The NCHA, along with Charlotte, N.C.-based Carolinas HealthCare System and Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Novant Health, published statements in The Charlotte Observer defending the high price of cancer drugs. The Charlotte Observer recently published a report describing the high mark-ups of chemotherapy drug prices by hospitals compared to independent physicians.
The NCHA cited the following reasons for high mark-ups of cancer drugs:
• Cancer treatments require highly trained personnel and specialized equipment and facilities, which adds cost.
• Hospitals take all patients, whereas independent oncology practices can choose their patients. Hospitals therefore tend to treat more ill and more uninsured or underinsured patients.
• The 340B federal program allows hospitals to purchase drugs at a lower cost, which enables hospitals to continue offering services for low-income patients.
In addition, Novant Health said its Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, N.C., does not profit on infusion services and in fact has a several million dollar loss on chemotherapy services each year. Carolinas HealthCare System said its prices are comparable to healthcare providers across the country, and it is working to design a more value-based system.
More Articles on Hospital Oncology:
Report: Hospitals Increase Chemotherapy Drug Prices Up to 10 Times the Cost
Lane Regional Medical Center, Baton Rouge General Form Joint Venture for Cancer Center
Baylor Health Care System Names Cancer Hospital in Recognition of $10M Gift
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
