In focus: perplexing increase of urinary stone disease in children, adolescent and young adult women and its economic impact.

Background: Urinary stone disease (USD) historically has affected older men, but studies suggest recent increases in women, leading to a near identical sex incidence ratio. USD incidence has doubled every 10 years, with disproportionate increases amongst children, adolescent, and young adult (AYA) women. USD stone composition in women is frequently apatite (calcium phosphate), which forms in a higher urine pH, low urinary citrate, and an abundance of urinary uric acid, while men produce more calcium oxalate stones. The reasons for this epidemiological trend are unknown. Methods: This perspective presents the extent of USD with data from a Canadian Province and a North American institution, explanations for these findings and offers potential solutions to decrease this trend. We describe the economic impact of USD. Findings: There was a significant increase of 46% in overall surgical interventions for USD in Ontario. The incidence rose from 47.0/100,000 in 2002 to 68.7/100,000 population in 2016. In a single United States institution, the overall USD annual unique patient count rose from 10,612 to 17,706 from 2015 to 2019, and the proportion of women with USD was much higher than expected. In the 10-17-year-old patients, 50.1% were girls; with 57.5% in the 18-34 age group and 53.6% in the 35-44 age group. The roles of obesity, diet, hormones, environmental factors, infections, and antibiotics, as well as the economic impact, are discussed. Interpretation: We confirm the significant increase in USD among women. We offer potential explanations for this sex disparity, including microbiological and pathophysiological aspects. We also outline innovative solutions - that may require steps beyond typical preventive and treatment recommendations.

Linguistic Differences Based on Gender and Race in Urology Application Personal Statements: A Comparison of 2017 and 2023 Applications.

While diversity and inclusion efforts have increased in urology, comparative analysis of personal statements from 2016-2017 and 2022-2023 residency applications showed few linguistic changes over time by gender or race/ethnicity. These results suggest the need for directed efforts to engage, mentor, and coach females and underrepresented minorities during medical school and the urology application process.

The Impact of Bilateral Stone Disease on Patients' Disease Progression and Health-Related Quality of Life.

Purpose: Patients with recurring kidney stone events can expect significant morbidity and functional impairment. Few studies have evaluated the effect of bilateral kidney stones on disease progression and quality of life. We wanted to determine the association of bilateral stone disease on age of onset, and the impact on number of stone events and individual kidney stone disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL) by analyzing the validated and prospectively collected Wisconsin Stone Quality of Life (WISQOL) database. Materials and Methods: We studied 2906 stone patients from 16 centers in North America after having completed the WISQOL questionnaire from 2014 to 2019. Kidney stone formers were assessed if kidney stones were bilateral or unilateral on imaging. Analysis with a chi-square test compared categorical variables. Bilateral kidney stone disease and its impact on HRQOL were evaluated through a multivariable linear regression model. Results: Of 2906 kidney stone formers, 1340 had unilateral kidney stones and 1566 had bilateral kidney stones. We observed more frequently that patients with bilateral stones had an increased number of depression/anxiety symptoms, renal tubular acidosis, and rheumatoid arthritis (all p < 0.05). Patients with bilateral stones had a younger mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of kidney stone disease onset (37.2 ± 15.8 vs 46.4 ± 15.9 years of age, p < 0.001). Bilateral kidney stone formers had a higher mean (SD) number of stone events (11.3 ± 21.8) than unilateral kidney stone formers (3.0 ± 5.1) (p < 0.001). Within our multivariable analysis, we found that HRQOL was negatively affected by the presence of bilateral stones for kidney stone patients (ß = -11.2 [confidence interval: -19.5 to -3.0] points, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Bilateral kidney stone formers had a younger age of kidney stone disease onset and a higher number of stone events compared with unilateral kidney stone disease formers. The presence of bilateral kidney stone disease negatively impacted HRQOL.

Comparison of Cost and Perioperative Outcomes Among Patients Undergoing Simple Prostatectomy and Laser Enucleation of the Prostate.

Introduction: Simple prostatectomy (SP) and laser enucleation of the prostate (LEP) are treatments for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with large glands (e.g., >80 g). The decision between the two operations is often dependent on surgeon preference/experience and equipment availability. As the use of minimally invasive techniques, such as robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy, has increased for the treatment of large gland BPH, studies comparing the outcomes and cost of these modalities in a contemporary cohort are lacking. Methods: All-payer data from Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Databases from Florida, New York, California, and Maryland from 2016 to 2018 were used to identify adults who underwent SP or LEP for BPH. Patient demographics, facility characteristics, revisit rates, and cost of the index hospitalization were examined. Multivariable logistic and gamma generalized linear regression models were utilized to compare predictors of the operation performed, 30-day revisits, and index hospitalization cost among the two operations. Results: Of the 2032 patients in the cohort, 1067 (46.4%) underwent LEP and 965 (41.9%) underwent SP. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, SP patients were younger, had higher comorbidity scores, and were more likely to be uninsured compared with LEP patients. Thirty-day revisit rates among the operations were equivalent (odds ratio 0.89, 95% confidence interval 0.63-1.27, p = 0.05). The mean adjusted cost of the index hospital stay for LEP was significantly greater than that of SP ($7291 vs $6442, p = 0.04). However, our sub-group analysis examining high-volume centers revealed no significant differences in cost ($6184 vs $5353, p = 0.1). Conclusions: Across the four states examined, SP and LEP were performed with comparable volume and had similar rates of 30-day revisits. The SP was less expensive than LEP overall; however, among high-volume facilities, the cost of both operations was reduced, such that they were equivalent.

The Duration of Stone Disease and the Impact of a Stone Event on Patients' Quality of Life.

Introduction: With a 5-year stone recurrence rate of 30% to 50%, kidney stone formers are subject to significant morbidity that negatively impacts their health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We sought to determine the impact of age at kidney stone onset, duration of stone disease, and kidney stone event (surgery or stone passage) on HRQOL of individual patients by querying the validated and prospectively collected Wisconsin Stone Quality of Life (WISQOL) database. Patients and Methods: Cross-sectional data were obtained from a total of 2438 kidney stone formers from 14 institutions in North America who completed the WISQOL questionnaire during the period from 2014 to 2019. The 28-question survey has a 1- to 5-point scale for each item (total score range 0-140). Multivariable linear regression models assessed the impact of age at kidney stone onset, duration of stone disease, and time since most recent surgery or stone passage on HRQOL. Results: Of 2438 patients, older age at kidney stone onset and longer duration of disease were both independent predictors of better WISQOL scores (ß = 0.33 points/year; confidence interval [CI] 0.17-0.49; p < 0.001; and ß = 0.50 points/year; CI 0.32-0.68; p < 0.001, respectively). Of 1376 patients who underwent surgery between 2010 and 2019, longer time since most recent surgery was an independent predictor of better WISQOL scores (ß = 2.28 points/year; CI: 1.47-3.10; p = <0.001). Of 1027 patients with spontaneous stone passage occurring between 2010 and 2019, longer time since most recent stone passage was an independent predictor of better WISQOL scores (ß = 1.59 points/year; CI: 0.59-2.59; p = <0.05). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that older age at onset, longer duration of disease, and longer time since most recent surgery or stone passage were independent predictors of better HRQOL in kidney stone formers. Results of future studies that focus on optimizing stone-related modifiable risk factors to decrease the number of recurrent stone episodes and thus the need for recurrent surgeries will be essential.

Predictors and Cost Comparison of Subsequent Urinary Stone Care at Index Versus Non-Index Hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of care fragmentation, or the engagement of different health care systems along the continuum of care, on patients with urinary stone disease. METHODS: All-payer data from the 2016 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) State Databases from Florida (FL) and New York (NY) were used to identify a cohort of adult patients with an emergency department visit for a diagnosis of urolithiasis, who subsequently re-presented to an index or non-index hospital for renal colic and/or urological intervention. Patient demographics, regional data, and procedural information were collected and 30-day episode-based costs were calculated. Multivariable logistic and gamma generalized linear regression were utilized to identify predictors of receiving subsequent care at an index hospital and associated costs, respectively. RESULTS: Of the 33,863 patients who experienced a subsequent encounter related to nephrolithiasis, 9593 (28.3%) received care at a non-index hospital. Receiving subsequent care at the index hospital was associated with fewer acute care encounters prior to surgery (2.5 vs 2.7; P <.001) and less days to surgery (29 vs 42; P < .001). Total episode-based costs were higher in the non-index setting, with a mean difference of $783 (Non-index: $13,672, 95% CI $13,292-$14,053; Index: $12,889, 95% CI $12,677 - $13,102; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Re-presentation to a unique healthcare facility following an initial diagnosis of urolithiasis is associated with a greater number of episode-related health encounters, longer time to definitive surgery, and increased costs.

Linguistic Differences in Personal Statements of Urology Residency Applicants by Self-Reported Race and Ethnicity.

OBJECTIVES: To assess a potential source of bias that could contribute to underrepresentation of minorities in urology, we analyzed differences in linguistic characteristics in personal statements between urology residency applicants of various racial and ethnic groups. METHODS: Personal statements submitted by urology residency applicants to a urology program were evaluated with Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count, a validated text analysis program. Analyzed statements and application characteristics were compared according to self-identified race/ethnicity of the applicant using multivariable analysis and independent sample T-tests. RESULTS: Of 342 submitted personal statements, 181 applicants self-identified as White non-Hispanic, 86 as Asian, and 75 as "underrepresented in medicine" (URM) including Black and Hispanic/Latino applicants. Asian and URM applicants listed more research projects (11.7 and 12.9 vs 8.8, P = .01) and URM applicants had slightly lower USMLE Step 1 scores (238.5 vs 244.6, P = .01) compared to White applicants. When evaluating personal statements, all applicants wrote with the same degree of analytical thinking. Asian applicants scored lower in authenticity (P = .03) and emotional tone (P = .04) while URM applicants scored higher in clout (P = .04) compared to White applicants. In use of pronouns, Asian applicants used 'we/us/our' more often (P < .01), URM applicants used 'you' more often (P = .02), and White applicants used 'I' more often (P = .01). CONCLUSION: Significant linguistic differences exist among urology personal statements by racial/ethnic groups that may perpetuate stereotypes and bias in the application process. Appreciating these differences may help applicants avoid possibly detrimental linguistics and help residency programs recruit and support urology applicants from underrepresented backgrounds.

Geographic Distribution of Away Rotations Impacts the Urology Match Process in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the geographic impact of away rotations on regional interview invitations and matching. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Urology applicants who participated in the 2019-2020 cycle were invited to complete a survey postmatch. Questions covered demographics, scholastic achievements, number and region of away rotations, number and locations of interview invitations, and matching results. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t tests were used for continuous variables. Chi-square and fisher exact tests were used for categorical variables. RESULTS: Of 349 applicants, 88 (25.2%) completed the survey. Geographic location was a top consideration for away rotation selection; 86% placed it in their top 3 with 40% selecting it as number 1. Furthermore, 36.4% "agreed" and 37.5% "strongly agreed" that geographic distribution of home and away rotations impacted their interview invitations. On ANOVA analysis, the ratio of regional to total interview invitations was higher among applicants completing a rotation (either home or away) in a specific AUA section (P < .01). However, completing more away rotations (≥3 vs 0-2) did not increase the ratio of interview invitations to total applications (P = .49), and rotation location was not associated with matching in that region (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Geography is a key driver in away rotation selection among applicants and may increase the proportion of regional interview invitations. However, match results were not associated with geography of away rotations. With unprecedented changes coming to the urology residency match cycle, these findings suggest that loss of away rotations may have limited impact on interview invitations or match result.

The impact of the number of lifetime stone events on quality of life: results from the North American Stone Quality of Life Consortium.

To evaluate the impact of chronic stone recurrence on an individual's quality of life using the validated Wisconsin Stone Quality of Life (WISQOL) questionnaire. We collected cross-sectional data on patients with kidney stones from 14 institutions in North America. A stone event was defined as renal colic, stone-related procedure or emergency department visit. The regression analyses using general linear models and pairwise comparison determined the impact of the number of stone events on quality of life. The median number of stone events among the 2205 patients who completed the questionnaire was 3 (IQR 1-6). The mean total score was 107.4 ± 28.7 (max 140 points). The number of lifetime stone events was an independent predictor of lower quality of life (p < 0.001), specifically, score declined significantly beyond five events. Compared with patients who experienced a single stone event, there was a 0.4, 2.5, and 6.9 point decline in the adjusted mean WISQOL score after 2-5, 6-10, or > 10 events, respectively. The cumulative number of lifetime stone events was associated with a lower quality of life when more than five stone events were occurred. These findings underscore the importance of efforts to determine the underlying metabolic etiology of urolithiasis in the recurrent stone former, and the institution of a regimen to place their stone disease in remission.

Implementation of Postoperative Standard Opioid Prescribing Schedules Reduces Opioid Prescriptions Without Change in Patient-reported Pain Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To implement Standard Opioid Prescribing Schedules (SOPS) based on opioid use following urologic surgeries and to evaluate how evidence-based prescribing schedules affect opioid use and patient reported outcomes. METHODS: Patients who underwent urologic surgeries within 6 procedure subtypes at UNC Health during the 2 study time periods ("pre-SOPS": 7/2017-1/2018, "post-SOPS": 7/2018-1/2019) were invited to complete a survey analyzing postoperative opioid usage, storage and disposal, and patient reported outcomes (including pain interference using a validated questionnaire). A pharmacy database provided medication prescribing data and patient demographics. During the pre-SOPS time period, baseline outcomes were measured. Following the pre-SOPS period, usage amounts were analyzed and Standard Opioid Prescribing Schedules were developed to guide prescriptions during the post-SOPS period. Descriptive summary statistics and appropriate t test or r2 were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 438 patients within 6 procedure types completed the survey (pre-SOPS: 282 patients, post-SOPS: 156 patients). Pre-SOPS, patients were prescribed significantly more 5-mg oxycodone tablets than used (20.9 vs 7.8, P <.001). Post-SOPS, compared to pre-SOPS amounts, patients were prescribed significantly fewer tablets (12.7 vs 20.9, P <.001) and used fewer tablets (5.3 vs 7.8, P = .003). No difference was observed in pain interference (average t-score (standard deviation): 54.33 (10.9) pre-SOPS vs 55.89 (9.1) post-SOPS, P = .125) or patient satisfaction (95% pre-SOPS vs 94% post-SOPS). CONCLUSION: Adherence to data-driven postoperative opioid prescribing schedules reduce opioid prescriptions and use without compromising pain interference or patient satisfaction. These results have important implications for urologists' ability to decrease opioid prescriptions and fight the opioid epidemic.

Estimating the health-related quality of life of kidney stone patients: initial results from the Wisconsin Stone Quality of Life Machine-Learning Algorithm (WISQOL-MLA).

OBJECTIVE: To build the Wisconsin Stone Quality of Life Machine-Learning Algorithm (WISQOL-MLA) to predict urolithiasis patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) based on demographic, symptomatic and clinical data collected for the validation of the Wisconsin Stone Quality-of-Life (WISQOL) questionnaire, an HRQoL measurement tool designed specifically for patients with kidney stones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used data from 3206 stone patients from 16 centres. We used gradient-boosting and deep-learning models to predict HRQoL scores. We also stratified HRQoL scores by quintile. The dataset was split using a standard 70%/10%/20% training/validation/testing ratio. Regression performance was evaluated using Pearson's correlation. Classification was evaluated with an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC). RESULTS: Gradient boosting obtained a test correlation of 0.62. Deep learning obtained a correlation of 0.59. Multivariate regression achieved a correlation of 0.44. Quintile stratification of all patients in the WISQOL dataset obtained an average test AUROC of 0.70 for the five classes. The model performed best in identifying the lowest (0.79) and highest quintiles (0.83) of HRQoL. Feature importance analysis showed that the model weighs in clinically relevant factors to estimate HRQoL, such as symptomatic status, body mass index and age. CONCLUSIONS: Harnessing the power of the WISQOL questionnaire, our initial results indicate that the WISQOL-MLA can adequately predict a stone patient's HRQoL from readily available clinical information. The algorithm adequately relies on relevant clinical factors to make its HRQoL predictions. Future improvements to the model are needed for direct clinical applications.

What is the relationship of stress to patients' kidney stone-related quality of life?

INTRODUCTION: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is decreased in patients with kidney stones at all stages of stone disease, even when asymptomatic. Stress is thought to contribute to HRQOL, although there has been minimal investigation into the effect of stress on stone-related quality of life (QOL). We used the Wisconsin Stone Quality of Life Questionnaire (WISQOL) to assess the relationship of stress to stone-related QOL in kidney stone patients. METHODS: As part of the WISQOL Research Consortium, patients were approached in outpatient clinics and completed the WISQOL and the Perceived Stress Scale 10-item questionnaire (PSS-10). Patients with stones at enrollment were divided into those with symptoms and those without, while patients with no current stones formed another group. Questionnaire scores from each group were compared statistically and correlations between the groups were calculated. RESULTS: Patients (n=704) were enrolled from six centers. The WISQOL successfully discriminated between patients with current stones and those without (p<0.0001), while the PSS-10 did not (p=0.0869). The PSS-10 revealed patients with symptomatic kidney stones experienced higher levels of general stress than asymptomatic subjects (p<0.0001). However, a Pearson correlation test comparing the responses from each instrument revealed no overall correlation between general stress and HRQOL (r=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic kidney stones increase general stress, as these patients demonstrate higher PSS-10 scores. Despite this, no correlation exists between general stress and stone-related QOL in patients with stone disease regardless of their stone and symptom status. This implies the existence of other factors impacting QOL in these patients, which warrants further exploration.

Metabolic Syndrome Negatively Impacts Stone-Specific Quality of Life.

Purpose: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic diseases that is linked to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. MetS has also been linked to increased nephrolithiasis. However, limited research has been conducted on MetS and its impact on stone-specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study aims to examine the hypothesis that the presence of MetS is associated with decreased HRQOL. Materials and Methods: The Wisconsin Stone Quality of Life Questionnaire, a stone-specific HRQOL questionnaire, was used to survey 3051 patients with kidney stones. Medical history was collected from patients. These data were used to distinguish MetS patients from non-MetS patients. Among patients with current stones, a Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare HRQOL scores from MetS patients and non-MetS patients. HRQOL from patients with and without individual MetS components were also compared, and a multivariate analysis was conducted. Results: Statistical comparison between MetS patients (median score 102/140) and non-MetS patients (median score 106/140) demonstrated a lower stone-specific HRQOL in patients with MetS (p = 0.049). Among individual MetS components, patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) or body mass index (BMI) >30 had significantly lower HRQOL than patients without DM or BMI <30 (p = 0.028 and p < 0.001, respectively). The multivariate analysis supported this trend as MetS remained a significant predictor of decreased HRQOL (p = 0.002) after controlling for other variables assessed. Conclusions: This study indicates an association between MetS and a lower stone-specific QOL. This has important implications for stone prevention strategies in patients with MetS. Clinical Trial Registration number: H14-01143.

The effect of travel distance on health-related quality of life for patients with nephrolithiasis.

INTRODUCTION: Urolithiasis causes a significant impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Patients with kidney stones have high levels of stress and anxiety. Symptom resolution often requires treatment. Travel distance is a barrier to care but little is known about its effects on HRQOL. We hypothesize that increased distance to treatment site is associated with decreased HRQOL. METHODS: Patients with a history of stones were enrolled at 11 tertiary centers as part of the QOL Stone Consortium of North America. HRQOL data were obtained using the Wisconsin Stone Quality of Life questionnaire (WISQOL). We calculated distance between patient and treatment site using national ZIP codes. We used linear models to evaluate the effect of distance on HRQOL, while also considering demographics data, stones/symptom status, and distance. RESULTS: Of the 1676 enrolled patients, 52% were male, 86% non-Latino White, and the mean age was 53 years. Mean distance to treatment site was 63.3 km (range 0-3774), with 74% reporting current stones and 45% current symptoms. WISQOL score and distance were negatively correlated for patients reporting current stones and symptoms (p=0.0010). Linear modelling revealed decreased WISQOL scores for patients with symptoms as distance increased from treatment site (p=0.0001), with a 4.7-point decrease for every 100 km traveled. CONCLUSIONS: Stone disease imposes significant burden on patients' HRQOL due to a variety of factors. Patients with active stone symptoms report worse HRQOL with increased distance to their treatment site. Possible etiologies include travel burden, increased disease burden, decreased healthcare use, and delays in care.

Association of Patient Age and Gender with Kidney Stone Related Quality of Life.

PURPOSE: Kidney stone formers have lower health related quality of life than nonstone formers. The North American Stone Quality of Life Consortium is a multicenter, longitudinal, prospective study of health related quality of life in patients with kidney stones using the WISQOL (Wisconsin Stone Quality of Life Questionnaire) with data on 2,052 patients from a total of 11 centers. This study is a subanalysis of cross-sectional data looking at the association of age, gender and race on health related quality of life of stone formers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed multivariable analyses of ordinal logistic regression analyses to determine the impact of age, gender and race on health related quality of life, adjusting for other baseline covariates. The proportional odds assumption of ordinal logistic regression was checked. Total score and scores on 4 subdomains (social functioning, emotional functioning, stone related impact and vitality) were included. RESULTS: Median total score for all patients was 80.4. On multivariable analysis older patients had a significantly higher total health related quality of life score than younger patients (per 10-year increase OR 1.25, p <0.0001). Male patients had higher scores than females (OR 1.56, p = 0.0003) and nonCaucasian patients had lower health related quality of life than nonLatino Caucasian patients (OR 0.63, p = 0.0045). CONCLUSIONS: Younger and female patients with kidney stones have lower health related quality of life than older and male patients, respectively. NonCaucasian patients with stones also have lower health related quality of life. The clinical impact of these findings might include future implications for patient counseling, including dietary and medical management of stone disease, and potential changes to the paradigm of the surgical management of stones.

Low Income and Nonwhite Race are Strongly Associated with Worse Quality of Life in Patients with Nephrolithiasis.

PURPOSE: Kidney stones are a source of significant morbidity which have been shown to negatively impact health related quality of life. We sought to understand the association between health related quality of life, socioeconomic status and race among patients with kidney stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with stones at a total of 11 stone centers across the United States completed the WISQOL (Wisconsin Stone Quality of Life questionnaire). The patient ZIP Code™ was used to estimate household income. A mixed effects regression model was constructed for analysis with ZIP Code as the random intercept. RESULTS: A total of 2,057 stone formers completed the WISQOL. Lower income was independently associated with significantly lower health related quality of life (ß = 0.372, p = 0.014), as were nonwhite race (ß = -0.299, p = 0.001), unemployed work status (ß = -0.291, p = 0.008), female gender (ß = -0.204, p <0.001), body mass index greater than 40 kg/m2 (ß = -0.380, p <0.001), 5 or more medical comorbidities (ß = -0.354, p = 0.001), severe recurrent stone formation (ß = -0.146, p = 0.045), enrollment at an acute care visit, or a preoperative or postoperative appointment (ß = -0.548, p <0.001) and recent stone symptoms (ß = -0.892, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Lower income, nonwhite race and unemployed work status were independently associated with lower health related quality of life among patients with kidney stones. While clinical characteristics such as body mass and stone disease severity were also associated with health related quality of life, this study shows that socioeconomic factors are similarly important. Further research to understand the specific mechanisms by which socioeconomic status and race impact health may lend insight into methods to optimize clinical treatment of stone formers and patients with other chronic diseases.

The Effect of Thiazide and Potassium Citrate Use on the Health Related Quality of Life of Patients with Urolithiasis.

PURPOSE: To our knowledge it is unknown whether the benefits of medical management of urolithiasis outweigh the potential side effects of the medications used, including potassium citrate and thiazide diuretics. Therefore, we evaluated the relationship between potassium citrate or thiazides and overall stone related health related quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional data were obtained on stone forming enrollees in the North American Stone Quality of Life Consortium. We used the WISQOL (Wisconsin Stone Quality of Life) questionnaire to compare health related quality of life between patients treated and not treated with potassium citrate or thiazide type diuretics. Additionally, the likelihood of gastrointestinal complaints was compared between those prescribed and not prescribed potassium citrate. The likelihood of fatigue and sexual complaints was also compared in those prescribed and not prescribed thiazides. RESULTS: Of the 1,511 subjects, including 787 males and 724 females, 279 were on potassium citrate and 238 were on thiazides at study enrollment. Patients prescribed potassium citrate had higher health related quality of life in each domain vs those not prescribed potassium citrate (p <0.001). Patients prescribed thiazides had higher health related quality of life in each domain compared to those not prescribed thiazide (all p <0.01). Those prescribed potassium citrate were less likely than those not prescribed potassium citrate to report nausea, stomach upset or cramps (OR 0.57, p <0.001). Patients prescribed thiazides were less likely than those not prescribed thiazides to report fatigue (OR 0.63, p = 0.004) or reduced sexual interest and/or activity (OR 0.64, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Among stone formers the use of potassium citrate and thiazides was associated with better health related quality of life across all WISQOL domains without an increased likelihood of gastrointestinal complaints and fatigue or sexual complaints, respectively. These findings may be useful when counseling patients regarding the initiation of potassium citrate or thiazides for medical management of nephrolithiasis.

Implementation of medical scribes in an academic urology practice: an analysis of productivity, revenue, and satisfaction.

PURPOSE: Pressure on physicians to increase productivity is rising in parallel with administrative tasks, regulations, and the use of electronic health records (EHRs). Physician extenders and clinical pathways are already in use to increase productivity and reduce costs and burnout, but other strategies are required. We evaluated whether implementation of medical scribes in an academic urology clinic would affect productivity, revenue, and patient/provider satisfaction. METHODS: Six academic urologists were assigned scribes for 1 clinic day per week for 3 months. Likert-type patient and provider surveys were developed to evaluate satisfaction with and without scribes. Matched clinic days in the year prior were used to evaluate changes in productivity and physician/hospital charges and revenue. RESULTS: After using scribes for 3 months, providers reported increased efficiency (p value = 0.03) and work satisfaction (p value = 0.03), while seeing a mean 2.15 more patients per session (+ 0.96 return visits, + 0.99 new patients, and + 0.22 procedures), contributing to an additional 2.6 wRVUs, $542 in physician charges, and $861 in hospital charges per clinic session. At a gross collection rate of 36%, actual combined revenue was + $506/session, representing a 26% increase in overall revenue. At a cost of $77/session, the net financial impact was + $429 per clinic session, resulting in a return-to-investment ratio greater than 6:1, while having no effect on patient satisfaction scores. Additionally, with scribes, clinic encounters were closed a mean 8.9 days earlier. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing medical scribes in academic urology practices may be useful in increasing productivity, revenue, and provider satisfaction, while maintaining high patient satisfaction.