National Trends in CA 125 Testing and Transvaginal Ultrasound Use in Older Women Receiving Routine Gynecologic Care

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Oncology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• The CA 125 assay is a tumor marker often used in gynecologic oncology.
• Transvaginal ultrasound is a common imaging modality in women's healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends in CA 125 testing and transvaginal ultrasound utilization.
• To examine these trends within a nonindicated cohort, considering insurance status.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of healthcare utilization data.
• Comparison of testing frequencies over time.
• Stratification by insurance type (Medicaid vs. non-Medicaid).

Main Results:

• CA 125 testing showed a consistent decrease across all participants over the study period.
• Transvaginal ultrasound utilization decreased significantly only among women with Medicaid coverage.
• No significant decrease in transvaginal ultrasound was observed for women with other insurance types.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare utilization patterns for gynecologic testing are evolving.
• Insurance status may influence access to or utilization of diagnostic imaging like transvaginal ultrasound.
• Further research is needed to understand the drivers behind these observed trends in nonindicated populations.