Expanding the Availability of Scalp Cooling to All Patients at Risk of Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

Abstract

Alopecia is an undesirable side effect of cancer chemotherapy. The mitigation of alopecia is a desirable adjunct treatment for patients with cancer. FDA-cleared scalp cooling (SC) devices have been successfully used to prevent or reduce chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA). This paper provides an understanding of the implementation and value of the new Insurance-Based Billing Model used in the USA for SC and its benefits compared with the original self-pay model. This improved compensation change will result in all patients in need, including underserved and disadvantaged populations, receiving equitable healthcare by allowing access to this valuable supportive care technology.

Keywords

• alopecia
• insurance-based billing model
• reimbursement
• scalp cooling
• self-pay