Mapping the economics of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: Geographic variation in U.S. reimbursement patterns

We sought to examine the relationship between extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) reimbursement and regional economic performance. Significant variation was observed across states in average payment per discharge, (p < 0.0001). The highest mean Medicare payments per discharge occurred in New Hampshire ($21,045), while the lowest was in Oklahoma ($5,487). Gross domestic product (GDP) demonstrated a weak positive correlation with average payment per discharge (r = 0.18, p = 0.0087), indicating GDP may not be the primary driver of reimbursement. Substantial geographic variation in ECMO reimbursement persists across the U.S., with Medicare payments per discharge varying more than threefold between states.