Improving the process of screening for medical financial hardship in oncology practice

K. Robin Yabroff, Cathy J. Bradley, Ya Chen Tina Shih

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Medical financial hardship, including problems paying medical bills, distress, and forgoing care because of cost, is increasinglycommon among patients receiving cancer treatment and cancer survivors across the economic spectrum. Little is known, however, about provider practices for identifying patients who experience financial hardship and the strategies formitigating hardship and addressing patient needs. In this editorial, we discuss a study of practices within the NCI Community Oncology Research Program. McLouth and colleagues found disparities in the use of screening and financial navigation and reliance on inadequate screening methods. To address these disparities, we emphasize the importance of comprehensive and ongoing financial hardship screening throughout the course of cancer treatment and survivorship care, as well as the necessity of accompanying counseling, navigation, and referrals. Wealso recommend key attributes of screening tools and a process for systematic implementation within clinical practice. With adverse health and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affecting people who are racial or ethnic minorities, uninsured or underinsured, or living in poverty, the need to addressmedical financial hardship ismore urgent than ever, to ensure that all people have an equal opportunity for high quality cancer treatment and survival.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)593-596
Number of pages4
JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention
Volume30
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2021

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Epidemiology
  • Oncology

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