Variations in atrial fibrillation ablation utilization and reimbursement among medicare beneficiaries: an observational study from 2013 to 2019

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) pulmonary vein isolation ablation has been utilized increasingly yet variably in the USA. Purpose To identify variations AF utilization and reimbursement among Medicare beneficiaries (MB). Methodology We used a 100% sample of MB who underwent from 2013 to 2019. stratified data geographically (Northeast, South, West, Midwest), identified mean prevalence number ablations per 100,000 MB, examined correlation between ablation. also cardiologists performing average individual cardiologist (ablation/cardiologist), as well submitted charge (ASC) for Additionally, we urban versus rural areas gender ablation/cardiologist ASC. Results Geographic analysis: The prevalence, rates have shown steady increase all regions across years. In years, was significantly different with highest Northeast lowest West (all P<0.001), however, there no significant difference P≥0.056). There only Midwest 46.4% 43.4% positive respectively (P≤0.0001). not years (All P≥0.48), higher South compared P<0.0001). On contrary, ASC decrease regions. year P≤0.003) south West. Urban vs Ablation/cardiologist P≥0.068) except when it (P=0.004). 2015 2019 (P=0.037 P=0.029 respectively) rest (P≥0.07). Gender male female (P≥0.056) 2017 (P=0.007). (P≥0.362). Conclusion are USA according geographic, regions, cardiologists. Funding Acknowledgement Type funding sources: None.