Study of the Sharing/Purchasing Method of Providing Radiation Therapy Services at Dwight David Eisenhower Medical Center, Fort Gordon, Georgia

摘要

In 1982 Dwight David Eisenhower Army Medical Center (DDEAMC) was providing radiation therapy support to authorized beneficiaries by referral to a local civilian proprietary firm. This was financed by supplemental care funds for active duty personnel and through CHAMPUS for other authorized beneficiaries. The establishment of an in-house radiation therapy center at DDEAMC was being considered when Congress directed the Department of Defense to implement a program to test the sharing of specialized services. This study devises a methodology for the analysis of costs associated with purchasing radiation therapy services, and compares them with the costs for providing the cancer treatments in-house. The utilization of a decision matrix showed that the establishment of an in-house capability at DDEAMC which provides radiation therapy services for the surrounding region (26 military hospitals and clinics) is the alternative of choice. Keywords: Military medicine, Medical service, Radiology. (SDW)