Summaries of Must-Read Clinical Literature, Guidelines, and FDA Actions
Quantifying Cost of Care Under Oncology Care Model
2017 ASCO Quality Care Symposium; Williams, et al
Knowledge of costly chemotherapy and inpatient and outpatient visits will aid oncology practices in making the transition to the Oncology Care Model (OCM) and in utilization of value-based services for better quality cancer care, according to a recent study. Researchers conducted a secondary analysis of Medicare administrative claims data for beneficiaries with cancer, aged ≥65 years, who received anti-cancer drug treatment between 2012 and 2015 at an institution in the UAB Cancer Community Network (CCN). They found:
- Average total cost/patient in the first 3 OCM episodes of care was $32,648 (n=3,622 cancer patients), $22,821 (n=1,286 cancer patients), and $18,468 (n=729).
- 30% of patients accounted for 61% of total anti-neoplastic drug costs.
- The highest category was chemotherapy.
Williams C, Azuero A, Pisu M, et al. Quantifying episode-based costs of care under the oncology care model: Analysis of Medicare beneficiaries in the UAB cancer community network. Paper presented at: 2017 ASCO Quality Care Symposium; March 3-4, 2017; Orlando, FL. http://meetinglibrary.asco.org/content/179972-198. Accessed March 8, 2017.
In this study, the authors model cost of care of oncology episodes under the OCM. The study highlights the potential opportunity for improved utilization management in chemotherapy and supportive therapies, as anti-neoplastic drugs proved to be the largest cost bucket. —Bobby Daly, MD, MBA