Study: Self-Referring Urologists Perform More Biopsies, Detect Cancer Less

Urologists' self-referrals for prostate biopsies were associated with increased tests and lower cancer detection, according to a study in Health Affairs.

The author studied male Medicare beneficiaries who were potential candidates for prostate biopsies. Urologists who used the "in-office ancillary services" exception to refer patients to a facility in which the physicians have a financial interest billed Medicare for nearly 72 percent more specimens per prostate biopsy than physicians who did not self-refer. In addition, the cancer detection rate of self-referring urologists was 12 percentage points lower than non-self-referring urologists.

The author said the results suggest that self-referring urologists employing the "in-office" exception perform more prostate biopsies on men who are unlikely to have prostate cancer.

More Articles on Physician Self-Referrals:

Maryland Enforces Imaging Self-Referral Law After 5-Year Legal Battle
Study: Imaging Self-Referrals Associated With More Unnecessary Scans

Arkansas' Baxter Regional Charges Management Firm With Self-Referral Violations

Copyright © 2024 Becker's Healthcare. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Cookie Policy. Linking and Reprinting Policy.

 

Featured Whitepapers

Featured Webinars