Female radiation oncologists collect less in US Medicare reimbursement dollars than their male counterparts, even when they see similar numbers of patients, according to a new study.

Depending on the setting, female radiation oncologists collected an average of US$27,000-$143,000 (Australian $38,114-$201,865) less than their male counterparts in 2016, the authors report in JAMA Network Open.

“Armed with the knowledge that disparity exists, we are better positioned to understand . . . and work toward leveling the playing field,” said lead study author radiation oncology resident Dr Luca Valle of the University of California, Los Angeles.

Failure to address barriers to economic advancement in radiation oncology may weaken the specialty by discouraging women from entering it, Dr Valle said.