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.