[Needs and financing of radiotherapy in France and Europe].
Access to high-quality and safe radiotherapy is a prerequisite to assure optimal oncology care in a multidisciplinary environment. In view of supporting long-term radiotherapy planning, actual and predicted radiotherapy needs should be put in context of the nowadays' available resources. The present article reviews the existing data on radiotherapy resources and needs, along with the prevailing reimbursement systems in the different European countries, with a specific emphasis on France. It describes potential incentives of different financing systems on clinical practice and highlights how knowledge of the cost of radiotherapy treatments, by indication and technique, is essential to support correct reimbursement, hence access to radiotherapy. It is expected that such data will help national professional and scientific radiotherapy societies across Europe in their negotiations with policy makers, with the ultimate aim to make radiotherapy accessible to all cancer patients who need it, now and in the decades to come.
European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology, 40, rue Martin V, 1200 Bruxelles, Belgique; Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 25, 9000 Ghent, Belgique.
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Defourny
Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 25, 9000 Ghent, Belgique; Radiation Oncology Department - RTP, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgique. Electronic address: yolande.lievens@uzgent.be.
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Lievens
D005060:Europe; D006291:Health Policy; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000191:economics; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms
Cost; Coût; FFS; Fee-for-service; Financement; Financing; Health services; Reimbursement; Remboursement; Service de santé; T2A