USA - The third wave of a study conducted by Market Strategies' (MSI) Global Life Sciences Division indicates oncologists have implemented or plan to implement some significant changes within their practices to offset the expected decline in reimbursement due to Medicare Reform.

The current study, which included 100 oncologists and 40 oncology practice managers, revealed both audiences reporting the following "evaluations" and actions when seeing patients and choosing therapy:

* Financial aspects of therapy are discussed more frequently with patients and their family members.

* Oncology practices are being more selective in the kinds of patients they are accepting into their practice; that is, types of coverage and ability to pay are more prominent considerations.

* The level of co-payment was reported by 70% of oncologists as being a factor in the choice of therapy for a specific patient.

* If the practice sees a potential "loss" when treating a patient, many will try to shift the patient to an outpatient hospital setting and/or call on the supplying company to consider its patient assistance programs.

Peter Carlin, Senior Vice president of Market Strategies' Global Life Sciences Division, commented that, "These findings have significant implications for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies since they can change the dynamics of the decision-making process within the oncology practice and also could lead to greater utilization of companies' indigent patient programs."

According to Don C. Stark, President of Whistler Associates and MSI Oncology Executive Consultant and co-author of this study, "Oncologists also express great concern about the 2005 changes to Average Sales Price +6%. Seven in ten physicians expect to experience a negative financial impact from the change in 2005, and that will compel them to look for new sources of supply that can offer drugs at a lower cost to them."

"Our tracking study," according to Carlin, "looks not only at how these issues are directly impacting oncology practices but also at how oncologists perceive the usage patterns for over 60 chemotherapy and supportive care products will change in the new environment."

Market Strategies will publish three more waves of this tracking study in 2005, examining how oncologists and their practices are coping with the 2005 changes and what implications are evident for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. To learn more about this research series or to participate in future waves, contact Peter Carlin at 908-416-6222 or at peter_carlinmarketstrategies .

About Market Strategies, Inc.

Market Strategies, Inc. (MSI) is a national, full-service research and consulting company that focuses on helping clients succeed through comprehensive market research, insightful analysis and superior consulting services.

MSI is a privately held company founded in 1989 by six market research professionals. Over the past 15 years, the company has grown to more than 170 senior consultants, researchers, statisticians and project managers as well as 400 part-time staff. MSI is the 21st largest research company in the U.S. according to the "Honomichl Top 50," published in the June 2003 issue of Marketing News. Corporate headquarters are located in Livonia, MI with regional offices in Portland, OR; Washington, DC; South Bend, IN, and New Providence, NJ. You can also visit the Market Strategies web site to learn more about the organization at: marketstrategies

To contact Market Strategies please e-mail or call:
Peter Carlin
peter_carlinmarketstrategies
Phone: 908-416-6222 Market Strategies, Inc. marketstrategies