A new ambulatory classification and funding model for radiation oncology:Non-admitted patients in Victorian hospitals

Abstract

62The Victorian Department of Human Services has developed a classification andfunding model for non-admitted radiation oncology patients. Agencies were previouslyfunded on an historical cost input basis. For 1996?97, payments were made accordingto the new Non-admitted Radiation Oncology Classification System and include fourkey components. Fixed grants are based on Weighted Radiation Therapy Servicestargets for megavoltage courses, planning procedures (dosimetry and simulation) andconsultations. The additional throughput pool covers additional Weighted RadiationTherapy Services once targets are reached, with access conditional on the utilisationof a minimum number of megavoltage fields by each hospital. Block grants coverspecialised treatments, such as brachytherapy, allied health payments and other supportservices. Compensation grants were available to bring payments up to the level of theprevious year. There is potential to provide incentives to promote best practice inAustralia through linking appropriate practice to funding models. Key Australian andinternational developments should be monitored, including economic evaluationstudies, classification and funding models, and the deliberations of the AmericanCollege of Radiology, the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology,the Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group and the Council of Oncology Societiesof Australia. National impact on clinical practice guidelines in Australia can beachieved through the Quality of Care and Health Outcomes Committee of theNational Health and Medical Research Council.