title: Economic impact of a head and neck oncologic surgeon: the case mix index.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Head and neck oncologic surgery is a time-consuming specialty that requires extensive resources and manpower. Case mix index (CMI) is used in evaluating the complexity and economic impact of surgeons. Head and neck oncologic surgeons generate significant revenue for hospitals, yet compensation is relatively low.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective review of a tertiary hospital's case mix data for 605 otolaryngology admissions from 2009 to 2011 was performed. CMI comparison for head and neck oncologic surgeons versus general otolaryngology was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In an otolaryngology department of 9 surgeons; there was a significant difference (p < .01) in the CMI and a significantly greater chance to have a "good CMI" (CMI >1) favoring head and neck oncologic surgeons.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Head and neck oncologic surgeons increase the CMI for hospitals and ultimately influence the hospital's reimbursement. There is a need for increased collaboration between hospitals and departments in fostering and furthering their head and neck surgical oncology programs by taking CMI into consideration.
authors.affiliation: Division of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and Skullbase Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Scharukh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jalisi
authors.forename: Akshay
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sanan
authors.forename: Katie
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mcdonough
authors.forename: Khalil
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hussein
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Platt
authors.forename: Minh Tam
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Truong
authors.forename: Marion
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Couch
authors.forename: Brian B
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Burkey
mesh_terms: D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000191:economics / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D016522:Oncology Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics*; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000191:economics*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013043:Specialties, Surgical / Q000191:economics*; D062606:Tertiary Care Centers / Q000191:economics*; D014481:United States
keywords: case mix index; head and neck oncologic surgery; head and neck surgeon; health care reform; health economics