ASCO QCS Abstract #3
In the study, researchers, led by Dr. Robin Yabroff, scientific vice president, health services research at the American Cancer Society, used data from patient medical records from the population-based NCI Patterns of Care study conducted in 12 SEER registries, which included individuals newly diagnosed in 2017-2018 with advanced-stage NSCLC and melanoma. The medical records were reviewed for reported cost discussions and analyzed along with information on patient-, treatment- and hospital- factors, including age, sex, race and ethnicity, comorbidities, and health insurance coverage.
Researchers found that when documented, cost discussions were most often noted in physician and nursing progress notes and assessment plans. Results also showed that people with private insurance were less likely to have documented cost discussions when compared with those with public insurance. Cost conversations were much less common among people who did not receive systemic therapy or any cancer-directed treatment than those who received systemic treatments.
Researchers emphasized that systemic documentation of cost-of-care discussions as part of high-quality care could help ensure informed decision-making for all patients and that lack of information in the medical record would limit assessment of patient risk of financial hardship and whether any patient unmet financial needs were addressed.
# # #
About the American Cancer Society The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. For more than 100 years, we have been improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support. We are committed to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. To learn more, visit cancer.org or call our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.