiatric hospitalization, suicidal depression resulting in psychiatric hospitalization, and unstable angina.
CONCLUSION
Adverse outcomes occur with MCO gatekeeping, Although the present study cannot ascertain whether this is a frequent event or a rare one, the safety of MCO gatekeeping deserves further study.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Child; Child, Preschool; Eligibility Determination; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Health Services Research; Humans; Insurance Claim Review; Male; Managed Care Programs; Middle Aged; Morbidity; Mortality; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Pregnancy; Referral and Consultation; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; United States
PubMed: 9408428
DOI: 10.1111/j.1553-2712.1997.tb03695.x -
Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease 2016The first aim of this study was to compare the microbiota of different locations (pus, tonsillar fossa, blood) in peritonsillar abscess (PTA) patients in order to...
OBJECTIVE
The first aim of this study was to compare the microbiota of different locations (pus, tonsillar fossa, blood) in peritonsillar abscess (PTA) patients in order to optimize the sampling scheme. The second aim was to estimate the occurrence of tonsillitis episodes and macroscopic oropharyngeal signs characteristic of recurrent tonsillitis in PTA patients.
METHODS
The study group consisted of 22 consecutive patients with PTA undergoing bilateral tonsillectomy. The PTA was punctured; pus and tonsillar fossa biopsy samples and the peripheral blood cultures were collected. The index of tonsillitis was calculated by multiplying the number of tonsillitis episodes per year by the morbidity period in years. Macroscopic oropharyngeal signs were evaluated and they were as follows: tonsillar sclerosis, obstruction of the tonsillar crypts, scar tissue on tonsils, cryptic debris, and lymphatic tissue aggregates.
RESULTS
The cultures of the pus were positive in 16 out of 22 patients and the cultures of the tonsillar fossa samples were positive in all cases. In total, 62 different organisms were found from tonsillar fossa, pus, and blood samples, which belonged to 5 different phyla and 18 different families.In the tonsillar fossa, the most frequent bacteria found were Streptococcus spp. In pus samples, the most frequently found bacteria were Streptococcus spp. and bacteria from the Streptococcus milleri group.
CONCLUSION
PTA patients had mixed anaerobic and aerobic microbiota both in the tissue of the tonsillar fossa and the pus of the peritonsillar space. We demonstrated that the tonsillar fossa specimen is a better material for microbiological analyses, because it reveals more bacteria per culture. PTA patients usually have a low number of tonsillitis episodes in their previous history, but a relatively high number of macroscopic oropharyngeal signs, indicating the sclerotic process in palatal tonsils.
PubMed: 27113570
DOI: 10.3402/mehd.v27.27787 -
Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and... Oct 2019Deep neck space infections (DNSI) are serious diseases that involve several spaces in the neck. These are commonly seen in low socioeconomic group with poor oral...
Deep neck space infections (DNSI) are serious diseases that involve several spaces in the neck. These are commonly seen in low socioeconomic group with poor oral hygiene, and nutritional disorders. These are bacterial infections originating from the upper aerodigestive tract. The incidence of this disease was relatively high before the advent of antibiotics. Treatment of DNSI includes antibiotic therapy, airway management and surgical intervention. Management of DNSI is traditionally based on prompt surgical drainage of the abscess followed by antibiotics or nonsurgical treatment using appropriate antibiotics in the case of cellulitis. This study was conducted to investigate the age and gender, clinical symptoms, site involved, etiology, co-morbidities, bacteriology, complications and outcomes in the patients of DNSI. A prospective study of deep neck space infections was conducted during the period July 2017 to July 2018 on the patients who attended the outpatient department and were admitted as inpatient in Safdarjung hospital, New Delhi. 40 Cases with DNSI all ages and both genders were included in the study. Patients who didn't require surgical intervention to drain pus were excluded. All parameters including age, gender, co-morbidities, presentation, site, bacteriology, complications, and investigations were studied. Due to advent of antibiotics, deep neck space infections are in decreasing trend. The common age group found to be affected is in 2nd and 3rd decade in our study. Out of all deep neck space infections, submandibular space infections were common (37.5%) followed by peritonsillar infections (12.5%). Infection of deep neck space remains fairly common and challenging disease for clinicians. Prompt recognition and treatment of DNSI are essential for an improved prognosis. Odontogenic and tonsillopharyngitis are the commonest cause. Key elements for improved results are the prompt recognition and early intervention. Special attention is required to high-risk groups such as diabetics, the elderly and patients with underlying systemic diseases as the condition may progress to life-threatening complications.
PubMed: 31742093
DOI: 10.1007/s12070-019-01583-4 -
Malaysian Family Physician : the... 2018Peritonsillar abscess, or quinsy, is a rare complication of acute tonsillitis. It usually presents with odynophagia, trismus, and muffled voice, reflecting the...
Peritonsillar abscess, or quinsy, is a rare complication of acute tonsillitis. It usually presents with odynophagia, trismus, and muffled voice, reflecting the space-occupying lesion in the oral cavity. Examination reveals a unilateral swelling on either side of the soft palate, which drains thick pus after an incision is made. It is regarded as an emergency as an upper airway obstruction can develop. Bilateral peritonsillar abscess is a rare presentation and results in catastrophic sequelae. We present a case of bilateral peritonsillar abscess that was initially referred by a primary care centre facing a dilemma in diagnosis. Prompt diagnosis and fast drainage are warranted to avoid unwanted morbidity, and, also, mortality.
PubMed: 29796210
DOI: No ID Found -
European Review For Medical and... Nov 2023In clinical practice, identifying abscesses in tonsillar infections is crucial for early therapeutic management. Diagnosis of a peritonsillar abscess is usually based on...
OBJECTIVE
In clinical practice, identifying abscesses in tonsillar infections is crucial for early therapeutic management. Diagnosis of a peritonsillar abscess is usually based on clinical symptoms. Complementary examination procedures, such as laboratory parameters and imaging, are available for confirmation.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A retrospective analysis was carried out of data for 752 patients who presented with acute tonsillar infection and were hospitalized between January 2012 and February 2021. The data analyses involved evaluating the patient's clinical symptoms, inflammatory parameters, and previous medical history in relation to the predictive power of these factors for the presence of an abscess.
RESULTS
Predictor analysis for the presence of an abscess showed significant values for trismus (OR 2.392; 95% CI, 1.305 to 4.383; p=0.005) and palatal arch protrusion (OR 29.679; 95% CI, 17.460 to 50.447; p=0.000). The inflammatory parameter C-reactive protein and the leukocyte count were not statistically significant as predictors.
CONCLUSIONS
The presence of a tonsillar abscess can be diagnosed from the clinical presentation alone if the findings are clear. Further diagnostic procedures are indicated in case of inconclusive findings, and ultrasound should be the primary noninvasive method. Computed tomography is only required in selected cases. Inflammatory parameters can be assessed in order to monitor therapy, but do not predict the presence of an abscess. However, if defined action sequences are being considered, tonsillar abscesses can be differentiated at an early point.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Tonsillitis; Peritonsillar Abscess; Leukocyte Count; C-Reactive Protein
PubMed: 37975394
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202311_34349 -
BMJ Case Reports Oct 2020Parathyroid cysts are rare lesions of the cervical region and less frequently of the mediastinum. They occur mostly in women and are usually asymptomatic. They generally...
Parathyroid cysts are rare lesions of the cervical region and less frequently of the mediastinum. They occur mostly in women and are usually asymptomatic. They generally occur in the fourth and fifth decades of life and mainly are non-functioning. They commonly present as a neck mass that is found incidentally during surgery or in imaging test. Its importance lies in the difficulty in diagnosis, often confusing itself with thyroid pathology. The diagnosis is usually made intraoperatively, confirmed by histopathological examination.The aim of this paper is to report a case of parathyroid cyst that mimics a thyroid nodule.
Topics: Adult; Biopsy, Fine-Needle; Cysts; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Incidental Findings; Male; Parathyroid Diseases; Parathyroid Glands; Parathyroidectomy; Peritonsillar Abscess; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 33040031
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2019-232017 -
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology Jul 2021The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on healthcare has led to rapid changes in otolaryngology service provisions. As such, new standard operating procedures for the...
BACKGROUND
The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on healthcare has led to rapid changes in otolaryngology service provisions. As such, new standard operating procedures for the management of suspected tonsillitis or quinsy were implemented in our centre.
METHODS
A retrospective audit was performed of acute referrals to ENT of patients with suspected tonsillitis, peritonsillar cellulitis or quinsy, during the 10 weeks before (group 1) and 10 weeks after (group 2) implementation of the new standard operating procedures.
RESULTS
Group 2 received fewer referrals. Fewer nasendoscopies were performed and corticosteroid use was reduced. The frequency of quinsy drainage performed under local anaesthetic increased, although the difference was not statistically significant. Hospital admission rates decreased from 56.1 to 20.4 per cent, and mean length of stay increased from 1.13 to 1.5 days. Face-to-face follow up decreased from 15.0 to 8.2 per cent, whilst virtual follow up increased from 4.7 to 16.3 per cent. There were no significant differences in re-presentation or re-admission rates.
CONCLUSION
Management of suspected tonsillitis or quinsy using the new standard operating procedures appears to be safe and effective. This management should now be applied to an out-patient setting in otherwise systemically well patients.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biopsy, Fine-Needle; COVID-19; Drainage; Female; Hospitalization; Humans; Length of Stay; London; Male; Middle Aged; Otolaryngology; Peritonsillar Abscess; Practice Patterns, Physicians'; Quality Improvement; Referral and Consultation; Retrospective Studies; Tonsillitis; Young Adult
PubMed: 33913412
DOI: 10.1017/S0022215121001213 -
IDCases 2021The authors present a case of a 33-year-old African American male with respiratory diphtheria. The patient was initially assumed to have a peritonsillar abscess before...
The authors present a case of a 33-year-old African American male with respiratory diphtheria. The patient was initially assumed to have a peritonsillar abscess before various laboratory tests. He complained of dysphagia, throat pain, and shortness of breath. The patient's physical examination, supported by video laryngoscopy imaging and a CT scan, showed swelling of his pharynx. The patient reports that he was recently incarcerated for one year and did not receive immunizations as a child. Following his diagnosis, the patient was treated and subsequently recovered.
PubMed: 33364166
DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2020.e01020 -
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons... Jan 2017INTRODUCTION Sore throat and tonsillitis place a significant burden on the National Health Service. National guideline criteria for gauging the severity of sore throat... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
INTRODUCTION Sore throat and tonsillitis place a significant burden on the National Health Service. National guideline criteria for gauging the severity of sore throat and tonsillitis have reduced the number of tonsillectomies performed, which is thought to have increased the rate of tonsil-related infections. METHODS Data was extracted from the prospective Patient Episode Database of Wales and analysed to determine the annual number of tonsillectomies for recurrent tonsillitis, adjusted for population changes. Admissions to acute hospitals for tonsillitis, peritonsillar abscess and deep neck space abscesses were also examined. RESULTS Between 1999 and 2014, hospital admissions for tonsillitis rose three-fold (r=0.968), while admissions for peritonsillar abscess rose by 48% (r=0.857) and retro or parapharyngeal abscess admissions also increased (r=0.709). In contrast, the number of tonsillectomies per 100,000 population gradually decreased (r=-0.16). There was a positive correlation between the incidence of tonsillitis and admissions for peritonsillar abscess (adjusted r 0.631; p=0.015) and retropharyngeal abscess (adjusted r 0.442; p=0.00254). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the incidence of tonsillitis and the number of tonsillectomies performed (adjusted r=-0.07; p=0.0235). CONCLUSIONS The significant rise in tonsillitis in Wales raises the question as to whether we should revisit the criteria for tonsillectomy. The perceived cost saving from limiting certain procedures should not prevent healthcare policymakers from considering all other evidence. The rise in peritonsillar, retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscess is alarming, as they are associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
Topics: Hospitalization; Humans; Peritonsillar Abscess; Pharyngitis; Prospective Studies; Recurrence; Retropharyngeal Abscess; Tonsillectomy; Tonsillitis; Wales
PubMed: 27513803
DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2016.0261 -
The Laryngoscope Jul 2019Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a common infectious complication of pharyngeal infection managed by otolaryngologists and emergency room physicians. Streptococcus and...
OBJECTIVE
Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a common infectious complication of pharyngeal infection managed by otolaryngologists and emergency room physicians. Streptococcus and Fusobacterium (e.g., Fusobacterium necrophorum, FN) species are commonly isolated pathogens. The aim of this study was to determine the implication of culture results on abscess recurrence following drainage.
METHODS
Single-institution retrospective review of patients treated at the University of Michigan between 2000 and 2017. Demographic and clinical outcome data were analyzed, including treatment details, culture data, and recurrence.
RESULTS
One hundred fifty-six of the 990 patients in our study developed recurrence of their abscess (16%). The age ranges most susceptible to recurrence included adolescent (22.9%) and young adult groups (17.1%). Recurrent patients were more likely to have experienced acute progression of symptoms (79% vs. 71%, P = 0.03), trismus (67% vs. 55%, P = 0.006), voice changes (65% vs. 57%, P = 0.04), and dysphagia (72% vs. 61%, P = 0.01) compared to nonrecurrent patients. They were also more likely to have clinical lymphadenopathy noted on initial examination (67% vs. 56%, P = 0.009). Culture data was sent for 852 patients (86%). The presence of FN was significantly more prevalent in the recurrent group (P < 0.0001).
CONCLUSION
There is a high observed prevalence of FN species within PTA aspirates in the recurrent PTA population. PTA aspirate should be sent for anaerobic growth to screen for Fusobacterium species. In addition, follow-up and lower threshold for subsequent tonsillectomy should be considered in this at-risk group.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
3 Laryngoscope, 129:1567-1571, 2019.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Child; Child, Preschool; Colony Count, Microbial; Drainage; Female; Fusobacterium Infections; Fusobacterium necrophorum; Humans; Infant; Male; Middle Aged; Peritonsillar Abscess; Prevalence; Recurrence; Retrospective Studies; Tonsillectomy; Young Adult
PubMed: 30582617
DOI: 10.1002/lary.27675