Exnovation of Low Value Care: A Decade of Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening Practices

Abstract

Objectives: To examine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening practice change in subgroups of men defined in guidelines and in various regions and to identify factors associated with change in screening practices. Design: Observational study using serial cross-sections, 2003 to 2013. Setting: National fee-for-service Medicare. Participants: Men aged 68 and older eligible for prostate cancer screening. Measurements: National PSA screening practices in men aged 68 and older from 2003 to 2013 and change in regional screening rates in men aged 75 and older. Results: The PSA screening rate in men aged 68 and older was 17.2% in 2003, 22.3% in 2008, and 18.6% in 2013 (p