Criteria and standards for reviewing the appropriateness of radiation therapy services

Six criteria and standards for reviewing the appropriateness of radiation therapy services are defined. The criteria include: (1) minimum number of patients per year required to support a radiotherapy unit; (2) minimum annual number of treatments per piece of megavoltage equipment; (3) minimum population base for radiotherapy services; (4) travel time to radiotherapy services; (5) multi-discipline approach to cancer management; and (6) evaluation of cancer services rendered to patients. Factors, considerations, and sources are identified for all criteria and standards. Adjustments and comments, some discussing rationale, are described for several criteria and standards. Data requirements and sources are outlined for each criterion. A glossary is included. The six service performance characteristics and fourteen general review considerations to be addressed during an appropriateness review, which the National Health Planning and Resources Development Act of 1974 and the Health Planning Amendments of 1979 identify, are listed