Role of evidence-based pathways in providing high quality, cost effective oncology care

Although health care reform is taking a back seat to the economy on Capitol Hill, discussions continue in the health care industry on how best to lower the cost of care while maintaining or improving patient outcomes.

A recent study conducted by Aetna and US Oncology, Inc. suggesting that adherence to US Oncology's Level I Pathways evidence-based treatment guidelines in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can reduce costs without sacrificing outcomes will be discussed in a webinar offered from noon to 1:15 PM EST, March 3 for a cost of $299. Register at www.corporateresearchgroup.com/webinars or call 800-647-7600.

In a comparison between On- and Off-Pathway patient groups, the On-Pathway group saw an approximate reduction of 35 percent in direct care costs (treatment and supportive drugs, outpatient care, admissions, etc.) while maintaining equivalent outcomes. Level I Pathways, offered through Innovent Oncology, a service of US Oncology, allow for interchangeability with generics when medically equivalent, and use an evidenced-based approach to limit overly aggressive, medically unnecessary regimens.

Ultimately, studies like this seek to demonstrate how evidence-based pathways can play a pivotal role to providing high quality, cost effective oncology care. This webinar examines the Aetna/US Oncology study, as published in the January 2010 issue of Journal of Oncology Practice, and explores the future of evidence-based guidelines in oncology care.

The webinar will be presented by Marcus Neubauer, M.D., with Kansas City Cancer Center, an affiliate of US Oncology and principal investigator in the study, and Kirsten Anderson, M.D., M.P.H., chief of staff to Aetna's chief medical officer and senior medical director at Aetna. Chief medical officers, medical directors, oncologists, vice presidents and directors of medical management, quality improvement, network management, provider relations, health policy, clinical outcomes and others interested in learning how to cut health care costs related to NSCLC and possibly other cancers are invited to attend.

Webinar Agenda

• Overview of the Aetna/US Oncology Study
• Level I Pathway Characteristics
• Results of the study, Cost reductions, Parity in care
• The future of evidence-based guidelines in oncology care; How guidelines can improve patient care while reining in costs
• Future health plan strategies for oncology care