Resource utilization and provider variation in the care of patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer six months before death.

216Background: Cost of care of cancer patients near the end of life is a focus for payers and others. The breakdown of costs during this period for patients with Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are shifting as therapeutic choices change. We measured and reported variation in utilization, by oncologist, aiming to improve standardization and reduce utilization while maintaining or increasing the quality of care. Methods: Within the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS), we identified all deceased patients with Stage IV NSCLC with first contact of 1/3/2011 to date of death of 4/10/2016, at least 1 chemotherapy visit, and 6 months between first contact and death (N=175). We captured all inpatient and outpatient charges within 6 months of patient death. Results: The median gross total charge per patient was $209,637 (interquartile range, $121,517-$371,196), which consisted of 39% outpatient infusions, 23% radiation therapy, 18% inpatient medical admissions, 11% outpatient radiology, 4.5% ...