Demographic and socioeconomic determinants of missing labs and imaging for otolaryngologic clinical visits

Abstract

Objectives/hypothesis: Socioeconomics and demographics have been shown to be determinates of healthcare in specialty clinics, in which thorough research is lacking in the setting of the United States clinical sphere. We set out to determine the impact of socioeconomic and demographic factors on patient preparedness in an otolaryngologic clinic as to highlight the need for awareness in this aspect of disparate and delayed clinical care.

Study design: Retrospective chart review.

Methods: A chart review was conducted of 482 patients who visited our otolaryngology clinic between June 1, 2020 and June 1, 2023. Demographic data including marital status, gender, age, zip code, and race was collected.

Results: Our study found several interesting points of significance. Marital status was a significant determinant of whether patients had missing labs and/or imaging (p = .001). Age was a significant determinant of patients having their imaging (p < .0001). Patients were more likely to have all their labs and imaging at a follow-up appointment compared to an initial appointment (p < .0001). Finally, a patient's zip code was found to be a significant determinant of whether a patient no-showed an appointment or arrived with all their needed imaging and labs (p = .004).

Conclusions: Having the needed labs and imaging for a clinical visit is vital to providing timely and well-informed care for all patients. This study highlighted several potential determinates of missing labs and imaging. Elderly patients were less likely to have imaging, which may be attributed to transportation issues and a weaker support system. Individuals who were married were more likely to have their imaging. Married individuals may have a stronger support system, where their spouses can provide transportation and reminders for appointments. Finally, the significance of zip code highlights the role transportation distance and living in an underserved area may have on patients being able to go to their appointments or obtain their needed imaging.

Level of evidence: 4.

Keywords: determinates; follow‐up; imaging; missing labs.