Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia
Advertisement

Patients Feel Cancer Care Unchanged Even After MMA 2003

by Medindia Content Team on October 8, 2007 at 5:37 PM
Patients Feel Cancer Care Unchanged Even After MMA 2003

A study, led by Joëlle Friedman from the Duke Clinical Research Institute in Durham, North Carolina reports that patients find no significant change in the quality of care for cancer since the United States' government passed the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA). The article was published in the November 15, 2007 issue of CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society and reports that compared to patients treated before the MMA, there was no difference in the time to and location of treatment for patients with cancer treated after the Act was signed into law. Furthermore, patients remain highly satisfied with their cancer treatment.

In 2003 the MMA was signed into law by President Bush and was the most comprehensive restructuring of the Medicare system since its introduction in 1965. Changes included a new prescription drug benefit, managed care insurer access, and $25 billion allocated to rural hospitals. One key provision, however, was a significant reduction in Medicare reimbursement to healthcare providers that went into effect January 1, 2005. In particular, cancer treatment was targeted with reduction because it was considered by legislators to have been overly generous.

Advertisement

The effect of these reimbursement cuts on patient care has been unclear. On the one hand, a study commissioned by U.S. government found that patients did not perceive any differences in care. However, other anecdotal sources report that oncologists are downsizing their practices in many markets by eliminating nurses and other staff and by closing satellite offices, requiring patients to travel farther for treatment, particularly in rural areas Dr. Schulman and colleagues surveyed 1,421 cancer patients treated before (n=684) and after (n=737) the MMA to compare patients' perceptions of access to and satisfaction with oncologists' care.

They found that regardless of age, patients treated pre- and post-MMA reported a median wait to treatment time of 21 days and an average travel time of 30 minutes. Overall, there was no significant difference in treatment location between the groups. However, a small trend in change of location was observed for patients living in rural areas and patients with Medicare and no supplemental insurance. The number of patients in these subgroups was too small to make an association.
Advertisement

In addition, the authors found that patient satisfaction with care by their oncologist and infusion center staff was similar in the pre- and post-MMA groups, regardless of age. For example, among patients 65 years and older, 65 percent and 76 percent of patients from both groups were very satisfied with their oncologist and infusion staff, respectively.

Dr. Schulman and his co-authors conclude that "overall, our findings do not support generalizations from anecdotal reports that patients are being affected by these changes as a result of the MMA." However, this study suggests a possible impact by the MMA on vulnerable populations, such as those in rural areas and those with only Medicare insurance, which should be investigated.

Source: Eurekalert
GAN/C
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest General Health News

Japan Approves Bill for Medicinal Cannabis Use
The Japanese parliament approved a bill allowing medical cannabis products and prohibiting their use for non-medicinal purposes.
Americans Struggle to Keep Up Healthy Habits in Holiday Season
Most Americans confess that due to constant flurry of activity during the holiday season, it is difficult to eat nutritiously, exercise, and get enough sleep.
Depression, Constipation & Urinary Tract Infection: Early Signs of Multiple Sclerosis
People who suffer from depression, constipation, and urinary tract infections are more likely to get multiple sclerosis(MS) five years before MS diagnosis.
Antibiotic Misuse Can Cause Kidney Stones & Infection
Seeking internet help for an incomplete antibiotic course resulted in kidney stone formation and urinary tract infection in a young woman.
Brain Care Score Tracks Dementia & Stroke Risks
The Brain Care Score is a tool to evaluate brain health and reduce the risk of brain disorders including dementia and stroke.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Patients Feel Cancer Care Unchanged Even After MMA 2003 Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests