On November 16, 2021 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) reported that released results for the 8th Performance Period (PP8) of the Oncology Care Model (OCM), and practices in The US Oncology Network (The Network) participating in the program achieved high marks on quality metrics and provided significant cost savings to Medicare (Press release, US Oncology, NOV 16, 2021, View Source [SID1234595681]).

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All 14 of The Network participating practices improved patient care by achieving top quality measurement scores, resulting in a 100% Performance Multiplier for all 14 practices. Together, the practices saved Medicare approximately $54 million over the six-month performance period — for a total savings of $197 million since the OCM began in 2016.

The OCM is a pilot program designed by CMMI to provide higher quality, more coordinated cancer care at the same or lower cost to Medicare. It is an integral part of Medicare’s ongoing effort to transition healthcare to a more value-based approach.

"We are extremely proud of the exceptional performance of all 14 of the practices in The US Oncology Network participating in the OCM and the cost savings they delivered to Medicare," said Stuart Staggs, senior director of Strategic Programs for The Network. "Practices in The Network are bending the cost curve for oncology while providing enhanced care to patients, as demonstrated by their outstanding quality performance scores."

Since the program’s inception, The Network practices have improved steadily in OCM metrics, culminating in these impressive results for PP8. For example, patient emergency department use was the lowest since the start of the program, as practices cared for patients needing immediate attention through a variety of heightened services, such as nurse navigation, enhanced triage, telehealth or urgent care visits within the clinic. All practices also reported substantial gains on depression screening and pain management.

The 14 OCM practices in The Network represent approximately one-fourth of all providers participating in the program, demonstrating the leadership role The US Oncology Network is playing in the development of value-based oncology care. Since the program launched, more than 110,000 patients have been enrolled in the OCM across The Network, receiving high-quality, value-based care in their local communities.

"Much of the success The Network practices have achieved in the OCM is the result of strong support from The US Oncology Network," said Lalan Wilfong, MD, vice president of Payer Solutions and Practice Transformation for The Network. "The Network is dedicated to ensuring its member practices have access to the tools and expertise they need to thrive in the evolving healthcare landscape."

Comprehensive, proven resources are available, including industry-leading technologies from Ontada that support decision-making at the point of care and advanced analytics for optimal data management and reporting. The Network, supported by McKesson, also gives practices access to thought leaders and key staff who have deep expertise in value-based care. This includes a Value-Based Care Transformation Lead, an expert assigned to each practice to guide them in not only program requirements, but also performance improvement.

"It is reassuring to see how well The Network practices are performing, as the OCM is a bridge to the future and an important first step in creating patient-centered cancer care that focuses on both quality and value," said Judi Payne, director of Value-Based Care Transformation for The Network. "Building on our successes in the OCM, The US Oncology Network will continue working to advance value-based cancer care by finding new and innovative ways to elevate and enhance patient care while controlling costs."