Trends in Medicare utilization and reimbursement for hematology/oncology procedures from 2012 to 2023: A geriatric oncology perspective.

Objectives: Given the scarcity of data exploring reimbursement trends in the field of hematology/oncology, we sought to characterize these trends for common procedures in this field from 2012 to 2023. Methods: Using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Physician Fee Schedule Look-Up Tool we collected reimbursement data for 40 hematology/oncology procedure codes from 2012 to 2023. Data was adjusted to 2023 United States (US) dollars using the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Results: From 2012 to 2023 gross reimbursement for the facility price decreased 4.4% and increased 9.2% for the non-facility price. When adjusted for inflation, compensation decreased 96.1% and 96.6%, respectively. None of the 40 examined Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes increased in net reimbursement over the study period. Conclusions: Medicare reimbursement for common hematology/oncology procedures decreased from 2012 to 2023. Further research is necessary to explore the implications of these trends on the delivery of patient care.

Association between non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection and aerodigestive cancers: A case series highlighting different features, sequence and association.

Non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung disease (NTM-LD) is increasingly recognized as an important cause of chronic respiratory infections. Diagnosing NTM infection in patients with a history of cancer can be delayed, or overlooked, due to potential overlapping symptomatology and similarities among radiographic features, including lung masses, cavities, and nodules. This retrospective case series aims to demonstrate the variable association of NTM-LD and aerodigestive cancers and how in some cases the diagnosis of NTM-LD can be delayed in patients with malignancy. Six patients with biopsy proven aerodigestive malignancy (either lung or head & neck cancer) and culture positive NTM infection were identified through a retrospective review of medical records between 1/1/2013 and 9/20/2020. Their demographic characteristics and clinical course are described to help elucidate both similarities and differences in presentation and diagnosis. Awareness of the association of NTM-LD and lung malignancy may help in early identification of these potential comorbidities and hence influence proactive diagnosis and management.