April 2017

Major pharmacy companies are paying attention to the movement toward value-based care in oncology, but recent comments from representatives of 2 top firms suggest this sector is wary of risking capital to lower costs and improve patient outcomes.

Under the new Quality Payment Program, most providers, including community oncologists, are expected to fall under Merit-based Incentive Payment System for the 2017 performance year. With careful analysis and planning, community oncology practices can choose measures that are a good fit and hold the most opportunity for revenue enhancement.

To get physicians to work together, an organizing structure is needed and the drive to create partnerships.

More than half (54%) of practices are struggling with rising costs of equipment and facilities, staffing costs, and administration expenses.

Oral oncolytics can bring increased revenue to a practice but are inherently difficult to manage because of their high cost.

Results of a study indicate that 44.7% of practicing oncologists show signs of burnout.

Barbara McAneny, MD, hopes she can help fix American healthcare’s shortcomings while also promoting its strengths by running for president of the American Medical Association (AMA).

When it comes to achievements in the war against cancer, there’s much to celebrate, ASCO said in its fourth annual report on the state of cancer care in America, which we discuss in our lead story this month for Oncology Business ManagementTM.