FRANKLIN, Tenn., May 13 /PRNewswire/ — New research showing
a more than 30 percent annual increase in the use of high-tech
imaging scans in older cancer patients underscores the need for
evidence-based protocols in cancer care, said MedSolutions (www.medsolutions.com), a
leading provider of medical management services.
According to an article published in the April 28, 2010 issue of the Journal of
the American Medical Association, the use of CT scans and PET
scans in cancer patients covered by Medicare has risen
significantly in recent years. Costs associated with these tests
are growing faster than total cancer care costs in Medicare
patients. Both CT and PET scans expose patients to high levels of
potentially dangerous radiation.
“These findings illustrate the need for broader adoption of
evidence-based protocols in cancer care,” said Gregg Allen, M.D., chief medical officer
of MedSolutions. “Advanced imaging is essential to proper cancer
diagnosis, staging and treatment, and some ongoing imaging in
cancer is entirely appropriate. However, due to rapidly evolving
advances in and application of medical technology, many physicians
need greater support in determining when the benefits of a test
outweigh its cost and risk. These benefits and risks should
also be shared with and clearly understood by patients and
caregivers.”
MedSolutions’ oncology management program uses evidence-based
guidelines from nationally recognized oncology organizations to
support appropriate use of diagnostic imaging, radiation
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