Trends in Phototherapy Utilization, Payments, and Geographic Distribution: An Analysis of United States Medicare Part B From 2000 to 2021.

BACKGROUND

Trends in phototherapy utilization in the context of new therapeutics have not been evaluated.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate phototherapy utilization, payments, and geographic distribution for Medicare beneficiaries from 2000 to 2021.

PATIENTS/

METHODS

A longitudinal analysis of the Medicare Part B National Summary Data Files was conducted to obtain phototherapy utilization and payment amounts. Medicare Physician & Other Practitioners by Provider and Service datasets were used to determine provider type and geographic distribution.

RESULTS

Between 2000 and 2021, total Medicare phototherapy volume increased from 335,152 to 621,850, correlating with a 3.0% annual growth rate (5.0% between 2000 and 2015, -3.1% between 2016 and 2021). Ultraviolet B phototherapy represented the majority of use, rising from 68.1% in 2000 to 78.0% in 2021. Psoralens plus ultraviolet A decreased by 11.3% annually, while laser treatments increased by 17.3%. Between 2013 and 2021, the number of clinics offering phototherapy declined; facilities were available in only 9.9% of counties, mainly clustered along both coasts and east of the Mississippi.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, phototherapy continues to be an important therapeutic option. Limited access in non-urban areas remains a significant challenge, and further work is necessary to both evaluate this impact and reduce disparities.