The study seeks to provide data on the benefits and costs of non-invasive ventilation for respiratory patients, potentially influencing future healthcare policies and patient access.
RT’s Three Key Takeaways:
- Objective of the Study: The study aims to assess the benefits and overall treatment costs of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) for patients with COPD and chronic respiratory failure by analyzing Medicare data, potentially providing evidence to support better patient access to NIV therapy.
- Research Methodology: The study will involve two retrospective cohort studies comparing outcomes for Medicare Fee-for-Service and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries who received NIV therapy within two months of diagnosis versus those who did not, focusing on differences in utilization and patient outcomes.
- Impact on Policy and Patient Care: The findings are intended to provide credible data that could influence policymakers and payers, helping to reduce delays and denials for patients who could benefit from NIV, thus improving access to essential respiratory therapy.
The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) is spearheading a research effort to quantify the differences in outcomes and overall treatment costs for patients with significant respiratory challenges who receive non-invasive ventilation (NIV) therapy versus patients who do not utilize NIV.
The research is designed to determine the benefits of this therapy using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ own data, potentially providing authoritative data to underpin advocacy to strengthen patient access to NIV.
“This important effort stems from discussions at last year’s board strategic planning session on how we can limit delays and denials for patients who can benefit from NIV,” says Tom Ryan, AAHomecare president and CEO, in a release. “Our leaders believe this is an area where credible data on outcomes and overall costs will make a strong impression on policymakers and payers.”
Study Design
The research program will consist of two retrospective cohort studies on patients covered by Medicare Fee-for-Service and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries. The study population will include individuals with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and/or chronic respiratory failure and will utilize 100% of the Medicare Fee-for-Service claims data and Medicare Advantage encounter data to compare outcomes of those beneficiaries with COPD and/or chronic respiratory failure who were put onto NIV within two months of diagnoses versus those who were not.
The study will also compare Medicare Fee-for-Service against Medicare Advantage findings to determine any differences in utilization and outcomes.
AHomecare has engaged Dobson Davanzo and Associates to undertake the research and analyze the results. Respiratory stakeholders, including clinicians and HME industry experts, will be involved in further development of the cohorts and will provide oversight into the study. Work began in July, and the project is expected to be completed in approximately 10 months.
