Khái niệm cốt lõi
Staff shortages in radiation oncology clinics are impacting patient care and increasing operating costs, prompting a call for policy changes to address these challenges.
Tóm tắt
Radiation oncology clinics are experiencing severe staff shortages, with over 90% of radiation oncologists affected.
Patient care is being compromised, with treatment delays, heightened patient anxiety, and reduced support services reported.
Operating costs have surged by 23% compared to pre-pandemic levels, adding to the challenges faced by clinics.
Legislative priorities include improving Medicare payment policies, increasing federal investment in cancer research, and addressing prior authorization issues.
The ASTRO survey highlights the critical need to address staffing issues to ensure equitable access to radiation therapy.
Sharon Worcester, an experienced medical journalist, covers oncology topics extensively for various platforms.
Thống kê
More than 90% of radiation oncologists are facing staff shortages.
Practice operating costs have increased by 23% on average compared to prepandemic costs.
Trích dẫn
"More than one million people receive radiation therapy each year to treat cancer and other diseases, yet ongoing cuts, prior authorization and rising costs threaten to undermine equitable access to this life-saving treatment." - ASTRO press release