What is the Cost of Cancer Treatment at Willamette Valley Cancer Institute?

A cancer diagnosis can be an incredibly stressful experience. Along with the physical and emotional burdens, there is a financial aspect to consider, particularly because some treatment-related expenses may not be fully covered by insurance. Understanding how costs compare between cancer centers can be helpful.

A 2023 study by the Health Care Cost Institute concluded that hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs) often charge patients more for cancer care compared to independent cancer facilities.

The study analyzed employer-sponsored insurance claims from 2014 to 2020. The findings revealed that, during this period, while overall spending on chemotherapy increased for all patients, the increase was significantly higher for those treated in HOPDs compared to those treated in a doctor's office.

Specifically, costs for chemotherapy in HOPDs rose nearly 80%, increasing from just under $10,000 to $17,493. In contrast, spending for chemotherapy administered in office settings grew by only 26%, from $5,377 to $6,775. Additionally, out-of-pocket expenses for HOPD treatments rose by 45%, while those for office-based treatments increased by only 25%.

According to the Community Oncology Alliance, patients could pay up to 50% more for cancer care at hospital outpatient departments compared to independent oncology facilities.

Recent studies have highlighted multiple benefits of independent oncology practices:

• Patients receiving checkpoint inhibitors saved over $71,000 per year by switching from a hospital to independent facilities.
• Hospitals participating in the 340 B Drug Pricing Program charged privately insured patients up to 6.59 times more for outpatient infusion drugs.
• Patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer experienced chemotherapy costs that were 41% lower at independent cancer centers compared to hospitals, while receiving similar or better care.
• Hospitals charged up to 86.2% more per unit for certain common infusion cancer drugs.

These statistics show that lowering the cost of cancer treatment can help reduce the emotional distress that often comes with the financial burden of treatment.

Another area where cancer care costs vary based on where an individual gets treated is radiation therapy. A study conducted in 2022 found that 16,818 insured cancer patients saved 61.6% on same-day visits and 57.1% on total radiation treatment costs when treated in a physician's office instead of a hospital.

Learn more about radiation therapy for cancer.

Benefits of Community-Based Cancer Centers Beyond Cost

While the cost of cancer care influences a patient's choice of treatment facility, other factors should also be considered. At Willamette Valley Cancer Institute, patients can expect:

• The most advanced cancer treatments: Our board-certified oncologists are dedicated to excellence and offer comprehensive cancer care using the latest treatment pathways, therapies, and technologies.
• Personalized care: Hospitals often lack the resources to provide the level of support and individual attention that cancer patients need. Independent facilities, however, offer a multidisciplinary approach, ensuring comprehensive and compassionate care tailored to each patient's unique needs.
• Access to clinical trials: WVCI participates in clinical trials through the Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), one of the world’s leading oncology research organizations, conducting community-based clinical trials.
• Dedicated focus: Independent cancer centers are specifically designed to help cancer patients overcome their disease. We collaborate with everyone on your cancer care team to develop the most effective personalized treatment plan.
• Part of The US Oncology Network: WVCI is a member of this powerful network of over 1,400 cancer specialists. Our team has access to tools that allow us to share our clinical knowledge and best practices so we can deliver quality care at a lower cost.

Community-Based Cancer Care in Willamette Valley

Willamette Valley Cancer Institute is an independent, community-based practice that offers expert, personalized treatment approaches and the latest therapies, including clinical trials close to where you live and work. Choose the WVCI location nearest to you to schedule an appointment. We also provide second opinions on treatment recommendations.