Radiation therapy services: health systems plan and appropriateness review

Technical Report · Wed Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1981

OSTI ID:5685705

The bulk of this document consists of standards for use in appropriateness review of megavoltage radiation therapy services. The six standards specify: (1) a service population of 150,000 per machine; (2) annual caseload of 200 patients per machine, to be increased to 250 by 1983; (3) annual minimum of 4,000 treatments per machine; (4) maximum travel time of 90 minutes; (5) use of multidisciplinary tumor boards to plan treatment regimens; and (6) periodic quality assurance reviews and participation in the Wisconsin Cancer Reporting System. Each standard is accompanied by identification of its source, health system characteristic(s) addressed, assumptions (if any), analysis, and institution-specific review findings. Overall findings indicate that the current availability and accessibility of radiation therapy services are generally appropriate for at least 2 of the 3 facilities until 1987. One health system goal is stated, which calls for no additional units in the area until existing units are performing at least 5,000 per year. Recommended actions suggest the discontinuation of radiation therapy services at a specific hospital and study of possible third-party payment for short-term living expenses for patients traveling long distances to undergo radiation therapy. One reference is cited. Exhibits, footnotes are included.

• Research Organization: North Central Area Health Planning Association, Wausau, WI (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5685705
• Report Number(s): HRP-0903826/6
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290200* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics & Sociology
AVAILABILITY
HEALTH SERVICES
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
MEDICINE
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
PLANNING
RADIOLOGY
RADIOTHERAPY
SOCIAL SERVICES
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
STANDARDS
THERAPY