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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Cuts in reimbursement for cancer care in 2003 have not affected the care of patients, at least not from the patients perception, according to a new study. The research reveals patients remain highly satisfied with their cancer treatments.
In 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act (MMA) was signed into law by President Bush. It was the most comprehensive restructuring of the Medicare system since it began in 1965. One of the changes included reductions in Medicare reimbursement to health care cancer providers, which went into effect in 2005. Some pointed out this would require patients to travel further for treatment because cancer centers would have to downsize with less money.
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Researchers from Duke Clinical Research Institute conducted a web-based survey interviewing patients before and after MMA went into effect. The research included 1,421 cancer patients with 684 treated before MMA and 737 treated after MMA. Study authors wanted to compare the patients perceptions of access to and satisfaction with their oncologists care.
Overall, there was no significant difference between the two groups. Both groups reported an average of 21 days for treatment to begin and an average travel time of 30 minutes. Both groups also reported being very satisfied with their medical care. While authors say this study does not support the generalizations that patients are being affected by the MMA changes, they add further examination of rural areas and those where only Medicare insurance is needed.
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, which offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, click on: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
SOURCE: CANCER, published online October 8, 2007
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