The influence of health insurance policy on radiation oncology physician SBRT/SABR use practices: a North American survey

European data suggest that 8 fraction stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) regimens may be similar in efficacy with less toxicity than ≤5 fraction SBRT for central lung lesions. However, under current Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services guidelines, SBRT in the United States (US) is only reimbursed for ≤5 fractions, whereas there are no such restrictions for reimbursement in Canada. We hypothesize that US-specific SBRT reimbursement policies influence utilization of ≥5 fraction SBRT in US academic centers when compared to comparable Canadian centers.

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