Choosing Wisely: Opportunities for improving value of cancer care in the Deep South.

Abstract

13 Background: Under the Choosing Wisely (CW) Campaign, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) recommend against non-evidence-based costly medications, tests, and procedures. CW recommendation adherence in the Deep South is largely unknown, and opportunities to reduce overuse and costs may exist. Methods: Analysis of administrative claims and tumor registry data from 12 cancer centers of the University of Alabama Health System Cancer Community Network, for Medicare beneficiaries ≥65 years old with cancer. Main outcome: percent of beneficiaries adhering to 9 CW recommendations. Results: 2012-2015 (Q1) adherence varied across CW recommendations and cancer centers, and increased over time for CW 2 and 7, decreased for 3, 5, and 6, and did not change for others. Conclusions: Opportunities to improve quality and value of cancer care exist in the Deep South. Research should understand how to minimize use of non-evidence based medications, tests, and procedures. [Table: see text]