True or False: Case ascertainment from sources other than hospital registries is less expensive for central registries.

The statement is false because case ascertainment from sources other than hospital registries often incurs higher costs for central registries. Hospital registries are typically more streamlined and established systems for tracking cancer cases, allowing for a more efficient and cost-effective process. These registries usually have direct access to patient records and data, reducing the need for extensive resource allocation.

On the other hand, gathering information from non-hospital sources, such as outpatient clinics, private practices, and other healthcare settings, can be more labor-intensive and require additional resources. This process may involve reaching out to multiple providers to collect data, dealing with incomplete records, or accessing varied and less organized data formats, all of which can increase costs. Additionally, the need for follow-up and verification of information can further complicate and add to the expense of case ascertainment outside of hospital registries.