Dr. Finkelstein Discusses Radium-223 Reimbursement

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Steven E. Finkelstein, MD, National Director of Translational Research, 21st Century Oncology, discusses reimbursement issues with radium-223.

Reimbursement of radiopharmaceuticals poses challenges for oncologists, radiation oncologists, and urologists. As authorized users, radiation oncologists and nuclear medicine physicians of multidisciplinary teams can help to facilitate the administration of radium-223 to patients.

Although no one knows how radium-223 reimbursement will occur, Finkelstein estimates that the Part B drug out of pocket cost should be less than PO agents.

The key points of use for radium-223 is its overall survival benefit and modest effect on blood counts. These characteristics allow for the use of radium-223, without the possibility of "burning bridges" to future chemotherapy, Finkelstein says.