Physician-based active cost management of oncological therapies reducing pharmaceutical costs by 83.4% in two years without leaving standard of care

Onkologie. 2005 Aug;28(8-9):441-5. doi: 10.1159/000086395. Epub 2005 Aug 29.

Abstract

We report about the 2-year results of a physician-based active cost management model for oncological therapies in a German OB/GYN university clinic. Over 2 years more than 4,000 oncological cycles were prospectively and individually analyzed regarding costs and reimbursement mode. Main aim was reducing costs without lowering cycle number and standard of care. Within two years pharmaceutical costs were reduced by 83.4% or 785,976-EUR. All causes for a previous financial loss were identified and eliminated. Debts were paid back and employment of new staff and investments were possible. With this first active cost management model by and for physicians, oncological therapies can be performed cost covering even in a university clinic. Although developed for optimization of cost coverage of oncological therapies in Germany, this model is universally transferable.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / economics*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / economics*
  • Cost Savings
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Costs / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / drug therapy*
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / economics*
  • Germany
  • Hospitals, University
  • Humans
  • Insurance Coverage / economics
  • Insurance, Pharmaceutical Services / economics
  • National Health Programs / economics*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / economics*
  • Physician's Role*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quality Assurance, Health Care / economics*
  • Reimbursement Mechanisms / economics

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents