Question Are there differences in insurer spending and care utilization for patients with private insurance undergoing cancer surgery at National Cancer Institute (NCI) centers vs community hospitals?

Findings In this cross-sectional study of 66 878 patients with breast, colon, or lung cancer, surgery at NCI centers, compared with community hospitals, was associated with higher insurer prices paid and higher 90-day postdischarge payments, without differences in length of stay, emergency department use, or hospital readmission.

Meaning In this study of patients with private insurance undergoing cancer surgery, insurer spending for a surgical episode was higher at NCI centers than community hospitals, without differences in care utilization.