First-Year Results Reported for Michigan Oncology Medical Home Pilot Program

A multipractice oncology medical home model, the Michigan Oncology Medical Home Demonstration Project (MOMHDP), reported preliminary first-year results that tallied an estimated savings per patient of $550.33, according to an abstract in the Journal of Oncology Practice.

The model implemented evidence-based treatment guideline selection and compliance tracking, automated physician order entry, a patient portal, symptom management/standardized nurse triage, and advanced care planning. To support these changes, the MOMHDP modified provider payments by replacing the average sales price payment model with a drug acquisition reimbursement plus a care management fee, calculated to increase total drug reimbursement.

Additionally, MOMHDP provided reimbursement for chemotherapy and treatment planning and advance care planning consultation. The project also created a shared savings opportunity for physicians who participated.

A number of factors were identified by the authors that were critical for the program’s first year success, namely strong payer/provider collaboration that is built on transparent use and cost data; appropriate time for practices to incorporate clinical standardization and new approaches; having comprehensive, written program documentation, and consistently applied training to facilitate practice understanding.

In its second year, the project will include a survivorship program, patient distress screening, imaging guidelines, and standardized patient satisfaction surveys. The authors that “the first year results are promising, and the concept warrants further study, review, and reporting.”

The MOMHDP is sponsored by Priority Health, Physician Resource Management, and ION Solutions. The project includes four oncology practices and 29 physicians.

MOMHDP Model vs Control

Factor

Control

First Year Results

Number of patients

188

85 (96 chemotherapy starts)

Emergency department visits per patient

0.22

.07

Inpatient admissions per patient

0.34

0.18

Estimated savings per patient

$550.33

Source:

Kuntz G, Tozer J, Snegosky J, Fox J, Neumann K. Michigan Oncology Medical Home Demonstration Project: First-Year Results. J Oncol Pract. 2014;10(2):104.