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ASOHNS ASM 2025
ASOHNS ASM 2025
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Expanding the model for regional outpatient surgical management of keratinocyte cancers of the head and neck; costs and outcomes.

Verbal Presentation
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Verbal Presentation

2:30 pm

29 March 2025

Meeting Room C2.4

CONCURRENT SESSION 3D: RURAL ENT

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Institution: Toowoomba Base Hospital - Queensland, Australia

Introduction Approximately 69% of Australians will have confirmed keratinocyte cancer (KC, formerly non-melanoma skin cancer [NMSC]) in their lifetime with highest rates in regional Queensland (1,2). Keratinocyte cancers accounted for 10% (approximately $1 billion) or cancer related healthcare spending in Australia in 2015-2016, with excisions in the head and neck region disproportionately undertaken by non-general practitioner specialists compared to other anatomic locations (3). Aim This project aims to demonstrate the cost effectiveness of a regional specialist outpatient surgical model for excision of head and neck KCs. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted for all skin lesions excised in an outpatient surgery unit from 1st July 2022 to 30th June 2024. Patients were referred to the Toowoomba Base Hospital Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist Outpatient Department for initial consultation and booked into the Facial Lesion Assessment, Management, and Excision (FLAME) surgical list if deemed appropriate for resection. Results During the 24 month period a total of 268 patients were treated with 287 lesions excised. The male to female ratio of patients was 1.58:1. The mean patient age was 70 years. The majority (70.0%) of patients lived within 100 km of Toowoomba Hospital; those living more than 200 km away accounted for 8.0% of patients. The mean revenue generated from each outpatient lesion excision was $2,123. Conclusion The FLAME clinic model has boosted the departmental budget, continuing to be offset by increased outpatient claims revenue and reduced inpatient management costs.

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Authors

Dr Zachary Wilson - , Dr Timothy Sapsford - , Dr Fang Joe Chen - , Dr James Nightingale - , Assoc Prof Roger Grigg - , Dr Daniel Anderson - , Dr Garret Fitzgerald -