#USA #Fairfax #Interventional Radiology #thrombectomy #Blood Clots

Introduction

A recent analysis of Medicare data has shed light on a substantial increase in thrombectomy procedures for treating venous thromboembolic diseases from 2017 to 2022. The review highlights a significant 712% rise in arterial thrombectomy (AT) claims for pulmonary embolism (PE) and a 137% increase in venous thrombectomy (VT) claims related to deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology, this research underscores major shifts in the medical landscape concerning how blood clots are addressed.

Key Findings

Incredible Surge in Thrombectomy Claims

The study, funded by the Society of Interventional Radiology, meticulously analyzed the claims data from Medicare, reflecting the enhancements in endovascular treatment methods for pulmonary embolism, a condition that can be life-threatening. Dr. Julie Bulman, the lead author and a renowned interventional radiologist affiliated with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, emphasized that the safety and effectiveness of recent endovascular treatments have dramatically changed the scene over the past decade.

Specialties Involved

Moreover, the data reveals that interventional radiology remains the leading specialty for employing endovascular techniques to treat DVT, constituting 34% of the filed VT claims. In contrast, vascular surgery is the predominant discipline for arterial thrombectomy, managing 41% of such claims, particularly related to issues like peripheral arterial disease. Despite the dominance in AT claims, interventional radiology has markedly increased its share, with a 47% rise over the five years in question, while claims from cardiology decreased by 19%. This shift suggests a transformation in the hands responsible for these critical interventions.

Quality patient outcomes may arise from these procedures being performed by a collaborative team composed of various specialties, a notion strongly highlighted by Dr. Bulman. She argued the importance of recognizing which medical experts handle these cases to facilitate better care standards, guidelines, and reimbursement practices.

Outpatient Care Dominance

Additionally, the data indicates that most thrombectomy procedures continue to take place in outpatient facilities, accounting for 76% of AT claims and 78% of VT claims. While the growth of office-based labs is notable, they contribute only 5% of claims in this realm.

Advancements in anticoagulation strategies contribute to allowing patients to follow up in outpatient settings, which is beneficial for both the healthcare system and patients themselves. The shift to an outpatient model stems partly from new emergency care techniques that provide effective follow-up options when traditional medical therapies fall short.

The Future of Thrombectomy

In conclusion, the rise in thrombectomy claims underscores a pivotal change in medical practices concerning clot treatment. With more healthcare professionals engaging in these procedures, shared knowledge and strategies among specialties could illuminate new pathways for patient care and access to advanced technologies. For those exploring how to introduce theses services within their facilities, forming partnerships with fellow endovascular specialists may prove essential in navigating the complexities of new technology adoption.

To read the full analysis, visit jacr.org.

About the Society of Interventional Radiology

The Society of Interventional Radiology is a dedicated nonprofit organization comprising over 8,000 interventional radiology professionals. Their commitment to enhancing patient care through innovative image-guided therapies continues to play an indispensable role in the healthcare landscape.