Summary of Closing the Gap: Ensuring Equitable TAVR Access for CMS Beneficiaries

The video titled "Closing the Gap: Ensuring Equitable TAVR Access for CMS Beneficiaries" addresses disparities in access to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures among Medicare beneficiaries. The panel includes speakers Joy Spencer Smith, Dr. Aaron Horn, Deshan Dorsy, and Dr. Washington, who discuss the disparities in TAVR utilization between white and black patients, as well as non-dual eligible and dual eligible Medicare beneficiaries. The discussion focuses on how study findings can be used to advance conversations about health equity in valve disease and the steps providers, patients, and policymakers can take to close the gap in treatment. ### Methodology - Conducted a Medicare analysis to identify disparities in TAVR utilization. - Developed principles centered around reducing bias, increasing awareness, improving access, and enhancing research in health equity. - Analyzed disparities in TAVR access based on race, gender, and dual eligibility. - Reviewed peer-reviewed literature to gain insights into factors influencing disparities in access. - Conducted regression analysis to assess differences in access rates between black and white patients. - Advocated for policy changes and legislative support to address disparities in TAVR access. - Organized events to engage with the community and raise awareness about health equity issues. - Encouraging patients to use their voices and finding community influencers to reach more people. - Providing patients with all their options and ensuring access to necessary treatments for improved health outcomes. - Implementing system-wide changes in hospitals to ensure appropriate care and treatment. - Empowering patients to ask questions and be informed about available treatments and clinical trials. - Investing resources and funding in action-oriented research initiatives to address health disparities. ### Speakers - Joy Spencer Smith - Dr. Aaron Horn - Deshan Dorsy - Dr. Washington - Sean

Notable Quotes

— 38:38 — « oh joy you uh you shouldn't talk to the student like that you got to bring them up to your level I never will forget that and I said in order for me to bring them up to my level I got to get down to their level to get them up »

— 39:58 — « I think sometimes we got to say get a cup of coffee young man come on in here »

— 42:17 — « if I can be of any help to any one of you just pick up the phone and call me I'll be there. »

Video