Self-reported physician practices in pulmonary arterial hypertension: Diagnosis, assessment, and referral

BACKGROUND: Numerous clinical trials have contributed to rapid advancements in the diagnosis and management of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), yet patients often do not undergo right heart catheterization (RHC) with vasoreactivity testing and may receive a delayed or incorrect diagnosis. Efforts to improve standards of care include the designation of Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA)-Accredited PH Care Centers (PHCCs). This study evaluated current practices in the diagnosis and assessment of PAH. METHODS: A survey of 167 physicians who had ≥1 claim for PAH in the past 3 months was conducted. RESULTS: Of 167 respondents, 15% were affiliated with a PHCC, 40% had referred ≥1 patient with diagnosed PAH, and 79% had ≥1 patient referred to them by another physician who they then newly diagnosed with PAH. More than half (52%) reported having ≥1 patient who was previously misdiagnosed with PAH referred to them by another physician. RHC and vasoreactivity testing, respectively, were performed in 43% and 33% of patients with PAH who respondents referred to another physician, 86% and 67% of patients newly diagnosed by respondents, and 84% and 57% of patients who respondents considered accurately diagnosed prior to being referred to them. Respondents affiliated with a PHCC were more likely to try to refer to another physician affiliated with a PHCC, and to perform RHC and vasoreactivity testing. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported clinical practices often deviated from established guidelines. Future research should focus on both clinical efficacy and ways to encourage clinicians to bring their practices in line with well-supported, evidence-based recommendations.