Medicare Threatens Vital Skin Treatment
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Image-guided superficial radiation therapy, or IGSRT, is a noninvasive treatment with a 99.3 percent success rate in treating nonmelanoma skin cancer, the most common cancer in the U.S.
More Americans are diagnosed with it than all other cancers combined, with over 5 million cases today and 9,500 new cases every day.
The majority of patients are over 65 and rely on Medicare for treatment.
A proposed policy change from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services could reduce coverage for IGSRT, prompting concerns from health experts and patient advocates.
They say it could limit access to care for more than 100,000 seniors who currently benefit from the treatment.
Unlike Mohs surgery, IGSRT doesn’t require cutting, making it safer for older patients or those with other health conditions.
A recent poll shows 98 percent of registered voters over 65 oppose the proposed change, fearing it could restrict treatment options and violate promises to protect Medicare benefits.
