Examining the costs and use of low-quality breast cancer care in Medicare
Official title: Evaluating Use and Expenditures on Low Quality Breast Cancer Care in the Medicare Program
Funded at Georgetown University · NIH-11123445 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how often Medicare patients with early-stage breast cancer receive treatments that might not help them and could even be harmful, while also checking how much these treatments cost, so we can find better ways to care for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $399,452 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HS029678-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11123445 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer who may be receiving low-value care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced breast cancer or those not enrolled in Medicare may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the prevalence and financial impact of low-value breast cancer care within the Medicare program. It aims to identify specific services that may cause more harm than benefit to patients, focusing on early-stage breast cancer. By analyzing claims data, the study seeks to understand how often these low-value services are used and the associated costs. The findings could inform strategies to reduce unnecessary procedures and improve patient care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to significant cost savings and improved quality of care for breast cancer patients in the Medicare program.
How similar studies have gone: Previous initiatives aimed at reducing low-value care have shown limited success, indicating that this research could provide new insights into effective strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgetown University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mitchell, Jean M — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Mitchell, Jean M
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.