Posters
Presenting Author Academic/Professional Position
Patrick De La Torre Schutz
Academic Level (Author 1)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 2)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 3)
Faculty
Discipline/Specialty (Author 3)
Neuroscience
Academic Level (Author 4)
Faculty
Discipline/Specialty (Author 4)
Neuroscience
Academic Level (Author 5)
Medical Student
Discipline Track
Patient Care
Abstract Type
Research/Clinical
Abstract
Insurance status and race have been significant predictors of delayed care and reduced imaging utilization in emergency settings, particularly among minority and Medicaid-insured populations (Moser, Shan). The reasoning for the disparities in treatment for these underserved populations is still not well understood. To further analyze these claims, this study examined whether demographic factors such as ethnicity, sex, age, insurance type, and fracture classification were associated with differences in imaging modality among patients with femur fractures. Data from the Texas Department of State Health Services Trauma Registry (2018–2022) was analyzed using logistic regression to determine the odds ratios of receiving CT, MRI, Ultrasound, or X-ray based on patient characteristics. The results suggest that ethnicity and insurance-related disparities persist in imaging decisions, with certain groups—especially Hispanic and uninsured patients—more likely to receive fewer or less advanced imaging studies. These findings highlight an opportunity to implement standardized emergency department protocols to reduce inequities in diagnostic imaging for femur fractures. This standardized procedure could positively impact clinical outcomes and resource allocations in overcrowded Emergency Rooms.
Presentation Type
Poster
Recommended Citation
De La Torre Schutz, Patrick; Bellon, Bryce M.; Salinas, Daniel; Baker, Kelsey; and Gohar, Hamaad, "Differences in emergency department imaging modalities for femur fractures based on insurance and demographics" (2025). Research Colloquium. 82.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/colloquium/2025/posters/82
Included in
Diagnosis Commons, Emergency Medicine Commons, Quality Improvement Commons, Radiology Commons, Trauma Commons
Differences in emergency department imaging modalities for femur fractures based on insurance and demographics
Insurance status and race have been significant predictors of delayed care and reduced imaging utilization in emergency settings, particularly among minority and Medicaid-insured populations (Moser, Shan). The reasoning for the disparities in treatment for these underserved populations is still not well understood. To further analyze these claims, this study examined whether demographic factors such as ethnicity, sex, age, insurance type, and fracture classification were associated with differences in imaging modality among patients with femur fractures. Data from the Texas Department of State Health Services Trauma Registry (2018–2022) was analyzed using logistic regression to determine the odds ratios of receiving CT, MRI, Ultrasound, or X-ray based on patient characteristics. The results suggest that ethnicity and insurance-related disparities persist in imaging decisions, with certain groups—especially Hispanic and uninsured patients—more likely to receive fewer or less advanced imaging studies. These findings highlight an opportunity to implement standardized emergency department protocols to reduce inequities in diagnostic imaging for femur fractures. This standardized procedure could positively impact clinical outcomes and resource allocations in overcrowded Emergency Rooms.
