Radiation Oncology Alternative Payment Model (APM): An Introduction and Primer for the Proposed Rule for Practices and Providers

PurposeThe Radiation Oncology Alternative Payment Model (RO-APM) is an alternative payment model under which Medicare patients would be reimbursed using an episode-based payment schema rather than the current fee-for-service schema. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Innovation Center has published a proposed rule for the RO-APM. However, there is no accessible resource that summarizes information about the proposed rule in an easily understandable form.Methods and MaterialsInformation regarding the RO-APM was accessed through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Innovation Center website and listening sessions and review of the proposed rule. We summarize the most important information regarding the background, mechanics, and timeline of the proposed rule to facilitate wider understanding in the radiation oncology community and answer commonly held questions.ResultsThe proposed rule for the RO-APM would cover 40% and have widespread effect on the future of radiation oncology. We provide a primer that summarizes important information regarding the rule for practices and providers.ConclusionThe proposed RO-APM will change the landscape of radiation oncology reimbursement. Understanding the implications of the model will be key to maintining a successful practice.     

Lower extremity anterior compartment syndrome complicating bilateral mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction: A case report and literature review

‘Well leg compartment syndrome’ refers to compartment syndrome occurring in a nontraumatic setting. This occurs most commonly in the lower limb during surgery performed with the patient in an anatomically vulnerable position. While this complication is well documented in the setting of orthopedic, urological and gynecological surgeries, it is an exceptionally rare complication in plastic surgery; only seven cases have been published on compartment syndrome complicating an operation performed on a supine patient. A case involving a 56-year-old woman who developed an anterior compartment syndrome of her right lower leg following a bilateral mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction is presented. A detailed literature review is also included.     

Wnt-mediated self-renewal of neural stem/progenitor cells

In this work we have uncovered a role for Wnt signaling as an important regulator of stem cell self-renewal in the developing brain. We identified Wnt-responsive cells in the subventricular zone of the developing E14.5 mouse brain. Responding cell populations were enriched for self-renewing stem cells in primary culture, suggesting that Wnt signaling is a hallmark of self-renewing activity in vivo. We also tested whether Wnt signals directly influence neural stem cells. Using inhibitors of the Wnt pathway, we found that Wnt signaling is required for the efficient cloning and expansion of single-cell derived populations that are able to generate new stem cells as well as neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. The addition of exogenous Wnt3a protein enhances clonal outgrowth, demonstrating not only a critical role for the Wnt pathway for the regulation of neurogenesis but also its use for the expansion of neural stem cells in cell culture and in tissue engineering.     

The Relationship Between Skin Cholesterol Testing and Parameters of Cardiovascular Risk: A Systematic Review

Background

A potential correlation between skin cholesterol levels obtained via skin biopsy and evidence of underlying atherosclerosis has been reported. With the availability of a noninvasive method of skin cholesterol measurement, multiple studies investigated the association of skin cholesterol and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. We provide a systematic review of clinical data to assist physicians counselling patients that have undergone skin cholesterol testing and to provide a framework for future research.

Methods

Multiple electronic databases were systematically searched for studies published from 1970 through February 2013. Selection criteria included English language, peer-reviewed studies that quantitatively examined the relationship between noninvasively measured skin cholesterol levels and indices of vascular disease or cardiovascular risk factors in human subjects.

Results

We identified 9 cohorts reported in 11 studies. The studies suggest that skin cholesterol does not correlate with traditional markers of cardiovascular disease such as serum lipid values and inflammatory markers, and integrated risk scores (Framingham and Prospective Cardiovascular Münster [PROCAM]). Single studies reported a significant relationship between skin cholesterol levels and evidence of underlying atherosclerosis as implied by positive exercise testing, invasive coronary angiography, increased calcium scores in Caucasian patients, and presence of carotid plaque detected using B-mode ultrasound. Two studies identified a significant relationship using B-mode measurements of carotid intima medial thickening.

Conclusions

Skin cholesterol might be a marker of underlying vascular atherosclerosis. Further prospective investigations are warranted to establish utility of this point-of-care test for identifying subjects warranting formal cardiovascular risk assessment.     

Disseminated intraspinal hydatid disease

Spinal echinococcosis is a rare entity, accounting for 1% of all cases of hydatid disease. The authors report the case of a 60-year-old man whom they treated for recurrent nerve root compression due to disseminated intraspinal echinococcosis (hydatid disease). Six years previously he had undergone surgery on an emergency basis at another institution after presenting with acute paraplegia due to a primary extradural hydatid cyst of the thoracic spine. Unfortunately, during surgical removal of the cysts, the echinococcosis disseminated into the spinal canal. This complication was documented by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. In the 4 years before the authors treated him, he was hospitalized 4 times for 4 recurrences of nerve root compression. The authors treated the disseminated disease successfully with total T7-8 corpectomy, grafting with titanium cage and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital instrumentation, and long-term administration of albendazole (400 mg daily). Early diagnosis, proper utilization of MR imaging, and radical resection of diseased vertebrae and soft tissues followed by anthelmintic treatment are essential to control disseminated spinal hydatidosis and prevent recurrence.     

Waldenström's macroglobulinemia and large B-cell central nervous system lymphoma: a case report

BACKGROUND: Waldenstr?m's macroglobulinemia is a low-grade B-cell lymphoma characterized by monoclonal synthesis and secretion of IgM antibodies [3]. The classic symptoms of WM result from blood hyperviscosity. Neurologic symptoms, such as fatigue, dizziness, and blurred vision, are common. The metastatic spread to the CNS, which rarely has been reported, can occur either diffusely or in the form of a mass lesion. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present the case of a 73-year-old woman with intracerebral large B-cell lymphoma and concurrent WM. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates the importance of histopathologic diagnosis by brain biopsy despite an existing diagnosis of systemic neoplasm.