Acute Coronary Syndrome Outcomes for Medicare Patients (ARRA Supplement to parent)

This administrative supplement will investigate the causes of repeat revascularization among Medicare patients admitted with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Patients who undergo PCIS are hypothesized to be much more likely to have repeat stress testing due to concerns about stent patency; in contrast, CABG patients are hypothesized to be more likely to be managed conservatively due to perceived completeness of revascularization. We propose to: (1) determine the rates of stress testing according to the type of initial revascularization (PCIS or CABG); and (2) explore the rates of repeat revascularization, health outcomes, and Medicare expenditures associated with stress testing after initial revascularization compared to patients managed without stress testing. These aims will be addressed using Medicare claims and enrollment data from 2002 to 2007 for beneficiaries hospitalized for ACS in 2003 or 2004.

Principal Investigator: Sally Stearns, Ph.D.

Funding Source: National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Total Project Period: 9/30/09 – 8/31/11