Bending the cost curve: a unique collaboration between radiation oncologists and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts to optimize the use of advanced technology.

Purpose: Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) limits the dose of radiation to critical normal tissue structures and can be applied to the management of most cancers treated with radiation therapy. Because of increased treatment planning time and quality assurance, IMRT is costly. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) and the Massachusetts Radiation Oncology Physicians Advisory Council (PAC) developed a strategy to develop standards for the appropriate use of IMRT.