Know why your dr. chose that drug?

TarheelMichelle

It could be because your doctor MAKES MORE MONEY by choosing newer drugs. "...they (oncologists) get paid back the cost of the drug, in addition to an extra 6 percent of that cost -- the more expensive the drug, the higher the compensation."

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/23/a-plan-to-fix-cancer-care/?ref=opinion

exbrnxgrl

I am part of a large self contained HMO. The doctors are salaried employees of the HMO so in the case of my providers, that's probably not true.

SelenaWolf

Mine too.  In Ontario, I don't think doctors are paid by the drugs they prescribe.

TarheelMichelle

I was not aware of it either, and I am not sure of the particulars. This article was noted as being written with the help of the following oncology experts, in addition to the writer, who is a NYTimes columnist. Therefore, I do not doubt the facts presented. Written with:
Amy P. Abernethy, M.D., Duke University; Justin E. Bekelman, M.D., University of Pennsylvania; Otis W. Brawley, M.D., American Cancer Society; Robert L. Erwin, Marti Nelson Cancer Foundation; Patricia Ganz, M.D., U.C.L.A.; James S. Goodwin, M.D., University of Texas Medical Branch; Robert J. Green, M.D., Palm Beach Cancer Institute; Jesse Gruman, President, Center for Advancing Health; J. Russell Hoverman, M.D., Ph.D., Texas Oncology, United States Oncology; John Mendelsohn, M.D., MD Anderson Cancer Center; Lee N. Newcomer, M.D., UnitedHealth Group; Jeffrey M. Peppercorn, M.D., M.P.H., Duke University; Scott D. Ramsey, M.D., Ph.D., Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; Lowell E. Schnipper, M.D., Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Frederick M. Schnell, M.D., Central Georgia Cancer Care; Deborah Schrag, M.D., Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Ya-Chen Tina Shih, Ph.D., University of Chicago; John D. Sprandio, M.D., Consultants in Medical Oncology and Hematology; Thomas J. Smith, M.D., Johns Hopkins University; Arthur P. Staddon, M.D., Pennsylvania Oncology Hematology Associates; Jennifer S. Temel, M.D., Massachusetts General Hospital

dlb823

"Oncologists typically make more money if they use newly approved drugs and the latest radiation treatments than if they use cheaper, older alternatives that work just as well."

You're darn right I want the latest radiation treatments!  And as far as cheaper, older chemos working just as well, that statement sounds way too sweeping to be factual for many situations.  Newer chemo regimens have trials to show their increased benefits (which my UCLA onc went over with me), and Stage IV patients especially want & need access to every newer drug there is, especially if their cancer is progressing.  I don't doubt that some oncs make a bonus RX'ing certain chemos.  But as with so much medical news reporting, I feel like the headline and some of the content may be distorted to be more newsworthy and attention-grabbing.

OTOH, based on what she's at times RX'd for me, I wouldn't be surprised if my PCP gets some sort of bonus for RXing certain drugs, and even for using a certain testing facility.  From the HRT that she encouraged me to stay on when many women were getting off it, to a pricey topical chemo cream she RX'd for a minor skin cancer, then casually told me not to worry about using when I reported I didn't like it -- I do believe there is pressure to RX new drugs.  I'm just having a hard time wrapping my head around oncs not putting a patient's best interests ahead of any added financial compensation.        Deanna

Sassa

My oncologist used an old tried and true combo for my type of breast cancer - AC.  Still is one of the most effective chemos for ER/PR-, HER2+ BC.

Colt45

As long as they aren't choosing LESS effective tx for a cash bonus...



I'm thinking (hoping?) that Oncs have SOME vested interest in the success of their clients, even if for purely selfish reasons, no?