OnSiteClinics.Org

Cost Savings Through Adherence to Level I Pathways

The US Oncology Network announced in a news release this month that a second study on the use of Level I Pathways for the treatment of a specific cancer has been completed and demonstrates significant cost savings without sacrificing quality of care or outcomes.   In this case, the study specifically addressed treatment for colon cancer, which accounts for more than 100,000 newly diagnosed cases/year in the United States and is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined.  [An earlier study focused on treatment for non-small cell lung cancer with similar results.]

The study is entitled, “Pathways, Outcomes and Costs in Colon Cancer:  Retrospective Evaluations in Two Distinct Databases.”  You can read the press release here.  A Level 1 Pathway is a physician-developed treatment plan using evidence-based guidelines.  The results show potential cost savings of 30% (from $53,000 to $60,000) per patient, with outcomes “similar to those in published literature.”

More than in private offices, the on-site clinic has the ability to encourage and support the use of evidence-based medicine.  And, your support staff (case management, claims analysis staff, etc.) have the ability to figure out where that level of quality exists in the medical community so your primary care physicians can make the best referral decisions.  I know we use the term a lot, but this is yet another win:win situation for everyone when an on-site clinic is available.