Trends in Phototherapy Utilization, Payments, and Geographic Distribution: An Analysis of United States Medicare Part B From 2000 to 2021
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-25-2024
Publication Title
Photodermatology Photoimmunology and Photomedicine
Abstract
Background: Trends in phototherapy utilization in the context of new therapeutics have not been evaluated. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate phototherapy utilization, payments, and geographic distribution for Medicare beneficiaries from 2000 to 2021. Patients/Methods: A longitudinal analysis of the Medicare Part B National Summary Data Files was conducted to obtain phototherapy utilization and payment amounts. Medicare Physician & Other Practitioners by Provider and Service datasets were used to determine provider type and geographic distribution. Results: Between 2000 and 2021, total Medicare phototherapy volume increased from 335,152 to 621,850, correlating with a 3.0% annual growth rate (5.0% between 2000 and 2015, −3.1% between 2016 and 2021). Ultraviolet B phototherapy represented the majority of use, rising from 68.1% in 2000 to 78.0% in 2021. Psoralens plus ultraviolet A decreased by 11.3% annually, while laser treatments increased by 17.3%. Between 2013 and 2021, the number of clinics offering phototherapy declined; facilities were available in only 9.9% of counties, mainly clustered along both coasts and east of the Mississippi. Conclusions: Overall, phototherapy continues to be an important therapeutic option. Limited access in non-urban areas remains a significant challenge, and further work is necessary to both evaluate this impact and reduce disparities.
PubMed ID
39455430
Volume
40
Issue
6
Recommended Citation
Xia, Eric; Kam, Lisa; and Mostaghimi, Arash, "Trends in Phototherapy Utilization, Payments, and Geographic Distribution: An Analysis of United States Medicare Part B From 2000 to 2021" (2024). School of Medicine Faculty Publications. 3195.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/som_facpubs/3195
10.1111/phpp.13008