Socioeconomic “Distressed Communities Index” Improves Surgical Risk-adjustment

Objective: We hypothesize the Distressed Communities Index (DCI), a composite socioeconomic ranking by ZIP code, will predict risk-adjusted outcomes after surgery. Summary of Background Data: Socioeconomic status affects surgical outcomes; however, the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database does not account for these factors. Methods: All ACS NSQIP patients (17,228) undergoing surgery (2005...