Telehealth utilization among breast cancer patients was associated with higher adherence to endocrine therapy and higher patient-incurred healthcare costs, according to a study published Dec. 19 in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship.
For the study, researchers from Athens-based University of Georgia analyzed Merative MarketScan claims data from women younger than 65 who were diagnosed with nonmetastatic breast cancer in 2018.
Here are four things to know from the study:
- Among the 1,141 patients included in the study, 77% used telehealth, for a total of 8,350 visits over five years.
- While telehealth use was “significantly associated” with better endocrine therapy adherence, there was no association with metastasis rates.
- Compared to nonusers, out-of-pocket care costs were 15% higher for telehealth. There was no significant difference in prescription costs between both groups.
- “Telehealth may help breast cancer survivors stay adherent to endocrine therapy, but its financial burden could limit accessibility and equity in oncology care,” the study authors wrote.
Read the full study here.
