Pediatric appendicitis care amid sociodemographic and neighborhood inequities and potential impacts of future policy changes

While pediatric appendicitis is one of the most common conditions managed by both pediatric emergency medicine physicians and pediatric surgeons, disparities in pediatric appendicitis care are well-documented. Black and Hispanic children are more likely to have a delayed diagnosis of appendicitis. Furthermore, black children, Hispanic children, and children from low Child Opportunity Index-neighborhoods are more likely to present with complicated appendicitis. Differences in care persist even after the diagnosis of appendicitis and are largely influenced by a child's sociodemographic background. Cuts to Medicaid and CHIP as a result of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act may lead to even more disparate care for at-risk patients.