A new study suggests that cancer patients who seek information about insurance coverage and costs may face delays in receiving medical care. Published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, the research reveals that patients engaging in administrative tasks related to their healthcare were 18 percent more likely to experience delays or miss appointments and treatments.
The study, led by Dr. Meredith Doherty from the University of Pennsylvania, analyzed data from a CancerCare survey of 510 cancer patients and survivors. Participants who sought information about out-of-pocket costs, insurance coverage, or appealed benefit denials were more likely to postpone or skip doctor’s appointments, follow-up testing, or prescribed medications.
Notably, the research found that African Americans were more likely to engage in these administrative tasks and experience treatment delays compared to other racial and ethnic groups. This finding suggests that the administrative burden may exacerbate existing health disparities among marginalized communities.
“It’s fairly unique to our for-profit U.S. health care system for the consumer to be responsible for acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to effectively use those goods or services and to ensure they’re of high quality,” Dr. Doherty explained.
The study also revealed that each additional administrative task was associated with a 32 percent higher frequency of missed or delayed care. While factors such as age, race/ethnicity, and monthly out-of-pocket costs were more strongly linked to care disruptions, the researchers emphasize the need to address administrative burdens to improve patient outcomes and reduce health disparities.
Dr. Doherty hopes this research will spark further studies and discussions on simplifying the healthcare system, potentially leading to improved outcomes for cancer patients across all demographics.
See “Asking About Insurance Coverage May Lead to Delays in Cancer Care” (June 27, 2024)
