Oncology Business Management | Specialty

The OncLive Oncology Business Management condition center page is a comprehensive resource for news and expert insights on business-focused updates and topics in oncology practices, including diversity efforts, telehealth, gaps in care, payment models, and more. This page features news articles, interviews in written and video format, and podcasts that focus on updates and best practices with oncology business management.

Improved Diagnostics Expected in MSK, Quest Collaboration

June 4th 2014

A new independently validated lab test is now available that takes advantage of the extensive database of gene mutations amassed by Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center.

Expanded Molecular Test Registry and Upgraded Data Systems Needed

June 4th 2014

Although we've known for decades that heredity is a major factor in cancer susceptibility and management, the insights gained in the past decade are still breathtaking.

Early Palliative Care for Caregivers Improves Their Wellbeing, Too

May 31st 2014

A phone-based intervention that offers practical tools to help family caregivers support their loved one with advanced cancer-as well as emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle themselves-resulted in less caregiver depression and better quality of life, according to the findings of a new study presented May 30 at the 50th Annual ASCO Meeting in Chicago.

Dr. Hussain on ETS Gene Fusions as a Predictive Biomarker in Prostate Cancer

May 31st 2014

Maha Hussain, MD, from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, discusses the possibility of ETS gene fusions acting as a predictive biomarker for prostate cancer.

Reducing Pills From the Cup: Discontinuing Statins in Late-Stage Cancer Patients

May 31st 2014

For patients with less than a year to live, the discontinuation of statins may increase the median time-to-death and improve quality of life.

CMS-Sponsored Website Provides ICD-10 Guidance

May 29th 2014

Although the deadline for ICD-10 implementation has been moved to October 1, 2015, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has developed, in collaboration with physicians, a free tool that is specialty-specific and offers customizable, actionable advice and tips to ease physician practices through the transition to ICD-10.

Markman Gains New Leadership Post at CTCA

May 28th 2014

Maurie Markman, MD, the editor-in-chief of OncologyLive magazine, has been named president of the Medicine & Science unit at Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

WellPoint's Enhanced Payment Plan Encourages Following Treatment Protocols

May 28th 2014

A new reimbursement program initiated by WellPoint, Inc., looks to pay oncologists an additional $350 a month for each patient who is enrolled in and follows one of the insurer's recommended cancer treatment regimens

Adoption of Electronic Health Records Marks End of Paper Charts

May 27th 2014

Nearly 72% of office-based physician practices were using electronic health records (EHRs) in 2012, marking the slow and eventual decline of paper medical charts, according to a new report from the National Center for Health Statistics. From 2007 through 2012, use of any type of EHR system increased across all physician and practice categories, with the exception of HMO-owned practices.

Physician Practices Dissatisfied With ACA Exchange Products

May 21st 2014

Physician practices that provide care to patients who have enrolled in the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) health exchanges are finding it difficult to complete some basic administrative tasks.

After Colorectal Cancer Spreads, Additional Imaging Adds Little Benefit

May 20th 2014

For patients whose colorectal cancer has spread to the liver, and confirmed by computed tomography (CT), further imaging scans before surgery added little benefit when compared to patients who did not undergo further imaging.

Nivolumab, Elotuzumab Receive Breakthrough Therapy Designations for Types of Blood Cancer

May 19th 2014

Over the course of only a few days, two drugs that will be commercialized by Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS), nivolumab and elotuzumab, have each been granted breakthrough therapy designations by the FDA for the treatment of two different types of blood cancers.

Testicular Self-Examination Cost-Effective Compared with Missed Advanced Cancer

May 19th 2014

Testicular self-examination remains highly cost-effective despite a negative recommendation from the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a cost-utility analysis suggested.

Dr. Rhee Discusses Workplace Violence in Urology Practices

May 17th 2014

Eugene Y. Rhee, MD, chief of urology, Kaiser Permanente, discusses workplace violence in urology practices.

Practices Look to GPOs Even as Reimbursement Cuts Loom

May 16th 2014

Community oncology practices are at a crossroads despite the maturity of the marketplace. Running an efficient oncology practice is getting tougher and tougher.

Developing a Multidisciplinary Geriatric Oncology Center

May 16th 2014

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University's Kimmel Cancer Center have developed a model for the establishment of a comprehensive multidisciplinary geriatric oncology center to help combat the over or under treatment that elderly oncology patients often face.

Suggestions to Help Physician Practices Collect on Patient Bills

May 15th 2014

Collecting payments from patients is difficult, so practices need to adapt so that collecting revenue from patients comes just as easily as collecting reimbursement from insurers.

Changes in Urology

May 15th 2014

In urology, we are faced with very difficult and challenging times.

As Lung Cancer Screening Debate Continues, Study Projects Implementation Outcomes

May 14th 2014

In December 2013, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended that asymptomatic, high-risk individuals receive annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT).

In Negotiations, Oncologists Find That Size Does Matter

May 13th 2014

For oncology practices today, the keys to negotiating successful contracts are size and a willingness to contain costs while improving quality.