Publication

Article

Supplements and Featured Publications

Managing Oncology Costs: A Framework for Evaluation
Volume12
Issue 1 Suppl

CME Quiz

Continuing Medical Education Accreditation

The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine designatesthis educational activity for a maximum of 2Category 1 credits toward the AMA Physician's RecognitionAward. Each physician should claim only thosehours that he/she actually spends in the educationalactivity.

The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine isaccredited by the Accreditation Council for ContinuingMedical Education (ACCME) to sponsor medicaleducation for physicians.

Instructions

After reading "Managing Oncology Costs: A Frameworkfor Evaluation," complete the program evaluationand select the 1 best answer to each of thefollowing questions. A statement of continuing educationhours will be mailed to those who successfullycomplete (with a minimum score of 70%) the examinationat the conclusion of the program.

1. In the United States, the overall incidence of age-adjustedcancer rates has increased how much since 1992?

  1. 0.3%
  2. Not at all
  3. 0.5%
  4. 0.7%

2. Between 2004 and 2005, spending on cancer in theUnited States was expected to increase:

  1. 5%.
  2. 7.5%.
  3. 9.5%.
  4. 12%.

3. Spending on cancer in the United States accounts forwhat percentage of overall medical treatment expenditures?

  1. 2.6%
  2. 3.3%
  3. 4.7%
  4. 7.2%

4. Outcomes research involves the:

  1. Systemic approach to the collection and analysisof data in decisions regarding the selection anduse of pharmaceutical products and services.
  2. The scientific and methodologically sound collectionof data on the costs and consequences ofvarious therapies.
  3. Essential elements, consequences, and complicationsof a treatment decision under conditions ofuncertainty.
  4. Systematic approach to evaluating a problem ordecision that incorporates clinical and economiccosts and consequences of the decision underconditions of uncertainty.

5. Which of the following is NOT included when evaluatingdirect medical costs?

  1. Laboratory tests
  2. Office visits
  3. Lost wages due to illness
  4. Bone marrow transplant

6. In outcomes research, which of the following 3 outcomesdimensions are considered?

  1. Direct medical costs, indirect medical costs,humanistic costs
  2. Direct medical costs, humanistic costs, quality oflife
  3. Direct medical costs, clinical outcomes, humanisticoutcomes
  4. Clinical outcomes, economic outcomes, humanisticoutcomes

7. Cost-effectiveness analysis:

  1. Compares the cost and consequences of 2 ormore alternatives with a common therapeuticobjective.
  2. Compares 2 or more interventions in terms of thetotal dollar cost of 1 intervention compared withthe total monetary benefits of another.
  3. Is used when all relevant and available treatmentchoices have clinically equivalent outcomes butdifferent costs.
  4. Compares 2 or more treatments in which costsare measured in dollars and outcomes are measuredin quality-adjusted life-years.

8. Two approaches commonly used in estimating costsassociated with lost or diminished productivity are:

  1. Indirect medical cost approach and health-relatedquality-of-life approach.
  2. Human capital approach and willingness-to-payapproach.
  3. Humanistic cost approach and health-relatedquality-of-life approach.
  4. None of the above

9. Which best describes decision analysis?

  1. A systemic approach to the collection and analysisof data in decisions regarding the selection anduse of pharmaceutical products and services.
  2. A scientific and methodologically sound collectionof data on the costs and consequences ofvarious therapies.
  3. The consideration of essential elements, consequences,and complications of a treatment decisionunder conditions of uncertainty.
  4. A systematic approach to evaluating a problemor decision that incorporates clinical and economiccosts and consequences of the decisionunder conditions of uncertainty.

10. The most commonly used method of cost control incancer care today is:

  1. Cost sharing.
  2. Diagnosis-related group and capitation paymentplans.
  3. Use of specialty pharmacies.
  4. Consumer-driven health plans.

GOAL

To provide participants with current information on economic modeling and methods of cost controlin cancer care.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This activity is intended for primary care physicians, oncologists, medical directors, and othermanaged care decision makers.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After participating in this activity, participants should be better able to:

  • Describe the current cost issues confronting oncology care.
  • Discuss the appropriate pharmacoeconomic approach to evaluating treatment cost, efficacy,and/or efficiency.
  • Explain the techniques currently used to control or manage oncology costs.

CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION ACCREDITATION

The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine designates this activity for a maximum of 2 Category1 credits toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only thosehours that he/she actually spends in this educational activity.

The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council forContinuing Medical Education (ACCME) to sponsor medical education for physicians. Release Date:February 28, 2006. Expiration Date: February 28, 2007.

FUNDING

This program is supported by an educational grant from Genentech.

•••

The contents of this supplement may include information regarding the use of products that may be inconsistentoutside the approved labeling for these products in the United States. Physicians should note that the use of theseproducts outside current approved labeling is considered experimental and are advised to consult prescribing informationfor these products.

AJMC Managed Markets Network Logo
CH LogoCenter for Biosimilars Logo