Provision and Public Expenditure of Radiotherapy Services in Greece (2013-2020)

OBJECTIVES: It is evident that the pandemic has brought many changes observed in the programming and operation of medical settings, including radiology centers. The present study presents the longitudinal use of radiotherapy services and the amount of (public) expenditure for their reimbursement for the years 2013-2020.

METHODS: Provision and reimbursement data referring to Radiotherapy services in Greece were drawn from the MoH and the National Organization for the Provision of Health Services (EOPYY). The data also included hospitals’ ownership, spatial distribution and amount of cancer patients and provided sessions, as well as the type of radiotherapy treatment.

RESULTS: We observe a strong upward trend in the total number of sessions and in the expenditure, which is combined with the increase in the available facilities and consequently in the use of public facilities since 2017 (the year of installation of the new equipment in public hospitals). Thus, while sessions in private facilities in absolute numbers remain relatively stable, the percentage of the total has been reduced to 35% for 2020 (from 43% in 2016). The analysis is accompanied by comparative indicators on the spatial distribution of facilities, equipment and use of services, and on the coverage of needs in accordance with international guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS: The corresponding upward trend recorded in the total provided sessions on radiotherapy by the Greek NHS and in the expenditure to public facilities (with the exception of 2020) is considered rather expected, given the increase in the availability and use of services in public facilities. The increasing trend recorded in both the total number of sessions, but particularly those performed in public facilities, emphasize and substantiate the need for new facilities and the extension of the full-day operation of the existing ones.