From 2001 to June 2011, the number of centers providing proton beam therapy grew from 3 to 10. From 2006 to 2009, the number of Medicare beneficiaries receiving proton beam therapy nearly doubled. The near doubling of Medicare beneficiaries receiving proton beam therapy from 2006 to 2009 was due to a 68 percent increase in use for “conditions of possible benefit,” mostly prostate cancer, with no increase in use for commonly accepted indications. Prostate cancer is the most common condition for which a Medicare beneficiary recieves proton beam therapy. CMS has yet to issue a national coverage rule for proton beam therapy or its specific indications.
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Jarosek S, Elliott S, Virnig BA Are you the author?
Reference: Data Points Publication Series [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2011-2012 May 07.
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 22649801