MDVIP Primary Care Model Reduces Incidence Of Cardiovascular Events In At-Risk Patients

Published Study Shows Combined Decrease in Heart Attacks and Strokes Among MDVIP Patients Relative to the General Population

Boca Raton, Fla. -- April 29, 2021 -- New research from MDVIP shows that its personalized and preventive approach to primary care helps reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events in at-risk patients. The study, published in the Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health, found a statistically significant 12 percent decrease in heart attacks and strokes combined among Medicare patients enrolled in the MDVIP membership-based model compared to those in the general population. Considering more than 1.5 million heart attacks and strokes occur every year in the U.S., a 12 percent reduction would equate to 180,000 fewer of these life-threatening events.

The study investigators examined the occurrence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) in at-risk Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in MDVIP versus non-MDVIP beneficiaries in the same geographic area between 2005 and 2014. At-risk patients were defined as 65 and older with at least two of three risk-related chronic conditions: hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes. Linear probability models estimated the differential change in vascular events from pre- to post-enrollment among a sample of 15,409 MDVIP patients and found their rates of AMI and stroke decreased relative to the comparison population of 1,012,349 non-MDVIP patients.

“More than 80 percent of cardiovascular events are preventable, yet heart disease remains the leading cause of death among Americans,” said co-author Dr. Andrea Klemes, MDVIP’s Chief Medical Officer. “This latest study provides further evidence that having a physician who has the time and tools to deliver more proactive, preventive care leads to better patient outcomes. It also builds on our previous research showing that advanced testing by MDVIP-affiliated doctors, including myeloperoxidase (MPO) screening for vascular inflammation, helps identify more patients at risk for heart attack or stroke. And by improving risk prediction, physicians can help mitigate patient risk, which generates substantial cost savings to the healthcare system over time.”

This research marks the tenth in a series of MDVIP studies published in peer-reviewed medical journals, which have become a benchmark for patient outcomes in personalized, membership-based healthcare. The studies show patients in MDVIP-affiliated practices better manage their chronic conditions, have fewer hospitalizations and lower readmission rates, and visit urgent care centers and emergency rooms less often. 

MDVIP-affiliated primary care physicians maintain smaller practices which enables them to spend more time with patients and provide more individualized care compared to traditional practices. As part of the membership, patients receive the MDVIP Wellness Program, a comprehensive yearly health assessment that includes advanced diagnostic tests and screenings to help determine their risk for chronic conditions, including heart disease. Using the results, physicians provide education and coaching to help patients make healthier lifestyle choices, prevent disease and achieve their wellness goals.