Military health system costs, utilization, and physician prescribing associated with prostate cancer, FY2007-FY2014.

e17771 Background: Cancer is one of the most costly illnesses for health care systems, including the Military Health System (MHS). This study examines the change in health care costs and utilization associated for prostate cancer patients within the MHS from FY07-FY14. Additionally, we assess the impact of physician prescribing patterns on health care costs. Methods: Primary ICD-9 codes for claims paid by TRICARE in fiscal years 2007 – 2014 were obtained from the Military Health System’s Master Data Repository. MHS beneficiaries, ages 18 – 64 and residing within the United States, were included only if they had accessed the healthcare system within the FY. Prostate cancer was identified using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Clinical Classification Software. Trend analyses were used to examine the overall cost of prostate cancer care and utilization, including variation in costs by ambulatory or inpatient care. Trends in prescribing patterns were assessed through examination of AHFS P...