A cancer diagnosis impacts you and your family in many ways. Besides the physical toll, there is also an emotional and financial aspect to cancer care. It's normal to feel anxious about how your insurance will cover the upcoming bills for cancer treatment, but that should not delay you from starting your cancer journey. If you’re trying to understand what this will cost, let’s take a look at how the cost is different at cancer centers that are not partnered with a hospital, like Affiliated Oncologists, compared to hospital-affiliated outpatient cancer care.
Leading Edge and Affordable Care at Community-Based Cancer Centers
Fortunately, many patients can receive quality, affordable care close to home by seeking treatment at a cancer center that is not affiliated with a specific hospital. At Affiliated Oncologists, we are part of The US Oncology Network of over 1,400 physicians nationwide, and we work closely with the hospitals in our community.
We offer the same high-quality outpatient cancer care that patients would receive at hospital-affiliated oncology departments, including the latest therapies and personalized treatments. The primary difference is that most patients pay less for the same treatment when seeing a cancer doctor at Affiliated Oncologists.
Treatment Costs for Outpatient Chemotherapy are Less at a Community Cancer Center Compared to a Hospital
According to a 2023 study conducted by the Health Care Cost Institute, hospital outpatient departments often charge patients more for cancer care compared to independent cancer facilities.
This study analyzed employer-sponsored insurance claims from 2014 to 2020 and found that while spending on chemotherapy increased for all patients during this period, the increase was significantly higher for those treated in hospital outpatient departments than for those treated in a doctor's office.
Chemotherapy costs in hospital outpatient departments rose nearly 80%, increasing from just under $10,000 to $17,493. In contrast, spending for office-based chemotherapy grew by only 26%, from $5,377 to $6,775. Patients' out-of-pocket expenses also increased more for hospital outpatient department treatments, rising 45% compared to a 25% increase for office-based treatments.
Receiving cancer treatment at Affiliated Oncologists is a more cost-effective option.
According to the Community Oncology Alliance, patients could save up to 50% on cancer care at independent oncology practices compared to hospital outpatient departments.
Recent studies have highlighted the advantages of independent oncology practices compared to hospital settings, including:
Hospitals charged up to 86.2% more per unit for certain common infusion cancer drugs.
Patients receiving checkpoint inhibitors saved over $71,000 per year by switching from a hospital to an independent facility.
Hospitals participating in the 340 B Drug Pricing Program charged privately insured patients up to 6.59 times more for outpatient infusion drugs. This is passed through to patients through co-insurance fees.
Patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer experienced chemotherapy costs that were 41% lower at independent cancer centers than at hospitals, while receiving similar or better care.
These facts demonstrate how reducing the cost of cancer treatment can also lower the emotional distress that often accompanies the financial burden of cancer treatment.
Efficient and Affordable Cancer Treatment With Radiation Therapy
The cost of radiation therapy also varies based on where patients receive treatment. A 2022 study 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, like Affiliated Oncologists, instead of a hospital.
Learn about radiation therapy for cancer treatment.
Additional Benefits of Community-Based Cancer Centers
While finances play a role in deciding where to receive treatment, there are other important factors to consider outside of the cost of cancer care. At Affiliated Oncologists, patients can expect:
Personalized care: Hospitals often lack the resources to provide cancer patients with the high level of support and individual attention they need. Independent facilities, however, offer a multidisciplinary approach, ensuring comprehensive and compassionate care tailored to each patient's unique needs.
Dedicated focus: Independent cancer centers are designed specifically to help cancer patients overcome their disease. We collaborate with everyone in your cancer care team to develop the best personalized treatment plan.
The most advanced cancer treatments: Our highly trained and experienced oncology physicians and advanced practice providers are dedicated to providing cancer care using the latest treatment pathways, therapies, and technologies. Our facility is certified by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and accredited by both the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Commission for Health Care (ACHC), ensuring we deliver the best treatment possible.
Access to clinical research trials: When promising new therapies are under development, clinical trials are performed to receive FDA approval. Affiliated Oncologists offers these trials through our partnership with the Sarah Cannon Research Institute, one of the world’s leading oncology research organizations, conducting community-based clinical trials.
Part of The US Oncology Network: As 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 South Chicago
Affiliated Oncologists is the only community-based cancer center not partnered with a single hospital in the South Chicago suburbs. With multiple locations for your convenience, we are a leader in providing personalized, patient-centered cancer care and access to the most advanced therapies, technologies, and clinical trials close to where you live and work. Request an appointment with one of our cancer doctors at any of our locations in Chicago Ridge, Hazel Crest, Mokena, Oak Lawn, and Orland Park, Illinois.