This analysis of a nationally representative sample of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older with OSA suggests substantial variation in both treatment and adherence, at the state and HRR levels. A positive, linear correlation between state-level proportions of OSA treatment and treatment adherence was apparent. These data provide new insight into US regions that may be vulnerable to gaps in OSA care for older Americans. For
example, in general, northern Midwest and central mountain states had relatively high rates of treatment and adherence, whereas southwestern states and some mid-Atlantic states had relatively low rates.
To date, national-level patterns of PAP therapy and treatment adherence among OSA-diagnosed patients have been largely unexplored. The observed variations in PAP treatment patterns in this study are a first step in understanding the greatest areas of
need to improve sleep health care delivery for older patients with OSA.
Comments