Hospice News August 7, 2024
Supportive oncology services, a model that includes palliative care, are associated with lower costs and improved clinical outcomes.
This is according to a study in the journal Cancer by Pennsylvania-based Independence Blue Cross (IBX) and the Jefferson Health system. Their research found that supportive oncology reduced inpatient admissions and emergency room visits, as well as lower total financial costs to families.
“Supportive oncology programs are an enormous resource for our members, and the data show how care utilization patterns change in a positive way for those in need of these supportive services,” said study co-author Aaron Smith-McLallen, director of Health Informatics & Advanced Analytics at IBX, in a statement. “Bridging the gap in resources and expertise can help ensure that...