en.Wedoany.com Reported, An analysis of U.S. Medicare data shows that in the radiation treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer, the cost of Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) is significantly higher than that of Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS). This study was published online on March 24 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and was led by Dr. Jeremy G. Light from the Department of Dermatology at Washington University School of Medicine.
The researchers analyzed Medicare billing claims data related to SRT from 2018 to 2022, evaluated Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for radiation therapy, simulation complexity, and ultrasound guidance, and used Medicare Physician Fee Schedule payments to estimate costs. They also examined the frequency of SRT use, the number of dermatology clinicians providing the service, and total Medicare expenditures during the study period.
The data showed that in 2022, the cost of image-guided SRT was 217% higher (for 12 fractions), 428% higher (for 20 fractions), and 559% higher (for 25 fractions) than a representative MMS case with complex closure. During the study period, the use of image guidance increased by 250%, and the number of dermatologists performing SRT grew by 37.5%. Meanwhile, the frequency of simple radiation simulation rose by 123%, with simple simulation billing accounting for 90% of SRT sessions in 2022, compared to 51% in 2018. Total Medicare expenditures increased by 1087.1%, from $2,027,844 to $24,073,335.
Dr. Jeremy G. Light stated, "SRT may have a role in treating specific patients, particularly those who are not surgical candidates due to morbidity, advanced age, or patient refusal." However, he also noted, "Compared to MMS, SRT, especially image-guided SRT, is a more costly option." The study evaluated costs associated with the designated CPT codes but did not include additional expenses such as facility fees, nor did it assess subjective outcomes like patient experience. The study received no specific funding, and the authors declared no relevant conflicts of interest.
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