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D Rating for PSA Test to Screen for Prostate Cancer
The USPSTF have continued to give screening using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) a D rating, meaning that they recommend against it. Their argument is that the harms outweigh the benefits, and at best, the benefits are small from 10 to 14 years after screening has commenced.
Many people will object to this recommendation, believing that many lives have been saved as a result of screening. The USPSTF's points are:
• First, the screening process results in pain, suffering, and a small risk for other complications.
• Second, there is a psychological consequence of receiving a false-positive test.
• Third, many of those men who are diagnosed with cancer will receive a treatment that was unnecessary, because there is still a difficulty distinguishing prostate cancers that are life-threatening from those that are indolent.
Read the commentary here: http://bit.ly/UOrZ6R
Source: Medscape
Link to the USPSTF recommendation: http://1.usa.gov/UOrBW5
Exploring Racial, Ethnic Disparities in Cancer Care Prior Authorization Decisions
October 24th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with the author of a study published in the October 2024 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® that explored prior authorization decisions in cancer care by race and ethnicity for commercially insured patients.
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Physician-Pharmacy Integration in Cancer Care: Pillars of Medically Integrated Pharmacy
December 16th 2025The foundation of medically integrated pharmacy includes 7 critical pillars. This commentary focuses on the benefits of 3 of those pillars: abandonment, adherence, and access/affordability.
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