Key clinical point: A practice-based program supported by a payer sponsor reduced costs and was associated with patient satisfaction in older patients.

Major finding: During the 3 years of the study, the cumulative cost savings exceeded $3 million and savings continued to increase each year. Drug cost savings per patient per treatment month were $1,874 (95% CI, $1,373 to $2,376; P < .001) after adjusting for age, diagnosis, and study year. For years 1, 2, and 3, adherence to treatment pathways was 81%, 84%, and 90%, patient satisfaction with patient support services was 94%, 93%, and 94%, and hospice enrollment was 55%, 57%, and 64%, respectively.

Study details: Texas Oncology collaborated with Aetna to conduct a payer-sponsored program that used evidence-based treatment pathways, a disease management call center, and an introduction to advanced care planning. Shared cost savings were determined by comparing the costs of drugs, hospitalization, and emergency room use for 509 eligible patients in the study group with a matched cohort of 900 Medicare Advantage patients treated by non–Texas Oncology providers.

Disclosure: The authors are employees of the US Oncology Network, McKesson Specialty Health, or Aetna.

Source: Hoverman J et al. JOP published online March 16 https://doi.org/10.1200/JOP.17.00091