Price Transparency for Whom? In Search of Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimates to Facilitate Cost Communication in Cancer Care

Financial burden amongst cancer patients treated with curative intent surgery alone

“…The general lack of concrete data on projected costs of care is a major problem in U.S. healthcare and a substantial barrier to appropriate informed decision-making. 12…”

Where advocacy meets patient-centered care—cost considerations in breast reconstruction decision-making

“…More recently, the Institute of Medicine proposed that patient-provider shared decision-making models that include cost be considered as metrics for quality cancer care (14). Empirical evidence exists for the association between cost discussions with care providers and an increased likelihood for the following: a referral to financial assistance, utilization of less expensive medications, and decreased frequency of lab tests (15). These cost-conscious measures can dampen the incidence and severity of financial toxicity.…”

Closing the financial toxicity gap for adolescents and young adults with cancer

“…1 Shih et al recently recommended that standards of care should include screening for financial toxicity, and that system-wide approaches should focus on patient-provider communication regarding the financial impact of cancer, treatment decisions that reflect patients' values based on evidence, prognosis, and their financial standing, and directing patients at higher risk of financial toxicity for financial assistance programs. 21 Our studies of AYA cancer patients demonstrate that they want to have cost conversations with providers. 22 As AYA oncology programs continue to increase in numbers, they provide an important environment to increase provider awareness of these issues and to develop and test age-appropriate financial support programs for AYAs with cancer.…”

“…Moreover, there are few available interventions that target cancer‐related financial burden via educational (e.g., improving patient‐provider communication, health literacy), supportive care (e.g., housing/transportation assistance, vocational counseling), and coping mechanisms (e.g., self‐management, behavioral strategies) and none that are AYA focused . Shih et al recently recommended that standards of care should include screening for financial toxicity, and that system‐wide approaches should focus on patient‐provider communication regarding the financial impact of cancer, treatment decisions that reflect patients’ values based on evidence, prognosis, and their financial standing, and directing patients at higher risk of financial toxicity for financial assistance programs . Our studies of AYA cancer patients demonstrate that they want to have cost conversations with providers .…”