Value-Based Care

Although the requirements to provide a cancer survivor a treatment summary and survivorship care plan have been in place for several years, with 2015 being the required timeframe for officially demonstrating that these medical records are being provided, most institutions are still not ready.

I am currently writing my 14th book. This one is a textbook for oncologists with the goal (hope!) that we can collectively improve communication with patients with metastatic cancer. All too often the doctor continues to offer another treatment because that is what they have been taught in medical school—“treat the patient.”

As nurse navigators, we rely on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines to help us direct patients to optimal treatment. A recent use of the guidelines by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) supported the institution on a decision to NOT offer the latest drug for advanced colorectal cancer.

Pick up an oncology journal, attend national meetings…one will hear the term medical home. No, it is not a physical place for medical staff to retire and enjoy the golden years. It is a model of care that is “valued based”. Payers, insurance companies, are sending the message to the oncology world that the high cost of cancer care must be addressed.