Delays in Obtaining Knee MRI in Pediatric Sports Medicine: Impact of Insurance Type

This study sought to report on the impact of insurance type on access to and results of knee MRI in pediatric sports medicine patients. Methods: A retrospective review of 178 consecutive pediatric sports medicine clinics was completed. Inclusion criteria: patients younger than 18 years, routine knee MRI ordered, sports medicine diagnosis, and insurance. Data included basic demographics, injury date, date and location (urgent care vs. clinic) of the first presentation, details of MRI ordering and approval, date and location of MRI follow-up, MRI results (negative, minor findings, major findings), and eventual treatment required. Results: A total of 168 charts underwent a complete review. The patients’ average age was 14±3 years and 54% (N=90) were female. Ninety-eight had government insurance and 70 had commercial insurance. The time between injury and MRI completion was significantly longer with government insurance (34 vs. 67 d, P
Source: Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Knee Source Type: research