Lalan Wilfong, MD

A marked reduction in hospitalizations and emergency department visits are key metrics for value-based care programs. Quality improvement processes and electronic patient management systems may give practices a way to fully embrace these programs and remain mindful of cost while ensuring that patients receive high-quality care.

Practices participating in the Oncology Care Model, an experimental payment model developed by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, are incentivized to improve patient experiences and outcomes by providing enhanced services and care while bending the total cost curve.

A factor contributing to better outcomes is better collaboration between physicians and their patients throughout the entire care process.

For most oncologists at Texas Oncology, healthcare quality reporting to the CMS went smoothly, but serious complications were encountered.