Survey: Radiation therapy equipment use far less than 90%

Aug 16, 2009

Utilization rates for radiation therapy equipment in freestanding cancer treatment centers are closer to the current assumed rate of 50%, not 90% as stated by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the Medicare physician fee schedule proposed rule for 2010, according to the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

The lower utilization rates were revealed in a new survey by Fairfax, VA-based DmrKynetec. ASTRO plans to present the survey data to CMS and encourage the agency to maintain the current rate of 50% utilization for radiation therapy equipment.

ASTRO and DmrKynetec created a database detailing the 2008 equipment utilization rates at freestanding cancer centers providing radiation therapy services. Data on daily use rates were collected for six different treatment modality categories, depending on the services and equipment at each individual center. Treatment modalities included 3D conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT), brachytherapy, and hyperthermia.

Interviews were conducted between July 7, 2009, and July 23, 2009, obtaining completed questionnaires from centers in 29 states and covered all major geographic areas of the U.S. Primary targets for this study were center business managers, radiation oncologists, or other staff members with knowledge of the equipment and usage patterns at their center. The sample pool for the study consisted of 2,844 radiation oncologists provided by ASTRO.

If the utilization rate is increased, many cancer clinics may have to close or stop treating Medicare patients, ASTRO said.

ASTRO decries proposed rad therapy cuts, July 30, 2009

ASTRO publishes APBI guidelines for early-stage breast cancer, July 16, 2009

ASTRO updates booklet for cancer patients, June 2, 2009

ASTRO nears funding goal for Radiation Oncology Institute, March 19, 2009