Real-World Assessment of Interventional Treatment Timing and Outcomes for Varicose Veins: A Retrospective Claims Analysis

Abstract

PurposeTo evaluate the impact of delaying interventional treatment on varicose vein disease progression, complications, and health care costs in a real-world setting. Materials and MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of adults diagnosed with varicose veins between January 2008 and June 2010. Patients were followed for 2 years after diagnosis and categorized into three cohorts based on the timing of interventional therapy: early (≤ 2mo), intermediate (> 2mo but ≤ 6mo), and late (> 6 mo). Disease progression and all-cause health care costs were evaluated. ResultsA total of 44,206 patients were included, with 43% classified as receiving early interventional therapy, 33% as intermediate, and 24% as late. Early interventional treatment was associated with lower disease progression rates (29.2%) compared with intermediate (42.5%; P < .0001) and late treatment (52.2%; P < .0001). Also, early interventional treatment was associated with lower costs ($17,564) than intermediate ($17,923; P > .05) and late treatment ($18,399; P < .05). Each 30-day delay in treatment initiation was associated with a 7% higher risk of disease progression (P < .0001) and a 1% increase in costs (P < .0001). ConclusionsFindings suggest that early initiation of interventional varicose vein treatment was significantly associated with a decreased risk of disease progression and costs.