Conflict-of-Interest Seen in Some Prescribing Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer

The number of self-referrals for intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) of prostate cancer has increased in the U.S. in recent years, while use of this treatment has actually declined among non-self-referring groups, according to a Government Accountability Office report. The number of self-referred claims for IMRT among Medicare recipients increased from 80,000 to 366,000 from 2006 to 2010. Non-self-referring claims dropped from 490,000 to 466,000 over the same period. The GAO says its analyses "suggest that financial incentives for self-referring providers — specifically those in limited specialty groups — were likely a major factor driving the increase." The report recommends that providers be required to disclose their financial interests to their patients and that Medicare "should identify and monitor self-referral of IMRT services." ref