WellPoint cancer news
WellPoint is launching a new program that will reward oncologists who follow recommended treatment regimens, which the payer said could save about $220 million annually once fully implemented. The Cancer Care Quality Program will initially focus on breast, lung and colorectal cancers and defines specific drug regimens for the different tumor types based on a mix of peer-reviewed literature, consensus guidelines and WellPoint's own clinical policies.
Oncologists who follow the pathways will receive a $350 initial payment plus a $350 monthly payment for each month the patient remains on the recommended regimen. The payments are in addition to existing reimbursement for visits and cancer drugs. The company said that the "enhanced payments" would offset lower fees oncologists receive when they prescribe less expensive drugs. For drugs delivered in their office, oncologists are currently reimbursed the average sales price (ASP), plus 6%. ...