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Faraj KS, Kaufman SR, Herrel LA, Maganty A, Oerline MK, Caram MEV, Shahinian VB, Hollenbeck BK. Urologist practice divestment from radiation vault ownership and treatment patterns for prostate cancer. Cancer 2024; 130:1609-1617. [PMID: 38146764 PMCID: PMC11009074 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urologists practicing in single-specialty groups with ownership in radiation vaults are more likely to treat men with prostate cancer. The effect of divestment of vault ownership on treatment patterns is unclear. METHODS A 20% sample of national Medicare claims was used to perform a retrospective cohort study of men with prostate cancer diagnosed between 2010 and 2019. Urology practices were categorized by radiation vault ownership as nonowners, continuous owners, and divested owners. The primary outcome was use of local treatment, and the secondary outcome was use of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). A difference-in-differences framework was used to measure the effect of divestment on outcomes compared to continuous owners. Subgroup analyses assessed outcomes by noncancer mortality risk (high [>50%] vs. low [≤50%]). RESULTS Among 72 urology practices that owned radiation vaults, six divested during the study. Divestment led to a decrease in treatment compared with those managed at continuously owning practices (difference-in-differences estimate, -13%; p = .03). The use of IMRT decreased, but this was not statistically significant (difference-in-differences estimate, -10%; p = .13). In men with a high noncancer mortality risk, treatment (difference-in-differences estimate, -28%; p < .001) and use of IMRT (difference-in-differences estimate, -27%; p < .001) decreased after divestment. CONCLUSIONS Urology group divestment from radiation vault ownership led to a decrease in prostate cancer treatment. This decrease was most pronounced in men who had a high noncancer mortality risk. This has important implications for health care reform by suggesting that payment programs that encourage constraints on utilization, when appropriate, may be effective in reducing overtreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kassem S Faraj
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Samuel R Kaufman
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Lindsey A Herrel
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Avinash Maganty
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Mary K Oerline
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Megan E. V. Caram
- VA Health Services Research & Development, Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Vahakn B Shahinian
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Maganty A, Kaufman SR, Oerline MK, Faraj KS, Caram MEV, Shahinian VB, Hollenbeck BK. Value-based payment models and management of newly diagnosed prostate cancer. Cancer Med 2023; 13:e6810. [PMID: 38146905 PMCID: PMC10807592 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of urologist participation in value-based payment models on the initial management of men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer. METHODS Medicare beneficiaries with prostate cancer diagnosed between 2017 and 2019, with 1 year of follow-up, were assigned to their primary urologist, each of whom was then aligned to a value-based payment model (the merit-based incentive payment system [MIPS], accountable care organization [ACO] without financial risk, and ACO with risk). Multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression was used to measure the association between payment model participation and treatment of prostate cancer. Additional models estimated the effects of payment model participation on use of treatment in men with very high risk (i.e., >75%) of non-cancer mortality within 10 years of diagnosis (i.e., a group of men for whom treatment is generally not recommended) and price-standardized prostate cancer spending in the 12 months after diagnosis. RESULTS Treatment did not vary by payment model, both overall (MIPS-67% [95% CI 66%-68%], ACOs without risk-66% [95% CI 66%-68%], ACOs with risk-66% [95% CI 64%-68%]). Similarly, treatment did not vary among men with very high risk of non-cancer mortality by payment model (MIPS-52% [95% CI 50%-55%], ACOs without risk-52% [95% CI 50%-55%], ACOs with risk-51% [95% CI 45%-56%]). Adjusted spending was similar across payment models (MIPS-$16,501 [95% CI $16,222-$16,780], ACOs without risk-$16,140 [95% CI $15,852-$16,429], ACOs with risk-$16,117 [95% CI $15,585-$16,649]). CONCLUSIONS How urologists participate in value-based payment models is not associated with treatment, potential overtreatment, and prostate cancer spending in men with newly diagnosed disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash Maganty
- Division of Health Services Research, Department of UrologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Samuel R. Kaufman
- Division of Health Services Research, Department of UrologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Mary K. Oerline
- Division of Health Services Research, Department of UrologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Kassem S. Faraj
- Division of Health Services Research, Department of UrologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Megan E. V. Caram
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- VA Health Services Research & Development, Center for Clinical Management ResearchVA Ann Arbor Healthcare SystemAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Vahakn B. Shahinian
- Division of Health Services Research, Department of UrologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Brent K. Hollenbeck
- Division of Health Services Research, Department of UrologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
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Krampe N, Kaufman SR, Oerline MK, Hill D, Caram MEV, Shahinian VB, Hollenbeck BK, Maganty A. Health care delivery system contributions to management of newly diagnosed prostate cancer. Cancer Med 2023; 12:17346-17355. [PMID: 37475511 PMCID: PMC10501260 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite clinical guidelines advocating for use of conservative management in specific clinical scenarios for men with prostate cancer, there continues to be tremendous variation in its uptake. This variation may be amplified among men with competing health risks, for whom treatment decisions are not straightforward. The degree to which characteristics of the health care delivery system explain this variation remains unclear. METHODS Using national Medicare data, men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer between 2014 and 2019 were identified. Hierarchical logistic regression models were used to assess the association between use of treatment and health care delivery system determinants operating at the practice level, which included measures of financial incentives (i.e., radiation vault ownership), practice organization (i.e., single specialty vs. multispecialty groups), and the health care market (i.e., competition). Variance was partitioned to estimate the relative influence of patient and practice characteristics on the variation in use of treatment within strata of noncancer mortality risk groups. RESULTS Among 62,507 men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer, the largest variation in the use of treatment between practices was observed for men with high and very high-risk of noncancer mortality (range of practice-level rates of treatment for high: 57%-71% and very high: 41%-61%). Addition of health care delivery system determinants measured at the practice level explained 13% and 15% of the variation in use of treatment among men with low and intermediate risk of noncancer mortality in 10 years, respectively. Conversely, these characteristics explained a larger share of the variation in use of treatment among men with high and very high-risk of noncancer mortality (26% and 40%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Variation among urology practices in use of treatment was highest for men with high and very high-risk noncancer mortality. Practice characteristics explained a large share of this variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Krampe
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of UrologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Samuel R. Kaufman
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of UrologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Mary K. Oerline
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of UrologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Dawson Hill
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of UrologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Megan E. V. Caram
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- VA Health Services Research & Development, Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare SystemAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Vahakn B. Shahinian
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of UrologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Brent K. Hollenbeck
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of UrologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Avinash Maganty
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of UrologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
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Hill D, Kaufman SR, Oerline MK, Faraj K, Caram MEV, Shahinian VB, Hollenbeck BK, Maganty A. In-office dispensing of oral targeted agents by urology practices in men with advanced prostate cancer. JNCI Cancer Spectr 2023; 7:pkad062. [PMID: 37643638 PMCID: PMC10555918 DOI: 10.1093/jncics/pkad062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Management of men with advanced prostate cancer has evolved to include urologists, made possible by oral targeted agents (eg, abiraterone or enzalutamide) that can be dispensed directly to patients in the office. We sought to investigate whether this increasingly common model improves access to these agents, especially for Black men who are historically undertreated. METHODS We used 20% national Medicare data to perform a retrospective cohort study of men with advanced prostate cancer from 2011 through 2019, managed by urology practices with and without in-office dispensing. Using a difference-in-difference framework, generalized estimating equations were used to measure the effect of in-office dispensing on prescriptions for abiraterone and/or enzalutamide, adjusting for differences between patients, including race. RESULTS New prescription fills for oral targeted agents increased after the adoption of in-office dispensing (+4.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.4% to 5.4%) relative to that for men managed by practices without dispensing (+2.4%, 95% CI = 1.4% to 3.4%). The increase in the postintervention period (difference-in-difference estimate) was 2% higher (95% CI = 0.6% to 3.4%) for men managed by practices adopting dispensing relative to men managed by practices without dispensing. The effect was strongest for practices adopting dispensing in 2015 (difference-in-difference estimate: +4.2%, 95% CI = 2.3% to 6.2%). The effect of dispensing adoption did not differ by race. CONCLUSION Adoption of in-office dispensing by urology practices increased prescription fills for oral targeted agents in men with advanced prostate cancer. This model of delivery may improve access to this important class of medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawson Hill
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Samuel R Kaufman
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mary K Oerline
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kassem Faraj
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Megan E V Caram
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Services Research & Development, Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Vahakn B Shahinian
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Brent K Hollenbeck
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Avinash Maganty
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Maganty A, Hollenbeck BK, Kaufman SR, Oerline MK, Lai LY, Caram MEV, Shahinian VB. Practice Competition and Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Prostate Cancer. Urology 2023; 177:95-102. [PMID: 37146728 PMCID: PMC10524390 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2023.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of urology practice market competition on use of treatment in men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer. METHODS We performed a retrospective national cohort study of 48,067 Medicare beneficiaries with newly diagnosed prostate cancer between 2014 and 2018. The primary exposure was urology practice-level market competition. Markets were established by the flow of patients to a practice using a variable radius approach. Practice level competition was measured annually using the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index. The primary outcome was use of treatment for prostate cancer (ie, surgery, radiation, or cryotherapy) stratified by 10-year risk of noncancer mortality. RESULTS Between 2014 and 2018, there was a decrease in the total percent of urologists practicing in small single-specialty groups (49%-41%) with an increase in multispecialty practices (38%-47%). After adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics, a lower percentage of men underwent treatment in practices with low competition relative to those managed in practices with high competition (70% vs 67.0%, P < .001). Among men with the highest risk of noncancer mortality, those managed in practices in the least competitive markets were less likely to receive treatment relative to men managed by practices in the most competitive markets (48% vs 60%, P-value<.001). CONCLUSION Reduction in competition between urology practices is not associated with greater use of treatment in men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer, particularly in those with a high risk of noncancer mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash Maganty
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
| | - Brent K Hollenbeck
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Samuel R Kaufman
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Mary K Oerline
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Lillian Y Lai
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Megan E V Caram
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Vahakn B Shahinian
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Agochukwu-Mmonu N, Qin Y, Kaufman S, Oerline M, Vince R, Makarov D, Caram MV, Chapman C, Ravenell J, Hollenbeck BK, Skolarus TA. Understanding the Role of Urology Practice Organization and Racial Composition in Prostate Cancer Treatment Disparities. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:e763-e772. [PMID: 36657098 PMCID: PMC10414720 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Black men have a higher risk of prostate cancer diagnosis and mortality but are less likely to receive definitive treatment. The impact of structural aspects on treatment is unknown but may lead to actionable insights to mitigate disparities. We sought to examine the associations between urology practice organization and racial composition and treatment patterns for Medicare beneficiaries with incident prostate cancer. METHODS Using a 20% sample of national Medicare data, we identified beneficiaries diagnosed with prostate cancer between January 2010 and December 2015 and followed them through 2016. We linked urologists to their practices with tax identification numbers. We then linked patients to practices on the basis of their primary urologist. We grouped practices into quartiles on the basis of their proportion of Black patients. We used multilevel mixed-effects models to identify treatment associations. RESULTS We identified 54,443 patients with incident prostate cancer associated with 4,194 practices. Most patients were White (87%), and 9% were Black. We found wide variation in racial practice composition and practice segregation. Patients in practices with the highest proportion of Black patients had the lowest socioeconomic status (43.1%), highest comorbidity (9.9% with comorbidity score ≥ 3), and earlier age at prostate cancer diagnosis (33.5% age 66-69 years; P < .01). Black patients had lower odds of definitive therapy (adjusted odds ratio, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.81 to 0.93) and underwent less treatment than White patients in every practice context. Black patients in practices with higher proportions of Black patients had higher treatment rates than Black patients in practices with lower proportions. Black patients had lower predicted probability of treatment (66%) than White patients (69%; P < .05). CONCLUSION Despite Medicare coverage, we found less definitive treatment among Black beneficiaries consistent with ongoing prostate cancer treatment disparities. Our findings are reflective of the adverse effects of practice segregation and structural racism, highlighting the need for multilevel interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nnenaya Agochukwu-Mmonu
- Department of Urology, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY
- Department of Population Health, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Yongmei Qin
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Samuel Kaufman
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Mary Oerline
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Randy Vince
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Danil Makarov
- Department of Urology, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY
- Department of Population Health, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Megan V. Caram
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Department of Medicine, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Christina Chapman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Joseph Ravenell
- Department of Population Health, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Brent K. Hollenbeck
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Ted A. Skolarus
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Center for Clinical Management Research, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI
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Caram MEV, Kumbier K, Burns J, Sparks JB, Tsao PA, Stensland KD, Washington SL, Hollenbeck BK, Shahinian V, Skolarus TA. Differential adoption of castration-resistant prostate cancer treatment across facilities in a national healthcare system. Cancer Med 2023; 12:6945-6955. [PMID: 36790037 PMCID: PMC10067072 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the past decade, abiraterone and enzalutamide have largely replaced ketoconazole as oral treatments for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). We investigated the differential adoption of abiraterone and enzalutamide across facilities in a national healthcare system to understand the impact a facility has on the receipt of these novel therapies. METHODS Using data from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse, we identified a cohort of men with CRPC who received the most common first-line therapies: abiraterone, enzalutamide, docetaxel, or ketoconazole between 2010 and 2017. We described variability in the adoption of abiraterone and enzalutamide across facilities by time period (2010-2013 or 2014-2017). We categorized facilities depending on the timing of adoption of abiraterone and enzalutamide relative to other facilities and described facility characteristics associated with early and late adoption. RESULTS We identified 4998 men treated with ketoconazole, docetaxel, abiraterone, or enzalutamide as first-line CRPC therapy between 2010 and 2017 at 125 national facilities. When limiting the cohort to oral therapies, most patients treated earlier in the study period (2010-2013) received ketoconazole. A dramatic shift was seen by the second half of the study period (2014-2017) with most men treated with first-line abiraterone (61%). Despite this shift and a new standard of care, some facilities persisted in the widespread use of ketoconazole in the later period, so-called late adopting facilities. After multivariable adjustment, patients who received treatment at a late adopting facility were more likely receiving care at a lower complexity, rural facility, with less urology and hematology/oncology workforce (all p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Many facilities persisted in their use of ketoconazole as first-line CRPC therapy, even when other facilities had adopted the new standard of care abiraterone and enzalutamide. Further work is needed to identify the effect of this late adoption on outcomes important to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E. V. Caram
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolMichiganAnn ArborUSA
- VA Health Services Research & Development, Center for Clinical Management and Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare SystemMichiganAnn ArborUSA
| | - Kyle Kumbier
- VA Health Services Research & Development, Center for Clinical Management and Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare SystemMichiganAnn ArborUSA
| | - Jennifer Burns
- VA Health Services Research & Development, Center for Clinical Management and Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare SystemMichiganAnn ArborUSA
| | - Jordan B. Sparks
- VA Health Services Research & Development, Center for Clinical Management and Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare SystemMichiganAnn ArborUSA
| | - Phoebe A. Tsao
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolMichiganAnn ArborUSA
- VA Health Services Research & Development, Center for Clinical Management and Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare SystemMichiganAnn ArborUSA
| | | | - Samuel L. Washington
- Department of UrologyUniversity of California San FranciscoCaliforniaSan FranciscoUSA
| | - Brent K. Hollenbeck
- Department of UrologyUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolMichiganAnn ArborUSA
| | - Vahakn Shahinian
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolMichiganAnn ArborUSA
- Department of UrologyUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolMichiganAnn ArborUSA
| | - Ted A. Skolarus
- Department of UrologyUniversity of Chicago Pritzker School of MedicineIllinoisChicagoUSA
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Maganty A, Hollenbeck BK, Kaufman SR, Oerline MK, Lai LY, Caram MEV, Shahinian VB. Implications of the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System for Urology Practices. Urology 2022; 169:84-91. [PMID: 35932872 PMCID: PMC9669102 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2022.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the implications of the merit-based incentive payment system (MIPS) for urology practices. MIPS is a Medicare payment model that determines whether a physician is financially penalized or receives bonus payment based on performance in four categories: quality, practice improvement, promotion of interoperability, and spending. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional analysis of urologist performance in MIPS for 2017 and 2019 using Medicare data. Urologist practice organization was categorized as single-specialty (small, medium, large) or multispecialty groups. MIPS scores were estimated by practice organization. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between urology practice characteristics, including proportion of dual eligible beneficiaries, and bonus payment adjustment as defined by Medicare methodology. Rates of consolidation (movement from smaller to larger practices) between 2017 and 2019 were compared between those who were and those who were not penalized in 2017. RESULTS Urologists in small practices performed worse in MIPS and had a significantly lower adjusted odds ratio of receiving bonus payments in both 2017 and 2019 compared to larger group practices (odds ratio [OR] 0.04, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 0.03-0.05 in 2017 and OR 0.37, 95%CI 0.30-0.47 in 2019). Increasing percent of dual eligible beneficiaries within a patient panel was associated with decreased odds of receiving bonus payment in both performance years. Urologists penalized in 2017 had higher rates of consolidation by 2019 compared to those who were not (14% vs 5%, P <.05). CONCLUSION Small urology practices and those caring for a higher proportion of dual eligible beneficiaries tended to perform worse in MIPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash Maganty
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan, MI.
| | - Brent K Hollenbeck
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan, MI
| | - Samuel R Kaufman
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan, MI
| | - Mary K Oerline
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan, MI
| | - Lillian Y Lai
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan, MI
| | - Megan E V Caram
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan, MI
| | - Vahakn B Shahinian
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan, MI; Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, MI
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Mitchell JM, Gresenz CR. The Influence of Practice Structure on Urologists' Treatment of Men With Low-Risk Prostate Cancer. Med Care 2022; 60:665-672. [PMID: 35880758 PMCID: PMC9378464 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vertical and horizontal integration among health care providers has transformed the practice arrangements under which many physicians work. OBJECTIVE To examine the influence of type of practice structure, and by implication the financial incentives associated with each structure, on treatment received among men newly diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer. RESEARCH DESIGN We compiled a unique database from cancer registry records from 4 large states, Medicare enrollment and claims for the years 2005-2014 and SK & A physician surveys corroborated by extensive internet searches. We estimated a multinomial logit model to examine the influence of urologist practice structure on type of initial treatment received. RESULTS The probability of being monitored with active surveillance was 7.4% and 4.2% points higher for men treated by health system and nonhealth system employed urologists ( P <0.01), respectively, in comparison to men treated by single specialty urology practices. Among multispecialty practices, the rate of active surveillance use was 3% points higher compared with single specialty urology practices( P <0.01). Use of intensity modulated radiation therapy among urologists with ownership in intensity modulated radiation therapy was 17.4% points higher compared with urologists working in small single specialty practices. CONCLUSIONS Physician practice structure attributes are significantly associated with type of treatment received but few studies control for such factors. Our findings-coupled with the observation that urologist practice structure shifted substantially over this time period due to mergers of small urology groups-provide one explanation for the limited uptake of active surveillance among men with low-risk disease in the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean M. Mitchell
- McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University, Old North 314, 37 & “O” Streets, NW, Washington DC 20007
| | - Carole Roan Gresenz
- Department of Health Systems Administration, Georgetown University, 3800 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington DC 20007
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Lai LY, Kaufman SR, Modi PK, Ellimoottil C, Oerline M, Caram ME, Hollenbeck BK, Shahinian VB. Impact of Advanced Practice Provider Integration into Multispecialty Group Practices on Outcomes Following Major Surgery. Surg Innov 2022; 29:111-117. [PMID: 33896274 PMCID: PMC8542060 DOI: 10.1177/15533506211013150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Background. While advanced practice providers (APPs) are increasingly integrated into care delivery models, little is known about their impact in surgical settings. Given that many patients undergo surgery in multispecialty group practice settings, we examined the impact of APP integration into such practices on outcomes after major surgery. Methods. We used a 20% sample of national Medicare claims to identify 190 101 patients who underwent 1 of 4 major surgeries (coronary artery bypass graft [CABG], colectomy, major joint replacement, and cystectomy) at multispecialty group practices from 2010 through 2016. The level of APP integration was measured as the ratio of APPs to physicians within each practice. Rates of mortality, major complications, and readmission within 30 days of discharge after the index surgery were compared between patients treated in practices with low, medium, and high levels of APP integration using multivariable regression analysis. Results. Relative to patients treated in practices with low APP integration, those treated in practices with medium or high APP integration had significantly lower rates of mortality (2.4% [low integration] vs 1.9% [medium integration] vs 2.0% [high integration]; P < .01), major complications (34.1% [low] vs 31.2% [medium] vs 30.2% [high]; P < .01), and readmission (11.7% [low] vs 10.6% [medium] vs 10.1% [high]; P < .01). This relationship was consistent for virtually all outcomes when considering each surgery type individually. Conclusions. Integration of APPs into multispecialty group practices was associated with improved postoperative outcomes after major surgery. Future research should identify the mechanisms by which APPs improve outcomes to inform optimal utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian Y. Lai
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Parth K. Modi
- Department of Urology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Mary Oerline
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | | | - Vahakn B. Shahinian
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI,Departments of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Marchetti KA, Oerline M, Hollenbeck BK, Kaufman SR, Skolarus TA, Shahinian VB, Caram MEV, Modi PK. Urology Workforce Changes and Implications for Prostate Cancer Care Among Medicare Enrollees. Urology 2021; 155:77-82. [PMID: 33610652 PMCID: PMC8374001 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2020.12.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize national trends in urologist workforce, practice organization, and management of incident prostate cancer. METHODS Using Medicare claims data from 2010 to 2016, we identified all urologists billing Medicare and the practice with which they were affiliated. We characterized groups as solo, small single specialty, large single specialty, multispecialty, specialist, or hospital-owned practices. Using a 20% sample of national Medicare claims, we identified all patients with incident prostate cancer and identified their primary treatment. RESULTS The number of urologists increased from 9,305 in 2010 to 9,570 in 2016 (P = .03), while the number of practices decreased from 3,588 to 2,861 (P < .001). The proportion of urologists in multispecialty groups increased from 17.1% in 2010 to 28.2% in 2016, while those within solo practices declined from 26.2% to only 15.8% over the same time period. A higher proportion of patients at hospital-owned practices were treated with observation (P < .001) and surgery (P < .001), while a higher proportion of patients at large single specialty practices were treated with radiation therapy (P < .001). CONCLUSION We characterized shifts in urologist membership from smaller, independent groups to larger, multispecialty or hospital-owned practices. This trend coincides with higher utilization of observation and surgical treatment for prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A Marchetti
- Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan.
| | - Mary Oerline
- Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan
| | - Brent K Hollenbeck
- Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan
| | - Samuel R Kaufman
- Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan
| | - Ted A Skolarus
- Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan; Center for Clinical Management Research, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System
| | - Vahakn B Shahinian
- Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Megan E V Caram
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Parth K Modi
- Division of Health Services Research, Department of Urology, University of Michigan
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