Association of patient characteristics, social drivers of health, and geographic location on access to device-aided therapies among medicare beneficiaries with advanced Parkinson's disease

Abstract

Introduction

Surgical device-aided therapies (DATs), including carbidopa-levodopa enteral suspension (CLES) and deep brain stimulation (DBS), are efficacious treatment options for people with advanced Parkinson's disease (aPD). While provider and patient preference influence treatment choices, DAT use remains low and social drivers of health (SDOH) may present barriers to access. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of patient characteristics and SDOH—including geographic distance to facilities that provide DATs—with likelihood of receiving DAT.

Methods

Adults diagnosed with PD and meeting aPD clinical indicators were identified among 100 % Medicare Fee-for-Service beneficiaries linked to Inovalon's SDOH data warehouse between 01/01/2018-12/31/2020. Multivariate logistic regression models determined factors associated with DAT vs no-DAT initiation.

Results

Of 503,245 Medicare beneficiaries with PD, 22 % met proxy criteria for aPD, with 2 % (2450) receiving DAT (CLES 24 %; DBS 76 %). Nationwide aPD prevalence was 309 per 100,000 Medicare beneficiaries. There were 413 DAT facilities nationwide (average 8 facilities/state), and aPD patients traveled 98 miles on average to a facility (range 11–255 miles). aPD patients under age 75 were 2-3x more likely to receive DAT, while those identifying as female, Black race, have moderate to severe comorbidity, and lower household incomes were less likely to receive DAT.

Conclusions

Findings suggest low utilization of DATs among US Medicare beneficiaries with aPD. Even states with more DAT facilities often require patients to travel long distances. Identifying and minimizing access disparities, particularly for women, racial minorities, and people with low socioeconomic status may improve DAT utilization and outcomes for patients with aPD.