Analytic Recipes #4: Harnessing Data Analytics to Combat Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): A Blueprint for Health Plans and Employers

Authors: Denise Zeman , Mary Henderson (she/her) , Jonathan Rimbach

ANALYTIC RECIPES #04

Abstract

Key Insights into the Burden of PAD on Patients and Healthcare Systems

PAD's impact on patients and healthcare systems is profound, with certain observations highlighting the economic and health-related challenges it presents:

• Roughly 1% of the commercial population is diagnosed with PAD, with about 2.5% of these patients undergoing leg amputation annually.
• A significant majority, approximately 85% of PAD patients, suffer from two or more chronic conditions, with half of them dealing with four or more comorbidities.
• The cost of managing PAD patients with additional chronic conditions escalates rapidly, being approximately five times higher than for those with PAD alone.
• PAD patients incur overall claimant costs that are double those of the average member, which quadruples in cases involving amputation.

Given the condition’s prevalence and the potential to avoid amputation and a poor overall outcome, you may want to identify patients with this condition and assess which patients may benefit from a management program that works with the patients to achieve the best results.

UNDERSTANDING PAD: PREVALENCE AND IMPACT IN THE US

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a growing concern, now affecting an estimated 7% of the U.S. population, according to publicly available statistics. This condition, characterized by the narrowing of peripheral arteries due to atherosclerosis, has seen a significant increase in prevalence. The surge in PAD is attributed to the increasing incidence of diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. The consequences of PAD, without prompt and appropriate management, can be severe, leading to amputation and a markedly higher mortality rate. It underscores the critical need for early diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment approach that includes lifestyle modifications and medical interventions to slow PAD's progression.

The economic and health ramifications of PAD, as illustrated by our research, are staggering. Approximately 1% of the commercial population is diagnosed with PAD, and of these, 2.5% undergo leg amputation each year. The condition becomes more complex with the addition of comorbidities. Our findings show that 85% of individuals with PAD are managing at least two additional chronic conditions, and half are dealing with four or more. These additional health issues significantly drive up the cost of care. Specifically, our analysis indicates that the cost of managing patients with PAD and multiple chronic conditions is roughly five times greater than for those with PAD alone. Furthermore, the overall healthcare expenditures for PAD patients are twice that of the average healthcare member, with costs quadrupling in cases involving amputation.

This comprehensive analysis from our dataset not only highlights the increasing burden of PAD on individuals and the healthcare system but also emphasizes the importance of proactive management and the potential benefits of targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of this disease.

Strategic Use of Data Analytics

The fight against Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) can significantly benefit from the strategic application of data analytics, encompassing a range of innovative techniques and approaches that enhance patient care and management efficiency. Here’s how:

• Predictive Modeling: By harnessing machine learning algorithms to sift through historical health data, patterns indicating the potential onset or progression of PAD in patients can be identified. This predictive capability allows healthcare providers to address risks preemptively, potentially staving off severe complications and improving patient outcomes.
• Geospatial Analysis: Utilizing geospatial data analysis to pinpoint areas with elevated PAD incidence or key risk factors, such as obesity and diabetes, offers a powerful tool for public health strategy. This insight can drive targeted health initiatives and informed allocation of healthcare resources, addressing PAD at a community level.
• Patient Segmentation: Segmenting the patient population by risk factors, disease severity, and other criteria enables the creation of personalized care plans. This approach tailors interventions to the unique needs of each patient group, optimizing the effectiveness of treatments and improving patient experiences.
• Telehealth and Remote Monitoring: Integrating telehealth services and remote monitoring technologies offers a continuous connection between patients and healthcare providers. This real-time monitoring of health metrics facilitates timely medical interventions, bolsters patient engagement, and ensures ongoing management of PAD, even from a distance.
• Healthcare Provider Performance Analysis: Evaluating healthcare providers' performance in treating PAD—considering patient outcomes, satisfaction, and adherence to clinical guidelines—provides valuable insights. These assessments can guide network management decisions, spotlight areas for provider education, and enhance overall care quality.
• Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Analysis: Exploring the impact of social determinants on health provides valuable insights into the broader circumstances affecting individuals with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Recognizing the role of socioeconomic factors, environmental conditions, and the availability of healthcare resources enables the development of more nuanced and effective intervention strategies. This holistic approach facilitates improved outcomes by addressing the varied needs of patients. Research highlighted by the American Heart Association reveals that Black individuals are more than twice as likely to suffer from PAD compared to their White counterparts, a disparity that persists across different ages and genders. Similarly, adults from all racial backgrounds facing socioeconomic challenges—such as low income, limited education, and residing in areas of high deprivation—are at a greater risk of developing PAD. Furthermore, approximately 56% of zip codes reporting the highest amputation rates fall within the Southern United States, underscoring the geographic disparities in PAD outcomes. This data underscores the critical need for tailored healthcare strategies that consider the full spectrum of factors influencing patient health.
• Patient Education and Engagement Platforms: Developing digital platforms that educate patients on PAD prevention and management empowers individuals in their healthcare journey. Personalizing content delivery based on each patient's specific condition, preferences, and behavior patterns can increase engagement and adherence to prescribed prevention and treatment protocols.

By expanding the strategic use of data analytics across these areas, health plans and employers can transform the management of PAD. This comprehensive approach improves patient health outcomes and contributes to the sustainability of healthcare systems by optimizing resource use, reducing costs, and ensuring that patients receive the most effective, personalized care possible.

CONCLUSION: A CALL FOR COMPREHENSIVE ACTION

The increasing challenge posed by Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), both in prevalence and associated healthcare costs, necessitates a comprehensive and collaborative effort from health plans and employers. This collaboration, particularly with data analytics firms like Health Analytics Connect, is crucial not for direct healthcare delivery but for harnessing the power of data to inform and optimize PAD management strategies. Leveraging the specialized capabilities of data analytics firms, health plans, and employers can gain valuable insights into risk identification, healthcare utilization, and the effectiveness of various treatment pathways. Such insights are instrumental in developing targeted interventions, enhancing patient engagement, and ultimately reducing the overall burden of PAD. Through strategic partnerships that combine healthcare knowledge with analytical expertise, we can achieve a more proactive, data-driven approach to managing PAD, improving patient outcomes while achieving greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness in healthcare systems.

ABOUT HEALTH ANALYTICS CONNECT

At Health Analytics Connect, our core mission is leveraging data analytics to empower healthcare stakeholders. We tailor our analysis to meet the distinct needs of each stakeholder, recognizing that the healthcare landscape is varied and multifaceted. Our approach goes beyond traditional data reporting. We delve into strategic insight generation, aiding stakeholders in making informed, forward-thinking decisions. Anticipating future market shifts is part of our expertise, and we equip our clients with the foresight needed to navigate the evolving healthcare arena.

Our proficiency extends to understanding the intricacies of policy and compliance, ensuring that our clients are equipped with data insights and well-guided in the regulatory aspects of healthcare.

At the heart of our work is a commitment to cost-effectiveness. We strive to bridge the gap between quality patient care and financial efficiency. Our goal is to transform data into a powerful tool that enables healthcare stakeholders to make empowered, data-driven decisions. Health Analytics Connect isn't just about data analysis; we are about allowing transformation in healthcare through the power of data.

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