|
Preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: the economic implications of choosing antiemetics
1University Pharmacotherapy Associates, LLC, Monroeville, PA; 2Accelerated Community Oncology Research Network/Supportive Oncology Services, Memphis, TN; 3University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA; 4University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA; and 5University Pharmacotherapy Associates, LLC, Monroeville, PA
Unfortunately, despite significant improvements in controlling acute emesis with first-generation serotonin receptor antagonists, recent population-based data show that both acute and delayed nausea and vomiting after emetogenic chemotherapy remain a concern for patients and healthcare providers. The needs of patients seen in community oncology practices vary, and the costs of delivering essential care to meet those needs also vary considerably. Given the profound changes in healthcare reimbursement enacted in 2005 under the Medicare Modernization Act, we conducted an analysis of the economic and practice implications of choosing an antiemetic regimen for patients undergoing chemotherapy in this new reimbursement environment. Economic analyses of common oncology conditions and treatments can help community-based medical oncology practices examine and understand the effects of changing oncology reimbursement policies on the patient, payer, and provider. Such considerations may ultimately help us efficiently deliver the highest quality care possible to our patients.
| Commun Oncol 2005;2:127–132 | full text |  186 kb |