Physician reimbursement rates for gynecologic oncology procedures have increased in recent years but have not kept up with inflation, according to a study presented at the 2023 SGO Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer.
Researchers conducted this study to evaluate trends in gynecologic oncology surgical reimbursement in the United States, compared to the inflation rate, from 2000 to 2020.
The researchers calculated inflation using the Consumer Price Index. They determined surgical reimbursement using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Physician Fee Schedule. Laparoscopy and robotic surgery were excluded from the analysis because they were not always available in the year 2000.
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From 2000 to 2020, inflation increased by 54.31%, and reimbursement for gynecologic oncology procedures increased by 21.53%. The increase in reimbursement rate was 14.7% for adnexal removal, 16.3% for dilation and curettage, 19.6% for removal of pelvic lymph nodes, 27.0% for total hysterectomy, and 30.1% for partial vulvectomy.
In comparison, the reimbursement rate for urologic surgeries increased by 27.56%, and the reimbursement rate for general surgeries increased by 69.28%.
Given these results, it is important to advocate on a national level for the value of services provided by gynecologic oncology practitioners, especially as inflation continues to rise, said study presenter Sarah E. Podwika, MD, of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.
“Advocating for adequate reimbursement for these often life-saving procedures will help to ensure resources are available for our future patients and to keep providers interested in gynecologic oncology,” Dr Podwika said. “Looking to the future . . ., it is critical to evaluate the trend in reimbursement for these surgeries as they continue to become more common.”
Disclosures: Dr Podwika reported having no conflicts of interest.
Reference
Podwika SE, Kesavan M. Keeping up with inflation? Trends in gynecologic oncology medicare surgical reimbursement over the past twenty years. SGO 2023. March 25-28, 2023.
