United States physician communication on cost of cancer care under the affordable health care act

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to survey United States oncologists as healthcare system changes are implemented to reassess physician perceptions about the cost of cancer care and physicians’ perceived needs.

Methods: From June through August of 2013, an electronic survey was sent to practicing oncologists across 50 states.

Results: The electronic survey response rate was 15% (136 oncologists out of 899 total physicians) with respondents from 35 of the 50 states. Sixty percent of respondents thought that both out-of-pocket costs and healthcare system costs of cancer treatments were likely or extremely likely to have a larger effect on their decisions regarding which cancer treatments to recommend to patients in the future under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). A large majority of respondents felt that physician education was needed on the use of cost-effectiveness data and on communicating cost of therapies with patients, 91% and 85%, respectively.

Conclusion: Respondents reported that their clinical treatment decisions are influenced by concerns over out-of-pocket patient costs, and that they want more cost and comparative effectiveness research as well as more education on how to communicate with patients about cost of therapy.