6 tips for managing the cost of cancer care
May 22, 2013 4:54 PM
1. Early identification
Identify and engage employees with cancer as early as possible so they can be guided toward evidence-based treatment before they go too far down a costly path that may jeopardize outcomes.
2. Treatment decision support
Align with vendors using treatment decision support resources treatment protocols, clinical trial results and estimated costs to promote quality outcomes and manage costs.
3. Specialized provider networks
Guide employees to the appropriate community or specialized oncology centers which can help improve outcomes and lower costs by ensuring that they receive the most effective treatment. Partnering with organizations that can negotiate volume discounts also enables savings.
4. Oncology case management
Contract with provider networks with specialized oncology nurses who are trained to manage symptoms and side effects of cancer therapies, which can lead to unnecessary hospital admissions and costly treatments.
5. Team approach
Ensure that care is provided by a multi-disciplinary team including medical oncologists, oncology case managers and medical social workers so that employees with cancer understand their treatment choices and options.
6. Quality improvement
Collaborate with health plans, vendors, thought leaders and experts who examine health care trends and new cancer care protocols such as genetic counseling education and support services for cancer survivors to enhance best practices.
