Analysing Patient Preferences for TPA and Cash-Based Payment Methods in Oncology Daycare Settings

Background: Financial accessibility in oncology care significantly impacts treatment adherence and healthcare efficiency. Understanding payment preferences can highlight systemic gaps and inform policy improvements. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed payment trends in an oncology daycare unit over three months, evaluating cash, Third-Party Administrators (TPA), and other payment methods through descriptive statistics and trend analysis. Results: Cash transactions accounted for approximately 65% of all payments, while TPA usage constituted 30%, with minor variations over time. Despite the efficiency of insurance-based payments, cash remained the dominant mode, suggesting potential barriers to TPA adoption. Discussion: The preference for cash may stem from limited insurance coverage, bureaucratic delays, and the frequent nature of oncology treatments requiring recurrent approvals. The findings raise concerns about financial accessibility and the need for insurance reforms to improve patient convenience. Conclusion: Streamlining insurance processes, expanding coverage, and increasing patient awareness could enhance financial accessibility and reduce the economic burden on oncology patients.