Association Between Care Fragmentation and Total Spending After Durable Left Ventricular Device Implant: A Mediation Analysis of Health Care–Associated Infections Within a National Medicare-Society of Thoracic Surgeons Intermacs Linked Dataset

Greater care fragmentation in the delivery of care surrounding durable LVAD implantation is associated with a higher incidence of infections, and consequently, higher payments for Medicare beneficiaries. Interventions to reduce care fragmentation may reduce the incidence of infections and in turn enhance the value of care for patients undergoing durable LVAD implantation.