- http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-11-06/prostate-patients-suffer-as-money-overwhelms-optimal-therapy.html
- http://www.bloomberg.com/video/profiteering-laws-fail-prostate-cancer-patients-3J7jNkTeTxKSAFl0rDLlAQ.html
List date(s) this work was published or aired.
6-Nov-12
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
A urology practice that owns its own radiation equipment in Salinas, California, shows how treatment decisions for prostate cancer patients can be influenced by opportunities for doctors to earn sizable returns from unwarranted procedures.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Waldman obtained data through state agencies, hospitals and researchers to show how a group of urologists in California — in some ways typical of urologists nationally — refer more patients for radiation when the urologists have a financial stake in radiation clinics. The documents and data helped show that laws intended to stop such self-referral are ineffective and allow urologists to earn large returns by referring patients to radiation even when that treatment may not be warranted.
Explain types of human sources used.
Waldman interviewed more than 75 doctors and patient health care executives for the story.
Results:
National Public Radio, and newspapers in Monterey and Salinas, Claifornia, followed Waldman’s story after it was published, finding more patients and more evidence of questionable treatment decisions by the doctors Waldman wrote about. It was also reported after Waldman’s story ran that the FBI is investigating the same doctors for possible criminal violations. In addition, several members of Congress, including Senators Grassley and Baucus, expressed support for closing the legal loophole that allows doctors to refer patients for procedures at clinics they own.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
No corrections or amplifications for any of Waldman’s work.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Submit FOIA and public records requests early and as often as possible on everything conceivable that might help frame and/or document a story. Reach out to a variety of physicians in a specific market to find doctors willing to shed light on unethical or illegal conduct by other physicians. The good doctors know; the challenge is getting them to tell.