- Title
- Linkages Between Utilization of Prostate Surgical Pathology Services and Physician Self-Referral
- First Author
- Mitchell, Jean M.
- Date of Article
- 2012 Q3
Full Titles: Linkages Between Utilization of Prostate Surgical Pathology Services and Physician Self-Referral
Volume: 2012
Issue: Q3
Findings: Regression analysis shows the self-referral share (percentage) of total utilization was associated with significant increases in the use rate of prostate surgical pathology specimens (p<.01). The use rate of prostate surgical pathology specimens (jars) would be 41.5 units higher in a county where the self-referral share of total utilization was 50% compared to a county with no self-referral (share equals 0%).
Conclusions: The findings show that urologist self-referral of prostate surgical pathology services results in increased utilization and higher Medicare spending. The results suggest that exceptions in federal and state self-referral prohibitions need to be reevaluated.
Keywords: Prostate Biopsies, Surgical Pathology Services, Urologist Self-Referral
