Improving quality and decreasing cost in gynecologic oncology care. Society of gynecologic oncology recommendations for clinical practice
Abstract
To identify potential cost savings in gynecologic oncology care without sacrificing quality. Members of the Clinical Practice Committee of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology were asked to review current practice patterns in gynecologic oncology and assess the potential for cost savings founded on evidence-based medicine and current guidelines. Five clinical practices were identified including the following: vaginal cytology for endometrial cancer survivors; colposcopy for low grade cytologic abnormalities for cervical cancer survivors; routine imaging studies for gynecologic cancer survivors; screening for ovarian cancer with serum biomarkers and ultrasound; and improving palliative care for gynecologic cancer patients. Review of the published literature and guidelines were performed to make evidence-based recommendations for cost effective quality gynecologic oncology care. • Do not perform Pap tests of the vaginal cuff in patients with a history of endometrial cancer. • Do not perform colposcopy for low grade Pap tests in women with a history of cervical cancer. • Avoid routine imaging for cancer surveillance in asymptomatic women with gynecologic cancer, specifically ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancer...Continue Reading
References
Early versus delayed treatment of relapsed ovarian cancer (MRC OV05/EORTC 55955): a randomised trial
Serum HE4 levels are less frequently elevated than CA125 in women with benign gynecologic disorders.
Citations
Practice patterns in post-treatment surveillance in patients with primary epithelial ovarian cancer.
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