Abstract 12361: Predictors and Utilization of Ultrasound Enhancing Agents for Echocardiography in the Outpatient Setting

Abstract

Background: The national utilization of ultrasound enhancing agents (UEAs) for transthoracic (TTE) or stress (SE) echocardiography in the outpatient setting and their association with downstream utilization of care remains uncertain. Methods: In a set of large, all-payer claims databases (ACTICS Open and Closed Claims) encompassing 90% of the US population, we evaluated rates, predictors of use, and association of UEAs with downstream utilization using linear mixed effects models amongst adult outpatients receiving TTE or SE, 2019-2022. Amongst those with recent hospitalization for AMI, we evaluated the association of UEA receipt and downstream healthcare utilization. Results: A total of 11,270,268 individuals receiving TTE and 744,175 adults receiving SE across 2,407 sites were included (mean age 63, 54.8% female), of which 6.8% receiving TTE and 21.0% receiving SE received UEAs. Patients receiving UEAs were more frequently older, male, and had a greater number of comorbidities. Sites performing UEAs were more frequently large, rural, nonprofits, and teaching facilities. Use varied widely by state ( Figure; 19.7% in Minnesota vs. 1.1% in Delaware) and was not explained by patient or site characteristics (median odds ratios = 4.35). Amongst those receiving TTE after AMI, UEA use was associated with a reduction in cardiac non-stress imaging (adjusted RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.64-0.92, p = 0.004), but no substantial differences in cost, days alive at home, readmission rates, cardiac catheterization, or stress imaging (p > 0.05 for all). Conclusions: In this large, nationally representative cohort study, UEAs were used in 6.8% of TTEs and 21.0% of SEs performed in the outpatient setting but use varied widely across sites, unexplained by patient or site characteristics. Amongst outpatients, UEA receipt after AMI was associated with a reduction in cardiac stress imaging, but not other outcomes.