First-year cost of ovarian cancer care approaches 100,000 dollars

A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology showed that average medical expenditures for women who underwent surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy for ovarian cancer were about $100,000 in the first year following surgery. The median out-of-pocket expense was about $3,000.

A retrospective cohort study of women with ovarian cancer diagnosed between 2009 and 2012 was led by Alexandra S. Bercow, MD, from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. Enrollees received both surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy.

Medical expenditures were estimated for a 12-month period beginning on the date of surgery. The team examined all payments, including out-of-pocket expenses. Data for 5,031 women were included. Patients with incomplete insurance enrollment or coverage, those who did not undergo chemotherapy, and those with capitated plans were excluded.

Results showed the median total medical expenditures per patient were $93,632 during the first year after the index procedure. Of that cost, inpatient services accounted for 37.8% ($30,708), outpatient services for 58.3% ($52,700), and outpatient drug costs made up 3.8% ($1,814). The median out-of-pocket expense was $2,998, which included $1,509, $589, and $351 for outpatient services, inpatient services, and outpatient drug costs, respectively.

"The average cost of care for women with ovarian cancer in the first year after surgery is approximately $100,000,” the authors concluded. “Patients bear approximately 3% of these costs in the form of out-of-pocket expenses.”

To read more about this study, click here.