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Impact of GP gatekeeping on quality of care, and health outcomes, use, and expenditure: a systematic review. Br J Gen Pract 2019; 69:e294-e303. [PMID: 30910875 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp19x702209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND GPs often act as gatekeepers, authorising patients' access to specialty care. Gatekeeping is frequently perceived as lowering health service use and health expenditure. However, there is little evidence suggesting that gatekeeping is more beneficial than direct access in terms of patient- and health-related outcomes. AIM To establish the impact of GP gatekeeping on quality of care, health use and expenditure, and health outcomes and patient satisfaction. DESIGN AND SETTING A systematic review. METHOD The databases MEDLINE, PreMEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for relevant articles using a search strategy. Two authors independently screened search results and assessed the quality of studies. RESULTS Electronic searches identified 4899 studies (after removing duplicates), of which 25 met the inclusion criteria. Gatekeeping was associated with better quality of care and appropriate referral for further hospital visits and investigation. However, one study reported unfavourable outcomes for patients with cancer under gatekeeping, and some concerns were raised about the accuracy of diagnoses made by gatekeepers. Gatekeeping resulted in fewer hospitalisations and use of specialist care, but inevitably was associated with more primary care visits. Patients were less satisfied with gatekeeping than direct-access systems. CONCLUSION Gatekeeping was associated with lower healthcare use and expenditure, and better quality of care, but with lower patient satisfaction. Survival rate of patients with cancer in gatekeeping schemes was significantly lower than those in direct access, although primary care gatekeeping was not otherwise associated with delayed patient referral. The long-term outcomes of gatekeeping arrangements should be carefully studied before devising new gatekeeping policies.
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Neugut AI, MacLean SA, Dai WF, Jacobson JS. Physician Characteristics and Decisions Regarding Cancer Screening: A Systematic Review. Popul Health Manag 2019; 22:48-62. [DOI: 10.1089/pop.2017.0206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alfred I. Neugut
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
- Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | | | - Wei F. Dai
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Judith S. Jacobson
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
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Rosenkrantz AB, Moy L, Fleming MM, Duszak R. Associations of County-level Radiologist and Mammography Facility Supply with Screening Mammography Rates in the United States. Acad Radiol 2018; 25:883-888. [PMID: 29373212 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2017.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES The present study aims to assess associations of Medicare beneficiary screening mammography rates with local mammography facility and radiologist availability. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mammography screening rates for Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries were obtained for US counties using the County Health Rankings data set. County-level certified mammography facility counts were obtained from the United States Food and Drug Administration. County-level mammogram-interpreting radiologist and breast imaging subspecialist counts were determined using Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services fee-for-service claims files. Spearman correlations and multivariable linear regressions were performed using counties' facility and radiologist counts, as well as counts normalized to counties' Medicare fee-for-service beneficiary volume and land area. RESULTS Across 3035 included counties, average screening mammography rates were 60.5% ± 8.2% (range 26%-88%). Correlations between county-level screening rates and total mammography facilities, facilities per 100,000 square mile county area, total mammography-interpreting radiologists, and mammography-interpreting radiologists per 100,000 county-level Medicare beneficiaries were all weak (r = 0.22-0.26). Correlations between county-level screening rates and mammography rates per 100,000 Medicare beneficiaries, total breast imaging subspecialist radiologists, and breast imaging subspecialist radiologists per 100,000 Medicare beneficiaries were all minimal (r = 0.06-0.16). Multivariable analyses overall demonstrated radiologist supply to have a stronger independent effect than facility supply, although effect sizes remained weak for both. CONCLUSION Mammography facility and radiologist supply-side factors are only weakly associated with county-level Medicare beneficiary screening mammography rates, and as such, screening mammography may differ from many other health-care services. Although efforts to enhance facility and radiologist supply may be helpful, initiatives to improve screening mammography rates should focus more on demand-side factors, such as patient education and primary care physician education and access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew B Rosenkrantz
- Department of Radiology, Center for Biomedical Imaging, NYU School of Medicine, 660 First Ave, 3rd Floor, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016.
| | - Linda Moy
- Department of Radiology, Center for Biomedical Imaging, NYU School of Medicine, 660 First Ave, 3rd Floor, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016
| | - Margaret M Fleming
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Richard Duszak
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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The Use of Prostate Specific Antigen Screening in Purchased versus Direct Care Settings: Data from the TRICARE® Military Database. J Urol 2017; 198:1295-1300. [DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2017.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Abstract
Increasing cure rates for childhood cancers have resulted in a population of adult childhood cancer survivors (CCS) that are at risk for late effects of cancer-directed therapy. Our objective was to identify facilitators and barriers to primary care physicians (PCPs) providing late effects screening and evaluate information tools PCPs perceive as useful. We analyzed surveys from 351 practicing internal medicine and family practice physicians nationwide. A minority of PCPs perceived that their medical training was adequate to recognize late effects of chemotherapy (27.6%), cancer surgery (36.6%), and radiation therapy (38.1%). Most PCPs (93%) had never used Children's Oncology Group guidelines, but 86% would follow their recommendations. Most (84% to 86%) PCPs stated that they had never received a cancer treatment summary or survivorship care plan but (>90%) thought these documents would be useful. PCPs have a low level of awareness and receive inadequate training to recognize late effects. Overall, PCPs infrequently utilize guidelines, cancer treatment summaries, and survivorship care plans, although they perceive such tools as useful. We have identified gaps to address when providing care for CCS in routine general medical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jody L Sima
- *Department of Pediatrics, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY †Indiana University School of Medicine ‡VA Health Services Research & Development Center for Health Information and Communication, Roudebush VAMC §Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine ∥IU Center for Health Services and Outcomes Research, Regenstrief Institute Inc., Indianapolis, IN
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Elkin EB, Atoria CL, Leoce N, Bach PB, Schrag D. Changes in the availability of screening mammography, 2000-2010. Cancer 2013; 119:3847-53. [PMID: 23943323 PMCID: PMC3805680 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.28305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Revised: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rates of screening mammography have plateaued, and the number of mammography facilities has declined in the past decade. The objective of this study was to assess changes over time and geographic disparities in the availability of mammography services. METHODS Using information from the US Food and Drug Administration and the US Census, county-level mammography capacity was defined as the number of mammography machines per 10,000 women aged ≥ 40 years. Cross-sectional variation and longitudinal changes in capacity were examined in relation to county characteristics. RESULTS Between 2000 and 2010, the number of mammography facilities declined 10% from 9434 to 8469, the number of mammography machines declined 10% from 13,100 to 11,762, and the median county mammography capacity decreased nearly 20% from 1.77 to 1.42 machines per 10,000 women aged ≥ 40 years. In cross-sectional analysis, counties with greater percentages of uninsured residents, less educated residents, greater population density, and higher managed care penetration had lower mammography capacity. Conversely, counties with more hospital beds per 100,000 population had higher capacity. High initial mammography capacity, growth in both the percentage of the population aged ≥ 65 years and the percentage living in poverty, and increased managed care penetration were all associated with a decrease in mammography capacity between 2000 and 2010. Only the percentage of rural residents was associated with an increase in capacity. CONCLUSIONS Geographic variation in mammography capacity and declines in capacity over time are associated with demographic, socioeconomic, and health care market characteristics. Maldistribution of mammography resources may explain geographic disparities in breast cancer screening rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena B Elkin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
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Bellinger JD, Brandt HM, Hardin JW, Bynum S, Sharpe PA, Jackson D. The role of family history of cancer on cervical cancer screening behavior in a population-based survey of women in the Southeastern United States. Womens Health Issues 2013; 23:e197-204. [PMID: 23722075 PMCID: PMC3700594 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2013.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2012] [Revised: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our objective was to determine the association of self-reported family history of cancer (FHC) on cervical cancer screening to inform a potential link with cancer preventive behaviors in a region with persistent cancer disparities. METHODS Self-reported FHC, Pap test behavior, and access to care were measured in a statewide population-based survey of human papillomavirus and cervical cancer (n = 918). Random-digit dial, computer-assisted telephone interviews were used to contact eligible respondents (adult [ages 18-70] women in South Carolina with landline telephones]. Logistic regression models were estimated using STATA 12. FINDINGS Although FHC+ was not predictive (odds ratio [OR], 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55-2.51), private health insurance (OR, 2.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-4.81) and younger age (18-30 years: OR, 7.76; 95% CI, 1.91, 3.16) were associated with recent Pap test behavior. FHC and cervical cancer screening associations were not detected in the sample. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest targeting older women with screening recommendations and providing available screening resources for underserved women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica D. Bellinger
- Department of Health Services Policy and Management, South Carolina Rural Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 220 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 204, Columbia, SC 29210, Tel: (803) 251-6317, Fax: (803) 251-6399
| | - Heather M. Brandt
- Department of Health Promotion Education & Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 800 Sumter Street HESC 312A, Columbia, SC 29208; Tel: (803) 777-4561, Fax: (803) 777-6290
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Room 230, Columbia, SC 29208
| | - James W. Hardin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, Biostatistics Collaborative Unit, University of South Carolina, 1600 Hampton Street, Suite 507, Columbia, SC 28208; Tel: (803) 777-0379, Fax: (803) 777-0391
| | - Shalanda Bynum
- Department of Preventive Medicine & Biometrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, Tel: (301) 295-1585; Fax: (301) 295-1933
| | - Patricia A. Sharpe
- Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29208; Tel: (803) 777-4253, Fax: (803) 777-9007
| | - Dawnyéa Jackson
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 800 Sumter Street HESC, Columbia, SC 29208
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Roetzheim RG, Ferrante JM, Lee JH, Chen R, Love-Jackson KM, Gonzalez EC, Fisher KJ, McCarthy EP. Influence of primary care on breast cancer outcomes among Medicare beneficiaries. Ann Fam Med 2012; 10:401-11. [PMID: 22966103 PMCID: PMC3438207 DOI: 10.1370/afm.1398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We used the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database to explore the association between primary care and breast cancer outcomes. METHODS Using a retrospective cohort study of 105,105 female Medicare beneficiaries with a diagnosis of breast cancer in SEER registries during the years 1994-2005, we examined the total number of office visits to primary care physicians and non-primary care physicians in a 24-month period before cancer diagnosis. For women with invasive cancers, we examined the odds of diagnosis of late-stage disease, according to the American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC) (stages III and IV vs stages I and II), and survival (breast cancer specific and all cause) using logistic regression and proportional hazards models, respectively. We also explored whether including noninvasive cancers, such as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), would alter results and whether prior mammography was a potential mediator of associations. RESULTS Primary care physician visits were associated with improved breast cancer outcomes, including greater use of mammography, reduced odds of late-stage diagnosis, and lower breast cancer and overall mortality. Prior mammography (and resultant earlier stage diagnosis) mediated these associations in part, but not completely. Similar results were seen for non-primary care physician visits. Results were similar when women with DCIS were included in the analysis. CONCLUSIONS Medicare beneficiaries with breast cancer had better outcomes if they made greater use of a primary care physician's ambulatory services. These findings suggest adequate primary medical care may be an important factor in achieving optimal breast cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard G Roetzheim
- Department of Family Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA.
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Rayman KM, Edwards J. Rural primary care providers' perceptions of their role in the breast cancer care continuum. J Rural Health 2010; 26:189-95. [PMID: 20447006 DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-0361.2010.00281.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Rural women in the United States experience disparity in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment when compared to their urban counterparts. Given the 11% chance of lifetime occurrence of breast cancer for women overall, the continuum of breast cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery are of legitimate concern to rural women and their primary care providers. PURPOSE This analysis describes rural primary care providers' perceptions of the full spectrum of breast cancer screening, treatment, and follow-up care for women patients, and it describes the providers' desired role in the cancer care continuum. METHOD Focus group interviews were conducted with primary care providers in 3 federally qualified community health centers serving a lower income, rural population. Focus group participants (N = 26) consisted of 11 physicians, 14 nurse practitioners, and 1 licensed clinical psychologist. Data were generated from audiotaped interviews transcribed verbatim and investigator field notes. Data were analyzed using constant comparison and findings were reviewed with a group of rural health professionals to judge the fit of findings with the emerging coding scheme. FINDINGS Provider relationships were characterized as being with women with cancer and comprised an active behind-the-scenes role in supporting their patients through treatment decisions and processes. Three themes emerged from the interview data: Knowing the Patient; Walking Through Treatment With the Patient; and Sending Them Off or Losing the Patient to the System. CONCLUSIONS These findings should be a part of professional education for rural practitioners, and mechanisms to support this role should be implemented in practice settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M Rayman
- College of Nursing, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee 37614, USA.
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Kaida A, Colman I, Janssen PA. Recent Pap Tests among Canadian Women: Is Depression a Barrier to Cervical Cancer Screening? J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2008. [DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2007.0626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Kaida
- Department of Health Care and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ian Colman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, U.K
| | - Patricia A. Janssen
- Department of Health Care and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Çanada
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Coughlin SS, Leadbetter S, Richards T, Sabatino SA. Contextual analysis of breast and cervical cancer screening and factors associated with health care access among United States women, 2002. Soc Sci Med 2008; 66:260-75. [PMID: 18022299 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2007.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2006] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Baker LC, Chan J. Laws requiring health plans to provide direct access to obstetricians and gynecologists, and use of cancer screening by women. Health Serv Res 2007; 42:990-1007. [PMID: 17489900 PMCID: PMC1955247 DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-6773.2006.00646.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many states have passed legislation mandating that health plans provide direct access to obstetricians/gynecologists (hereinafter "ob/gyns") for women, limiting the ability of plans to require referrals or otherwise restrict access. One benefit of these laws may be improved preventive screening rates, but no literature has examined the relationship between ob/gyn direct access laws and use of breast cancer and cervical cancer screening. DATA AND METHODS We use repeated cross-sections of privately insured women age 18-64 (Pap test) and 40-64 (mammography) from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System for 1996-2000, linked to data on the presence of ob/gyn direct access laws by state. Outcome measures are receipt of mammography and receipt of a Pap test within the past 2 years. Regression analyses are used to assess the relationship between the presence of ob/gyn direct access laws and screening, adjusting for a range of individual characteristics, fixed state characteristics, and time trends. RESULTS We find no statistically significant relationships between the presence of an ob/gyn direct access law and receipt of either mammography or Pap test screening. We explore a range of alternate specifications and find none that yield clear evidence of a relationship. CONCLUSIONS Laws requiring direct access to ob/gyns are not associated with large or consistent measurable impacts on use of cancer screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence C Baker
- Department of Health Research and Policy, Stanford University, Center for Health Policy, Stanford University, National Bureau of Economic Research, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5405, USA
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Wallace AE, MacKenzie TA, Weeks WB. Women's primary care providers and breast cancer screening: who's following the guidelines? Am J Obstet Gynecol 2006; 194:744-8. [PMID: 16522407 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2005.10.194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2005] [Revised: 03/31/2005] [Accepted: 10/05/2005] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Screening mammography for woman ages 50 to 69 years has resulted in early breast cancer detection and reduced mortality rates. However, the providers who are responsible for women's preventive health care differ in breast cancer screening guideline adherence. We compared screening practices across provider specialty and training degree types. STUDY DESIGN Using a retrospective cohort design, we examined 472 patient records that represented 16 million preventive health care visits among women ages 50 to 69 years from the 2000 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. We calculated relative risk ratios for breast examination and mammography during preventive visits across provider specialty and training types. RESULTS Among specialists, gynecologists are more likely than internists or general/family practitioners to follow breast cancer screening guidelines. Across training degree types, mid-level providers are more likely than medical doctors or osteopaths to adhere to guidelines. CONCLUSION Regardless of specialty type or training degree, women's health care providers should adhere to breast cancer screening guidelines during preventive care visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Wallace
- VA Outcomes Group REAP, VA Medical Center, White River Junction, VT 05009-0001, USA.
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