PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to understand the utilization of arterial thrombectomy (AT) and venous thrombectomy (VT) by provider specialty, region, and diagnosis code in the Medicare population.METHODS: Common Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes 37184 to 37188 claims for AT and VT between January 2017 and December 2022 were analyzed from the Medicare standard analytic file 5% sample claims database. Data fields included provider specialty, geographic region, place of service, and number of procedures. A secondary analysis was performed of thrombectomy claims by International Classification of Diseases, 10th rev, codes for venous thromboembolism (VTE) or arterial thromboembolism.RESULTS: Thrombectomy claims increased by 38%, with a 137% increase in VT (compound annual growth rate [CAGR] +19%) compared with a 7% increase in AT (CAGR +1%). Dominant VT specialties were radiology (34%), surgery (29%), and cardiology (20%). Dominant AT specialties were surgery (41%), cardiology (35%), and radiology (17%). Cardiology demonstrated a 19% decrease in AT (CAGR -4%), whereas radiology experienced a 47% increase (CAGR +5%). The majority of AT and VT claims were performed in the Southeast and Midwest, accounting for 62% of AT and 57% of VT. Dominant place of service for both AT and VT was outpatient hospital (76% of AT, 78% of VT). International Classification of Diseases, 10th rev, analysis demonstrated a 712% increase in AT claims for pulmonary embolism (CAGR 52%).CONCLUSIONS: VT and AT for VTE continue to rise at a higher rate than non-VTE claims, with a 712% increase in AT for pulmonary embolism and 137% increase in VT. Radiology remains the dominant VT specialty and experienced the greatest increase in AT claims as a specialty.
JB
Dr. Julie Bulman
Radiology · Interventional RadiologyBeth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterjuliebBoston, MA, USA
