Geographic variation in endovascular revascularization for chronic limb-threatening ischemia care among Medicare beneficiaries (2016-2023).

OBJECTIVE

Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), the most severe manifestation of peripheral artery disease, is associated with high risk of major amputation and mortality. Although timely revascularization is a cornerstone of CLTI management, disparities in access to care and outcomes persist across U.S. geographic regions. This study aims to evaluate variations in endovascular revascularization for CLTI, health care utilization patterns, and outcomes stratified by U.S. regions to inform how we address these disparities.

METHODS

From 2016 through 2023, all endovascular revascularizations for CLTI among Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries were included and evaluated by Northeast, South, Midwest, and West regions of the United States. Follow-up continued through December 31, 2023, with a median duration of 625 days (maximum 2921 days). The primary outcome was a composite of death or major amputation. Secondary outcomes included major amputation, all-cause mortality, repeat revascularization, change in ambulatory status, and health care utilization before and after revascularization. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to adjust for demographic, clinical, and procedural characteristics.

RESULTS

Among 381,173 beneficiaries, the South performed more than half of all revascularizations throughout the study period (52.18%), followed by the West (17.3%), Northeast (16.2%), and the Midwest (13.9%). After adjustment, the Midwest showed the highest risk for the primary outcome (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18, 1.22; P < .0001), followed by the South (HR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.13; P < .0001) and West (HR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.06; P < .0001), all compared with the Northeast. Health care utilization analyses revealed fewer outpatient visits with a vascular provider before and after revascularization in all regions compared with the Northeast with the lowest rates in the Midwest (before revascularization: adjusted rate ratio: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.74; P < .0001; after revascularization: adjusted rate ratio: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.74; P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Disparities in access to care and outcomes persist across U.S. regions for Medicare beneficiaries with CLTI and influence health care utilization and outcomes. The Midwest region, in particular, that cares for a high proportion of rural patients experiences the greatest risks of amputation and death related to CLTI, which may in part be due to less frequent health care contact after revascularization. Targeted improvements in health care access, especially in rural and economically disadvantaged regions, are needed to enhance outcomes in patients with CLTI.