Evidence-Based Guidelines Can Reduce Costs in Lung Cancer Care Without Sacrificing Outcomes

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, and HARTFORD, Conn., Feb. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- 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

About US Oncology

US Oncology, Inc., headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, works closely with physicians, payers, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturers, to identify and deliver innovative services that enhance patient access to advanced cancer care. US Oncology supports one of the nation's foremost cancer treatment and research networks, accelerating the availability and use of evidence-based medicine and shared best practices.

US Oncology uses its expertise to support every aspect of the cancer care delivery system—from drug development to distribution and outcomes measurement—enabling the company to help increase the efficiency and safety of cancer care. According to the company's last quarterly earnings report, US Oncology is affiliated with 1,310 physicians operating in 493 locations, including 98 radiation oncology facilities in 39 states. For more information, visit the company's Web site, www.usoncology.com.

About Aetna

Aetna is one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 36.1 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities and health care management services for Medicaid plans. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, see www.aetna.com.

About Corporate Research Group

Corporate Research Group has been serving the managed healthcare marketplace since 1993 as the industry's leading source for news, strategic intelligence, market research and custom consulting. CRG products consist of print and electronic newsletters, e-mail updates, annual forecasts, conferences, audioconferences, and the unique Managed Care Access online information service. Disclosure: Many leading health plans, managed care services companies, and other healthcare organizations have retained CRG for specialized consulting projects and targeted information services – including companies covered in our newsletters, reports and blog.

SOURCE US Oncology, Inc.; Aetna