Commercial Insurance Claims Database Research Articles

Cardiovascular and Mortality Risk with Intravitreal Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibitors in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy

To investigate the cardiovascular (CV) safety associated with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections (IAVIs) in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR). Population-based cohort study using Medicare and 2 commercial insurance claims databases in the United States from January 2009 to December2017. Patients with DR aged ≥ 18 years in whom treatment with either IVAIs or laser procedure or intravitreal steroid injections was initiated. We estimated the propensity score (PS) using multivariable logistic regression models, including 85 baseline covariates and PS-matched patients in a 1:1 ratio. We estimated the pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses based on prior history of CV events were also conducted. A composite CV outcome of myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke, its individual components, and all-cause mortality in 180 and 365 days after treatment initiation. We identified 61 508 PS-matched patients in a 1:1 ratio in whom either IVAIs or laser or steroid treatment was initiated. Compared with laser or steroid treatment, IAVIs were not associated with an increased risk of the composite CV outcome (HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.83-1.09), MI (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.76-1.13), or stroke (HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.80-1.19) or the risk of all-cause mortality (HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.97-1.62) at 180 days of follow-up. At 365 days, the risk of the composite CV outcome, stroke, and MI remained similar between the 2 groups, although the risk of all-cause mortality was increased with IAVIs (HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.14-1.60). The subgroup analysis showed that the risk of all-cause mortality was increased in patients with a prior history of CV events. Among > 60 000 patients with DR, those who received IAVIs had a risk of CV events similar to those who received laser or steroid treatment. However, the risk of all-cause mortality was higher in patients who received IAVIs for DR.

RWD90 Assessing the Value of Pre-Adjudicated Open-Source Administrative Medical Claims Data for Active Pharmaco-Surveillance

United States (US) pre-adjudicated medical and institutional administrative claims are processed through large clearinghouses that contain large amounts of near real-time patient-level data across insurers. Our objective was to evaluate the utility of a pre-adjudicated, “payor agnostic” (open-source) commercial insurance claims database for active pharmaco-surveillance of rare adverse events of special interest (AESI).

Real-world healthcare resource utilization and costs among patients with multiple myeloma in the United States.

e18811 Background: The economic burden of multiple myeloma (MM) has been shown to increase with more advanced lines of therapy (LOTs). Given the rapidly evolving treatment landscape of MM, this study aimed to describe the current real-world healthcare resource use (HRU) and costs among patients with MM across LOTs. Methods: A commercial insurance claims database was used to identify patients with ≥2 MM diagnoses who initiated a LOT containing an antineoplastic agent for MM between 1/2016 and 2/2021, had continuous insurance coverage ≥6 months before and ≥60 days after first line (1L) initiation, and never received stem cell transplant. LOTs were defined based on agents used within a 60-day period. End of LOT was defined when patients switched treatment, or after a treatment gap of 90 days. HRU and costs (in 2021 USD) were reported for the duration of each LOT (from initiation of LOT to initiation of a subsequent LOT or end of coverage). Results: 1492 patients initiated 1L, 681 initiated 2L, 359 initiated 3L and 188 initiated 4L. Mean age at 1L initiation was 66.6 years. Mean duration of LOT (10.7, 9.4, 8.1 and 10.2 months in 1L, 2L, 3L and 4L, respectively) was longer in 1L than in subsequent LOTs. All-cause monthly outpatient (OP) and inpatient (IP) visits were stable across LOTs (5.0-5.6 OP visits; 0.21-0.32 IP visits). However, mean monthly all-cause costs were lowest in 1L (15.9% - 34.9% lower) as compared to subsequent LOTs ($23.6K in 1L, $29.7K in 2L, $27.3K in 3L and $31.8K in 4L; Table). Conclusions: In this study, the duration of LOT was the longest among 1L patients. Total all-cause healthcare costs were the lowest in 1L than in more advanced LOTs. This suggests that selection of 1L best treatment regimen upfront that prolongs time to disease progression could reduce the overall economic burden of MM.[Table: see text]

Abstract 195: The Effect Of Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors On Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events And Mortality In A Large Cohort Of Men With Erectile Dysfunction From A Nationwide Insurance Database: A Retrospective Study

Background: Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE-5i) medications are effective in treating Erectile Dysfunction (ED) for tens of millions of men in the US and worldwide. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of PDE-5is on the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (composite outcome of cardiovascular (CV) death, hospitalization for myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, stroke, heart failure, or unstable angina pectoris) and all-cause death. Methods: A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted in a large US commercial and Medicare insurance claims database in men with ≥1 diagnosis of ED without prior MACE hospitalization within 1 year from Jan 2006 to Oct 2020. The exposed group had ≥1 claim for PDE-5i; the unexposed group had no claims for PDE-5i and were matched 2:1 on baseline risk variables. The primary outcome was MACE and secondary outcome was all-cause death, determined by multivariate Cox proportional hazard modeling. Death data were obtained via National Death Index linkage. Results: In this population, MACE was reduced by 13% in men exposed (n=23,816) to PDE-5is (hazard ratio (HR) 0.87; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.79-0.95) vs. non-exposure (n=48,682) over mean follow up of 29 and 37 months, respectively. This was driven by reductions in coronary revascularization (HR 0.85; 0.73-0.98), heart failure (HR 0.83; 0.72-0.97), unstable angina (HR 0.78; 0.64-0.96), and CV death (HR 0.61; 0.41-0.90). PDE-5i-exposed men had a 25% reduction in all-cause death (HR 0.75; 0.65-0.87). Men without coronary artery disease but with CV risk factors at baseline showed a similar pattern. In the main study cohort, men in the highest quartile of PDE-5i exposure had the greatest reductions in MACE (HR 0.45; 0.37-0.54) and all-cause death (HR 0.51; 0.37-0.71) vs. the lowest exposure quartile. In a subgroup with baseline type 2 diabetes (n=6,305), PDE-5i exposure was associated with a lower MACE risk (HR 0.79; 0.64-0.97). All comparisons are significant at p<0.05. Conclusions: In a large population of US men with ED, PDE-5i exposure was associated with reductions in MACE, CV death, and overall death risk compared to non-exposure. Risk reduction was positively correlated with PDE-5i exposure level.

Association of Mood Disorders, Substance Abuse, and Anxiety Disorders in Children and Teens With Serious Structural Eye Diseases

We sought to evaluate the association between 5 eye diseases (including glaucoma, cataract, congenital optic nerve disease, congenital retinal disease, and blindness/low vision) and mental illness in a pediatric population. Cross-sectional study. A de-identified commercial insurance claims database, OptumLabs Data Warehouse, between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2018, was used. Children and teens less than 19 years of age at the time of eye diagnosis were included. Demographics and mental illness claims were compared, looking at the association of mental illness and eye disease claims. A total of 11,832,850 children and teens were included in this study with mean age of 8.04 ± 5.94 years at the first claim. Of the patients with at least 1 of the 5 eye diseases (n=180,297), 30.5% had glaucoma (n=54,954), 9.5% had cataract (n=17,214), 21.4% had congenital optic nerve disease (n=38,555), 26.9% had congenital retinal disease (n=48,562), and 25.9% had blindness or low vision (n=46,778). There was a statistically significant association, after adjusting for confounding variables, between at least 1 of the 5 eye diseases and schizophrenia disorder (OR=1.54, 95% CI=1.48-1.61, P < .001), anxiety disorder (OR=1.45, 95% CI=1.43-1.48, P < .001), depressive disorder (OR=1.27, 95% CI=1.25-1.29, P < .001), and bipolar disorder (OR=1.27, 95% CI=1.21-1.31, P < .001), but a reversed association with substance use disorder (OR=0.88, 95% CI=0.86-0.90, P < .001). We found associations between eye disease in children and teens and mental illness. Understanding these relationships may improve mental illness screening and treatment in the pediatric population.

Evaluation of treatment patterns, healthcare resource utilization, and costs among patients receiving treatment for cytomegalovirus following allogeneic hematopoietic cell or solid organ transplantation

Aim Management of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection/disease in transplant recipients may be complicated by toxicities and resistance to conventional antivirals, adding to the overall healthcare burden. We characterized treatment patterns, healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), and costs to elucidate the healthcare burden associated with CMV therapies post-transplant. Materials and methods A retrospective, longitudinal cohort study of transplant recipients using data from a US commercial insurance claims database (2013–2017) was conducted. Patients with a claim for post-transplant CMV diagnosis and anti-CMV treatment (ganciclovir, valganciclovir, foscarnet, or cidofovir) were identified (Treated CMV cohort) and compared with patients with neither a claim for CMV diagnosis nor anti-CMV treatment (No CMV cohort) for outcomes including HCRU and associated costs. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) or solid organ transplantation (SOT) recipients were analyzed separately. Anti-CMV treatment patterns were assessed in the Treated CMV cohort. Costs were evaluated among subgroups with myelosuppression or nephrotoxicity. Results Overall, 412 allogeneic HCT and 899 SOT patients were included in the Treated CMV cohorts, of which 41.7% and 52.5%, respectively, received multiple antiviral courses. Treated CMV cohorts compared with No CMV cohorts had higher mean monthly healthcare visits per patient (allogeneic HCT: 8.83 vs 6.61, SOT: 5.61 vs 4.45) and had an incremental adjusted mean monthly cost per patient differences of $8,157 (allogeneic HCT, p < .004) and $2,182 (SOT, p < .004). Among Treated CMV cohorts, HCRU and costs increased with additional CMV antiviral treatment courses. Mean monthly costs were higher for patients with than without myelosuppression or nephrotoxicity. Limitations Results may not be generalizable to patients covered by government insurance or outside the USA. Conclusions CMV post-transplant managed with conventional treatment is associated with substantial HCRU and costs. The burden remains particularly high for patients requiring multiple treatment courses for post-transplant CMV or for transplant recipients who develop myelosuppression or nephrotoxicity.

Association of Strabismus With Mood Disorders, Schizophrenia, and Anxiety Disorders Among Children

Children with strabismus have poorer functional vision and decreased quality of life than those without strabismus. To evaluate the association between strabismus and mental illness among children. This cross-sectional study analyzed claims data from the OptumLabs Data Warehouse, a longitudinal deidentified commercial insurance claims database, from 12 005 189 patients enrolled in the health plan between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2017. Eligibility criteria included age younger than 19 years at the time of strabismus diagnosis, enrollment in the health plan between 2007 and 2018, and having at least 1 strabismus claim based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification and International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Controls were children in the same database with no eye disease codes other than refractive error reported. Demographic characteristics and mental illness claims were compared. Statistical analysis was conducted from December 1, 2018, to July 31, 2021. Presence of mental illness claims. Among the 12 005 189 patients (6 095 523 boys [50.8%]; mean [SD] age, 8.0 [5.9] years) in the study, adjusted odds ratios for the association of mental illnesses with strabismus were 2.01 (95% CI, 1.99-2.04) for anxiety disorder, 1.83 (95% CI, 1.76-1.90) for schizophrenia, 1.64 (95% CI, 1.59-1.70) for bipolar disorder, 1.61 (95% CI, 1.59-1.63) for depressive disorder, and 0.99 (95% CI, 0.97-1.02) for substance use disorder. There was a moderate association between each strabismus type (esotropia, exotropia, and hypertropia) and anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depressive disorder; odds ratios ranged from 1.23 (95% CI, 1.17-1.29) for the association between esotropia and bipolar disorder to 2.70 (95% CI, 2.66-2.74) for the association between exotropia and anxiety disorder. This cross-sectional study suggests that there was a moderate association between strabismus and anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depressive disorder but not substance use disorder. Recognizing that these associations exist should encourage mental illness screening and treatment for patients with strabismus.

Association Between High-Deductible Health Plans and Hernia Acuity

About half of people younger than 65 years with private insurance are enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). While these plans entail substantially higher out-of-pocket costs for patients with chronic medical conditions who require ongoing care, their effect on patients undergoing surgery who require acute care is poorly understood. It is plausible that higher out-of-pocket costs may lead to delays in care and more complex surgical conditions. To determine the association between enrollment in HDHPs and presentation with incarcerated or strangulated hernia. This retrospective cohort analysis included privately insured patients aged 18 to 63 years from a large commercial insurance claims database who underwent a ventral or groin hernia operation from January 2016 through June 2019 and classified their coverage as either a traditional health plan or an HDHP per the Internal Revenue Service's definition. Multivariable regression, adjusting for demographic and clinical covariates, was used to examine the association between enrollment in an HDHP and the primary outcome of presentation with an incarcerated or strangulated hernia. Traditional health plan vs HDHP. Presence of an incarcerated or strangulated hernia per International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision diagnosis codes. Among 83 281 patients (71.9% men and 28.1% women; mean [SD] age, 48.7 [10.9] years) who underwent hernia surgery, 27 477 (33.0%) were enrolled in an HDHP and 21 876 (26.2%) had a hernia that was coded as incarcerated or strangulated. The mean annual deductible was considerably higher for those in the HDHP group than their traditional health plan counterparts (unadjusted mean [SD], $3635 [$2094] vs $705 [$737]; adjusted, -$2931; P < .001). Patients in the HDHP group were more likely to present with an incarcerated or strangulated hernia (adjusted odds ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03-1.11; P < .001). In this cohort study, enrollment in an HDHP was associated with higher odds of presenting with an incarcerated or strangulated hernia, which is more likely to require emergency surgery that precludes medical optimization. These data suggest that, among patients with groin and ventral hernias, enrollment in an HDHP may be associated with delays in surgical care that result in complex disease presentation.

Trends in treatment patterns and costs of care among patients with advanced stage cervical cancer

BackgroundCurrent treatments for recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer (r/mCC) do not offer satisfactory clinical benefits, with most patients progressing beyond first-line (1L) treatment. With new treatments under investigation, understanding current treatment patterns, the impact of newly approved therapies, and total costs of care for r/mCC are important. MethodsA retrospective analysis of a US commercial insurance claims database to identify adult patients with r/mCC between 2015 and Q1–2020; defining 1L treatment as the first administration of systemic treatment without concomitant chemoradiation or surgery. Patient characteristics, treatment regimens, duration of therapy, and total costs of care were evaluated for each line of therapy. Results1323 women initiated 1L treatment for r/mCC (mean age, 56.1 years; mean follow-up, 16.5 months). One-third (n = 438) had evidence of second-line (2L) treatment; of these, 129 (29%) had evidence of third-line (3L) treatment. No regimen represented a majority among 2L+ treatments. The 2018 approval of pembrolizumab led to increased 2L immunotherapy use (0% in 2015, 37% in 2019/Q1–2020). However, only a small proportion of patients stayed on immunotherapy for a prolonged period. Mean per-patient-per-month total costs of care during treatment were $47,387 (1L), $77,661 (2L), and $53,609 (3L), driven primarily by outpatient costs. ConclusionsNo clear standard of care was observed in 2L+. Although immunotherapy is increasingly used in 2L+, only a small subset of patients stayed on immunotherapy for a prolonged period, suggesting a need for more therapeutic options. Better understanding of disease biology and the introduction of new therapies may address these unmet needs.

Accuracy of identifying diagnosis of moderate to severe chronic kidney disease in administrative claims data.

Prior validation studies of claims-based definitions of chronic kidney disease (CKD) using ICD-9 codes reported overall low sensitivity, high specificity, and variable but reasonable PPV. No studies to date have evaluated the accuracy of ICD-10 codes to identify a US patient population with CKD. We assessed the accuracy of claims-based algorithms to identify adults with CKD Stages 3-5 compared with laboratory values in a subset (~40%) of a US commercial insurance claims database (Optum's de-identified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database). We calculated the positive predictive value (PPV) of one or two ICD-9 (2012-2014) or ICD-10 (2016-2018) codes for CKD compared with a lab-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) occurring within prespecified windows (±90 days, ±180 days, ±365 days) of the ICD-based CKD code(s). The study population ranged between 104 774 and 161 305 patients (ICD-9 cohorts) and between 285 520 and 373 220 patients (ICD-10 cohorts). The mean age was 74.4 years (ICD-9) and 75.6 years (ICD-10) and the median eGFR was 48 ml/min/1.73 m2 . The algorithm of two CKD codes compared with a lab value ±90 days of the first code achieved the highest PPV (PPV 86.36% [ICD-9] and 86.07% [ICD-10]). Overall, ICD-10 based codes had comparable PPVs to ICD-9 based codes and all ICD-10 based algorithms had PPVs >80%. The algorithm of one CKD code compared with laboratory value ±180 days maintained the PPV above 80% but still retained a large number of patients (PPV 80.32% [ICD-9] and 81.56% [ICD-10]). An ICD-10-based definition of CKD identified with sufficient accuracy a patient population with CKD Stages 3-5. Our findings suggest that claims databases could be used for future real-world research studies in patients with CKD Stages 3-5.

Risk of physical injuries in children and teens with ophthalmic diagnoses in the OptumLabs Data Warehouse

To evaluate how eye diseases affect the risk of injuries (fractures, musculoskeletal, head and eye injuries) in children and teens. Claims from the OptumLabs Data Warehouse, a longitudinal deidentified commercial insurance claims database, were analyzed. Eligible subjects were aged <19years at the time of their eye disease diagnosis, enrolled in the health plan between 2007 and 2018, and had >1 visit for >1 significant eye disease (strabismus, amblyopia, nystagmus, structural diseases), based on ICD9/10 codes. Controls were children in the same database who had no eye disease codes reported. Demographics and injury claims (fractures, musculoskeletal injuries, head injuries and eye injuries) were compared. The overall incidence of any subsequent physical injury (even into adulthood) was 29% in eye disease patients and 23% in controls (P<0.001). After accounting for covariates, the hazard ratio for injury with any type of eye disease was 1.14 (95% CI, 1.13-1.15), 1.17 (95% CI, 1.16-1.18), 0.97 (95% CI, 0.96-0.98), and 1.63 (95% CI, 1.60-1.66) for musculoskeletal injuries, fractures, head injuries, and eye injuries, respectively. The eye disease with the highest adjusted injury risk was nystagmus (HR=1.26; 95% CI, 1.23-1.28), followed by optic neuritis and pseudotumor cerebri (HR=1.25). The eye diseases with the lowest risk included amblyopia, esotropia, and glaucoma (HR≤1.06). There was an increased long-term risk of physical injury among children and teens with eye disease. The clinical significance of these small differences is unclear.

MP62-02 RACIAL DISPARITIES IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING-GUIDED BIOPSY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF PROSTATE CANCER IN THE UNITED STATES

You have accessJournal of UrologyProstate Cancer: Localized: Active Surveillance II (MP62)1 Sep 2021MP62-02 RACIAL DISPARITIES IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING-GUIDED BIOPSY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF PROSTATE CANCER IN THE UNITED STATES Peter Hanna, Arveen Kalapara, Bradly Watarai, Stephanie Jarosek, Badrinath Konety, and Christopher Warlick Peter HannaPeter Hanna More articles by this author , Arveen KalaparaArveen Kalapara More articles by this author , Bradly WataraiBradly Watarai More articles by this author , Stephanie JarosekStephanie Jarosek More articles by this author , Badrinath KonetyBadrinath Konety More articles by this author , and Christopher WarlickChristopher Warlick More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002102.02AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has evolved into an invaluable diagnostic tool for localized prostate cancer. Racial disparities exist between Black and White American patients in treatment access and outcomes. We assessed the discrepancies in receiving MRI prior to biopsy in prostate cancer patients based on their racial disparities in the United States. METHODS: A retrospective review of a de-identified commercial health insurance claims database in the United States (OptumLabs® Data Warehouse) to identify men who underwent prostate biopsy and MRI between 2010 and 2017. Prostate biopsy was considered the index event and our cohort was restricted to men with continuous enrolment of 12 months prior and 1 month following biopsy. Race was classified as Black, White, Asian, or Hispanic. Our primary outcome was the utilization of MRI prior to prostate biopsy. RESULTS: We identified 108,557 patients who underwent prostate biopsy, including 86,997 White, 12,051 Black, 7220 Hispanic, and 2289 Asian men. Median age was 64 years (IQR, 58-70). Overall, 176 of 19674 (0.9%) men underwent MRI prior to biopsy in 2010, compared with 2590 of 13106 (19.8%) (table 1) in 2017 (p<0.001). On multivariable logistic regression, Black men were significantly less likely to receive MRI within 6 months prior to prostate biopsy than White men (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.81-0.99). Hispanic men (OR 1.65, 1.50-1.81) and Asian men (OR 1.68, 1.43-1.97) were significantly more likely to receive MRI than White men. CONCLUSIONS: Among commercially insured men in the United States, Black men are significantly less likely to receive prostate MRI prior to biopsy compared to White, Hispanic, and Asian cohorts. Further studies are required to validate these findings and to identify reasons for these trends. Source of Funding: None © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e1092-e1093 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Peter Hanna More articles by this author Arveen Kalapara More articles by this author Bradly Watarai More articles by this author Stephanie Jarosek More articles by this author Badrinath Konety More articles by this author Christopher Warlick More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...

Uterine fibroids and incidence of depression, anxiety and self-directed violence: a cohort study

BackgroundDepression and anxiety are prevalent among women with uterine fibroids (UF). The rate of mental health diagnoses in women with UF has not been studied.MethodsWomen aged 18–50 years with diagnosed...

The cost of non-response to cardiac resynchronization therapy: characterizing heart failure events following cardiac resynchronization therapy.

The aim of this study is to quantify healthcare resource utilization among non-responders to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT-NR) by heart failure (HF) events and influence of comorbidities. The ADVANCE CRT registry (2013-2015) prospectively identified responders/CRT-NRs 6 months post-implant using the clinical composite score. Heart failure event rates and associated cost, both overall and separated for inpatient hospitalizations, office visits, emergency room visits, and observational stays, were quantified. Costs of events were imputed from payments for similar real-world encounters in subjects with CRT-D/P devices in the MarketScan™ commercial and Medicare Supplemental insurance claims databases. Effects of patient demographics and comorbidities on event rates and cost were evaluated. Of 879 US patients (age 69 ± 11 years, 29% female, ischaemic disease 52%), 310 (35%) were CRT-NR. Among CRT-NRs vs. responders, more patients developed HF (41% vs. 11%, P < 0.001), HF event rate was higher (67.0 ± 21.7 vs. 11.4 ± 3.7/100 pt-year, P < 0.001), and HF readmission within 30 days was more common [hazard ratio 7.06, 95% confidence interval (2.1-43.7)]. Inpatient hospitalization was the most common and most expensive event type in CRT-NR. Comorbid HF was increased by diabetes, hypertension, and pulmonary disorders. Over 2 years, compared to CRT responders, each CRT-NR resulted in excess cost of $6388 ($3859-$10 483) to Medicare (P = 0.015) or $10 197 ($6161-$17 394) to private insurances (P = 0.014). Healthcare expenditures associated with contemporary CRT non-response management are among the highest for any HF patient group. This illustrates an unmet need for interventions to improve HF outcomes and reduce costs among some CRT recipients.

Association of Parathyroidectomy With 5-Year Clinically Significant Kidney Stone Events in Patients With Primary Hyperparathyroidism

ObjectivePatients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) are at increased risk of kidney stones. Guidelines recommend parathyroidectomy in patients with PHPT with a history of stone disease. This study aimed to compare the 5-year incidence of clinically significant kidney stone events in patients with PHPT treated with parathyroidectomy versus nonoperative management. MethodsWe performed a longitudinal cohort study of patients with PHPT in a national commercial insurance claims database (2006-2019). Propensity score inverse probability weighting-adjusted multivariable regression models were calculated. ResultsWe identified 7623 patients aged ≥35 years old with continuous enrollment >1 year before and >5 years after PHPT diagnosis. A total of 2933 patients (38.5%) were treated with parathyroidectomy. The cohort had a mean age of 66.5 years, 5953 (78.1%) were female, and 5520 (72.4%) were White. Over 5 years, the unadjusted incidence of ≥1 kidney stone event was higher in patients who were managed with parathyroidectomy compared with those who were managed nonoperatively overall (5.4% vs 4.1%, respectively) and among those with a history of kidney stones at PHPT diagnosis (17.9% vs 16.4%, respectively). On multivariable analysis, parathyroidectomy was associated with no statistically significant difference in the odds of a 5-year kidney stone event among patients with a history of kidney stones (odds ratio, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.71-1.50) or those without a history of kidney stones (odds ratio, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.84-1.60). ConclusionBased on this claim analysis, there was no difference in the odds of 5-year kidney stone events in patients with PHPT who were treated with parathyroidectomy versus nonoperative management. Time horizon for benefit should be considered when making treatment decisions for PHPT based on the risk of kidney stone events.

Correlation Between Changes in Brand-Name Drug Prices and Patient Out-of-Pocket Costs

List prices set by manufacturers for brand-name prescription drugs in the US have been increasing faster than inflation, although confidential manufacturer rebates offset some of these increases. Most commercially insured patients pay at least some out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs, and higher patient spending is associated with lower adherence and worse health outcomes. To examine whether price changes for brand-name drugs are correlated with changes in patient out-of-pocket spending and whether this association varies by insurance benefit design. A cohort study of 79 brand-name drugs with available pricing data from January 2015 to December 2017 was conducted, with data obtained from a national commercial insurance claims database. Change in the list prices set by manufacturers and estimated net prices after rebates among non-Medicaid payers. Change in median out-of-pocket spending among all patients and stratified by insurance pharmacy benefit design, including high-deductible insurance plans and plans with any amount of deductibles or coinsurance. Among 79 drugs, median increases were 16.7% (interquartile range [IQR], 13.6%-21.1%) for list prices, 5.4% (IQR, -3.9% to 11.7%) for net prices, and 3.5% (IQR, 1.4%-9.1%) for out-of-pocket spending from 2015 to 2017. Changes in list prices were correlated with changes in net prices (r = 0.34; P = .002). Overall, changes in out-of-pocket spending were not correlated with changes in list prices (r = 0.14; P = .22) or net prices (r = 0.04; P = .71). Among 53.7% of patients who paid any drug deductible or coinsurance, median out-of-pocket spending increased by 15.0%, and changes were moderately correlated with changes in list prices (r = 0.38; P = .001) but not net prices (r = 0.06; P = .62). Some commercially insured patients who pay only prescription drug copayments appear to be insulated from increases in drug prices. However, more than half of patients pay deductibles or coinsurance and may experience substantial increases in out-of-pocket spending when drug prices increase. Among these patients, there was no evidence that manufacturer rebates to insurers are associated with patients' out-of-pocket spending. Policies to rein in unregulated annual increases in list prices for brand-name drugs may have important consequences for patient out-of-pocket spending.

Naloxone prescriptions following emergency department encounters for opioid use disorder, overdose, or withdrawal.

To determine the rate at which commercially-insured patients fill prescriptions for naloxone after an opioid-related ED encounter as well as patient characteristics associated with obtaining naloxone. This is a retrospective cohort study of adult patients discharged from the ED following treatment for an opioid-related condition from 2016 to 2018 using a commercial insurance claims database (Optum Clinformatics® Data Mart). The primary outcome was a pharmacy claim for naloxone in the 30 days following the ED encounter. A multivariable logistic regression model examined the association of patient characteristics with filled naloxone prescriptions, and predictive margins were used to report adjusted probabilities with 95% confidence intervals. 21,700 patients had opioid-related ED encounters during the study period, of which 1743 (8.0%) had encounters for heroin overdose, 8825 (40.7%) for overdose due to other opioids, 5400 (24.9%) for withdrawal, and 5732 (26.4%) for other opioid use disorder conditions. 230 patients (1.1%) filled a prescription for naloxone within 30 days. Patients with heroin overdose (2.6%; 95%CI 1.7 to 3.4), recent prescriptions for opioid analgesics (1.4%; 95%CI 1.1 to 1.7), recent prescriptions for buprenorphine (1.9%; 95%CI 1.0 to 2.9), and naloxone prescriptions in the prior year (3.3%; 95%CI 1.8 to 4.8) were more likely to obtain naloxone. The rate was significantly higher in 2018 [1.9% (95%CI 1.5 to 2.2)] as compared to 0.4% (95%CI 0.3 to 0.6) in 2016. Few patients use insurance to obtain naloxone by prescription following opioid-related ED encounters. Clinical and policy interventions should expand distribution of this life-saving medication in the ED.

Psychiatric disorders and suicidal behavior in patients with acne prescribed oral antibiotics versus isotretinoin: Analysis of a large commercial insurance claims database

The association between isotretinoin and psychiatric disturbance, including depression and suicidal behavior, is controversial. To investigate whether acne patients prescribed isotretinoin or antibiotics were more likely to have psychiatric disorders and/or engage in suicidal behavior. Retrospective cohort study using the IBM MarketScan Research Databases, which contain commercial insurance claims in the United States, to identify acne patients who were prescribed isotretinoin or oral antibiotics between 2011 and 2017 and who were diagnosed with psychiatric disorders or suicidal behavior. A total of 72,555 patients were included in the study. Patients in the general population were 1.47 times more likely to be diagnosed with suicidal ideation or attempt compared to acne patients prescribed isotretinoin (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.47; confidence interval [95% CI], 1.27, 1.70; P<.0001). The general population (adjusted OR 0.87; 95% CI, 0.84, 0.89; P<.0001) and acne patients prescribed antibiotics (adjusted OR 0.88; 95% CI, 0.85, 0.91; P<.0001) were less likely to have a psychiatric diagnosis compared to acne patients prescribed isotretinoin. The prevalence of suicidal behavior during isotretinoin treatment was lower (0.10%; P=.082) than in the year prior to isotretinoin treatment (0.22%) and in the year following treatment (0.34%; P=.004). The study excluded individuals with public insurance and those who were uninsured, and the data in the study relied on the accuracy of the medical coding. Compared to the general population, acne patients prescribed isotretinoin were less likely to engage in suicidal behavior. Further exploration into the slight increase in suicidal behavior seen in isotretinoin patients 1year after therapy is warranted.

Pain phenotypes among adults living with cerebral palsy and spina bifida.

Chronic pain is the most commonly reported physical symptomology of cerebral palsy (CP) and spina bifida (SB) throughout the lifespan, and yet, pain is perhaps the least understood comorbidity in these populations. The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence and types of pain diagnosed among adults living with and without CP or SB. In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed data from a nationwide commercial insurance claims database. Beneficiaries were included if they had an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis code for CP or SB (n = 22,648). Adults without CP or SB were also included as controls (n = 931,623). Pain phenotypes (nociceptive, nociplastic, and neuropathic pain) and pain multimorbidity (≥2 conditions) were compared. We found that adults living with CP or SB had a higher prevalence of any pain disorders (55.9% vs 35.2%), nociceptive pain (44.0% vs 26.7%), nociplastic pain (26.1% vs 11.9%), neuropathic pain (9.6% vs 5.6%), and pain multimorbidity (21.1% vs 8.4%), as compared to adults without CP or SB, and differences were to a clinically meaningful extent. Adjusted odds ratios of nociceptive pain (odds ratio [OR]: 2.20; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.15-2.24), nociplastic pain (OR: 2.47; 95% CI: 2.41-2.53), neuropathic pain (OR: 2.71; 95% CI: 2.54-2.89), and other pain (OR: 3.92; 95% CI: 3.67-4.19) were significantly higher for adults living with CP or SB. In conclusion, adults with CP or SB have a significantly higher prevalence and odds of common peripheral, central, and neuropathic pain disorders and pain multimorbidity, as compared to adults without CP or SB.

Systemic Opioid Prescribing Patterns and Total Cost of Care in Patients Initiating Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy: A Retrospective Analysis.

BackgroundFew studies have evaluated patterns of systemic opioid use among patients initiating spinal cord stimulation therapy for chronic pain. This study evaluated systemic opioid discontinuation and/or dose reduction and total health care cost after the start of spinal cord stimulation therapy.MethodsUsing a commercial insurance claims database (2008–2017), we analyzed opioid utilization patterns in patients initiating spinal cord stimulation therapy over a 1-year baseline and 2-year follow-up. The primary end point was defined as either discontinuation (≥365-day gap between prescription fills or total days’ supply in follow-up ≤30 days) or ≥50% reduction in average daily morphine milligram equivalent dose. “Costs” were defined as total payer plus patient out-of-pocket payments.ResultsA total of 5,878 patients met the selection criteria. Of these, 152 (2.6%) showed no opioid prescription data at any point in the study period. Among patients with one or more prescriptions, 42.0% met the primary end point (22.0% discontinued, and 20.0% reduced their dose by 50% or more). Mean total adjusted costs were significantly reduced in years 1 and 2 of follow-up relative to baseline (excluding device insertion costs). The average time to breakeven when accounting for device trial and permanent insertion cost was 3.1 years among those who met the composite end point and 4.2 years among those who did not.ConclusionsThis analysis shows that among patients who continued spinal cord stimulation therapy for at least 2 years, a significant proportion were able to reduce and/or discontinue systemic opioid use, with costs after the start of therapy significantly reduced relative to baseline.