Looking to enhance your employee benefits and help the company’s bottom line? Cancer is now the top driver of employer healthcare costs so it’s an issue that should be on your radar for 2023. Employers can have an incredible impact on how cancer impacts their employees.
A growing number of companies are entering the value-based oncology management space or providing add-ons for cancer management to their other services. If you’re looking for a cancer benefits management service, here are the top four things you should consider so your employees have quality cancer care:
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Choose a company that has oncology expertise.
This expertise should go beyond a certified oncology nurse navigator. Expertise should include being in the treatment space and clearly understanding the nuances of cancer treatment, side effects, and outcomes.
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Experience in oncology supportive services.
Many cancer patients can benefit from supportive services to manage side effects and provide nutritional support, mental health support, and exercise regimes. Many support services are not widely offered in the traditional healthcare system. Cancer affects the whole person, not just the physical. Cancer benefits management services need to be ready to meet those needs.
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Experience with payors in the oncology space is a must.
Understanding the nuances of drug formularies, NCDs, payor policies, and prior authorizations is vital for ensuring cost savings. Cancer benefits management needs to be prioritizing cost savings for the employer while maximizing the quality of care a cancer patient receives.
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Consider the balance between technology and personal service.
The last thing a newly diagnosed cancer patient wants to do is talk to a chatbot. At the same time, having resources at one’s fingertips is beneficial. Does the company have a real person answering the phone? The bottom line: consider if the employee has options for their preferences of communication. The only way lasting change can be made in value-based oncology management services is if the services are utilized and employees feel comfortable using them.
