Capital BlueCross Establishes Oncology Program to Improve Care for Cancer Patients

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- When patients are diagnosed with cancer, they and their family members are immediately faced with a search for answers and the best care possible. To help guide and support cancer patients through this process, Capital BlueCross is piloting a new program with four central Pennsylvania oncology practices.

"This program provides a team of experienced clinicians and physicians to answer patient questions and coordinate care, applying patient-centered medical home principles which by definition are focused on the patient's individual treatment plan," said Dr. Jennifer Chambers, Capital BlueCross senior vice president and chief medical officer. "This team also ensures that the patient's full spectrum of care is addressed, including facilitating communication between the primary care team and all specialists so that any health care needs beyond the cancer treatment are met. By addressing the patient's needs in a holistic manner it allows individuals to feel that they have a partner who will work with them in this most vulnerable time in their life."

The four oncology practices that are participating in the pilot program serve about one-third of Capital BlueCross' members who are receiving hematology/oncology care. Among those practices is Andrews & Patel Associates, which has offices in Camp Hill and Harrisburg.

"Andrews & Patel Associates is committed to delivering exceptional cancer care, which includes coordinating our efforts with other members of the patient's care team, such as with the primary care physician and other specialists," said Dr. Lily Shah of Andrews and Patel Associates. "We appreciate Capital BlueCross' assistance in providing this efficient and meaningful care to our patients."

Capital BlueCross has partnered on the new oncology program with Oncology Management Services, Inc., a pioneer in patient-centered oncology care.

"We are very happy to work in collaboration with Capital BlueCross and these community oncology and hematology practices who are committed to transforming the way they deliver complex care for their patients in the Oncology Patient-Centered Medical Home® model," said John D. Sprandio, MD FACP, Chairman, Oncology Management Services.

This model focuses on:

• Reengineering the processes of care delivery optimizing the patient-physician encounter
• Patient and family involvement in care process, treatment plan and shared decision-making incorporating patient life goals into the plan of care
• Patient-centered navigation program development
• Dedicated telephone triage line for symptom management available 24 hours/7 days a week with licensed personnel
• Standardized symptom management education program with user-friendly materials
• Improved communication and coordination with the patient's entire health care team with an increased focus on the co-management of chronic conditions
• Patient and family involvement in advanced care planning and shared decision-making in the final stages of cancer care

Capital BlueCross is a leader in establishing partnerships with providers to better meet the health care needs of patients. In 2010, the company launched the region's first Patient-Centered Medical Home model, especially designed to serve high-risk patients. The company also has seven Accountable Care Arrangements, which are yielding improvements in the quality of care and lower health care costs.

About Capital BlueCross
Capital BlueCross, headquartered in Harrisburg, Pa., is the leading health solutions and insurance company in central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley. For more than 75 years, Capital BlueCross has offered products that provide peace of mind and promote good health. Today, the company and its family of diversified businesses offer a comprehensive portfolio of solutions including innovative value-based models, private exchanges, leading-edge analytics and digital health technologies, ancillary benefits, and training programs. Additionally, Capital BlueCross is growing a network of Capital Blue retail stores that provide in-person service and inspiration to live healthy. Capital BlueCross is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit capbluecross.com.

SOURCE Capital BlueCross

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