Study Finds Cancer Care Patterns May Not be Influenced by Fee-for-Service Reimbursement

Research suggests salaried physicians practice in the same manner as those reimbursed by fee-for-service methodology.

A recent study finds that a novel reimbursement model does not alter physician prescribing behavior regarding the type or frequency of chemotherapy administrations, or new patient visits. The study, published online April 21, 2014 on AJMC.com, states that the influence of a fee-for-service reimbursement model is not as prevalent in oncology treatment selection and cancer care practice patterns as it is commonly believed to be.

The researchers state that hospice referral rates, hospitalizations, intensive care admissions, and the use of chemotherapy during the final weeks of life are similar between salaried physicians and those reimbursed by fee-for-service methodology, regardless of varying financial incentives.

Click here to visit AJMC.com for the full study.