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Managing Craniomaxillofacial Injury Without Inpatient Consult: Outcomes and Patient Cost Savings

Background We hypothesized that trauma surgeons can safely selectively manage traumatic craniomaxillofacial injuries (CMF) without specialist consult, thereby decreasing the overall cost burden to patients. Methods A 4-year retrospective analysis of all CMF fractures diagnosed on facial CT scans. CMF consultation was compared with no-CMF consultation. Demographics, injury severity, and specialty consultation charges were recorded. Penetrating injuries, skull fractures, or patients completing inpatient craniofacial surgery were excluded. Results 303 patients were studied (124 CMF consultation vs 179 no-CMF consultation), mean age was 47.8 years, with 70% males. Mean Glasgow Coma Scale and Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 14 ± 3.4 and 10 ± 9, respectively. Patients with CMF consults had higher ISS (P < .001) and needed surgery on admission (P < .001), while no-CMF consults had shorter length of stay (P < .002). No in-hospital mortality or 30-day readmission rates were related to no-CMF consult. Total patient charges saved with no-CMF consultation was $26 539.96. Discussion Trauma surgeons can selectively manage acute CMF injuries without inpatient specialist consultation. Additional guidelines can be established to avoid tertiary transfers for specialty consultation and decrease patient charges.