Scientists at Dartmouth University, Institute for Health Policy release new data on medicare and medicaid

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February 23rd, 2009

   2009 FEB 23 -- New investigation results, 'Determinants of NCI Cancer Center attendance in medicare patients with lung, breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer,' are detailed in a study published in Journal of General Internal Medicine. According to recent research published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, "Geographic access to NCI-Cancer Centers varies by region, race/ethnicity, and place of residence, but utilization of these specialized centers has not been examined at the national level in the U.S. This study identified determinants of NCI-Cancer Center attendance in Medicare cancer patients."

   "SEER-Medicare (Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results) data were used to identify individuals with an incident cancer of the breast, lung, colon/rectum, or prostate from 1998-2002. NCI-Cancer Center attendance was determined based on utilization claims from 1998-2003. Demographic, clinical, and geographic factors were examined in multilevel models. We performed sensitivity analyses for the NCI-Cancer Center attendance definition. Overall, 7.3% of this SEER-Medicare cohort (N=211,048) attended an NCI-Cancer Center. Travel-time to the nearest NCI-Cancer Center was inversely related to attendance, showing 11% decreased likelihood of attendance for every 10 minutes of additional travel-time (OR=0.89, 95%CI 0.88-0.90). Receiving predominantly generalist care prior to diagnosis was associated with a lower likelihood of attendance (OR=0.79, 95%CI 0.77-0.82). The other factors associated with greater NCI-Cancer attendance were later stage at diagnosis, fewer comorbidities, and urban residence in conjunction with African-American race. Attendance at NCI-Cancer Centers is low among Medicare beneficiaries, but is strongly influenced by proximity and general provider care prior to diagnosis," wrote T. Onega and colleagues, Dartmouth University, Institute for Health Policy.

   The researchers concluded: "Other patient factors are predictive of NCI-Cancer Center attendance and may be important in better understanding cancer care utilization."

   Onega and colleagues published their study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine (Determinants of NCI Cancer Center attendance in medicare patients with lung, breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 2009;24(2):205-10).

   For additional information, contact T. Onega, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, NH USA..

   The publisher's contact information for the Journal of General Internal Medicine is: Springer, 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013, USA.

   Keywords: United States, Hanover, Medicare and Medicaid, Colorectal, Epidemiology, Gastroenterology, Health Policy, Internal Medicine, Legislation, Medicare, Oncology, Prostate Cancer, Prostatic Neoplasms.

   This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.

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