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Evolving Economics: The Erosion of Medicare Reimbursement in Breast Surgery (2003-2023).
Gao, Terry P; HoSang, Kristen M; Bleicher, Richard J; Kuo, Lindsay E; Williams, Austin D.
Afiliación
  • Gao TP; Department of General Surgery, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA. terry.gao@tuhs.temple.edu.
  • HoSang KM; Department of General Surgery, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
  • Bleicher RJ; Department of Surgical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA.
  • Kuo LE; Department of General Surgery, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
  • Williams AD; Department of Surgical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA.
Ann Surg Oncol ; 2024 Jul 20.
Article en En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39031257
ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION:

Medicare significantly influences reimbursement rates, setting a standard that impacts private insurance policies. Despite declining rates in various specialties, the magnitude of these trends has not been examined in breast surgery. This study examines Medicare reimbursement trends for breast surgery operations.

METHODS:

Data for 10 breast operations from 2003 to 2023 were collected from the Medicare Physician Fee Look-Up Tool and yearly reimbursement was computed using the conversion factor. The year-to-year percentage change in reimbursement was calculated, and the overall median change was compared with the consumer price index (CPI) for inflation evaluation. All data were adjusted to 2023 United States dollars. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) was calculated using inflation-adjusted data.

RESULTS:

Over the study period, reimbursement for the 10 breast operations had a mean unadjusted percentage increase of + 25.17%, while the CPI increased by 69.15% (p < 0.001). However, after adjustment, overall reimbursement decreased by - 20.70%. Only two operations (lumpectomy and simple mastectomy) saw increased inflation-adjusted Medicare reimbursement (+ 0.37% and + 3.58%, respectively). The CAGR was - 1.54% overall but remained positive for the same two operations (+ 0.02% and + 0.18%, respectively). Based on these findings, breast surgeons were estimated to be reimbursed $107,605,444 less in 2023 than if rates had kept pace with inflation over the past decade.

CONCLUSION:

Inflation-adjusted Medicare reimbursement rates for breast surgeries have declined from 2003 to 2023. This downward trend may strain resources, potentially leading to compromises in care quality. Surgeons, administrators, and policymakers must take proactive measures to address these issues and ensure the ongoing accessibility and quality of breast surgery.
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Texto completo: 1 Colección: 01-internacional Base de datos: MEDLINE Idioma: En Revista: Ann Surg Oncol Asunto de la revista: NEOPLASIAS Año: 2024 Tipo del documento: Article País de afiliación: Estados Unidos Pais de publicación: Estados Unidos
Texto completo
Añadir a Mi BVS
Imprimir
XML
PubMed Links
Buscar en Google

Texto completo: 1 Colección: 01-internacional Base de datos: MEDLINE Idioma: En Revista: Ann Surg Oncol Asunto de la revista: NEOPLASIAS Año: 2024 Tipo del documento: Article País de afiliación: Estados Unidos Pais de publicación: Estados Unidos