– CVS Health launches Transform Oncology Care, which includes a comprehensive, first-of-its-kind precision medicine approach to oncology management for payors in collaboration with Tempus.
– Transform Oncology Care includes an innovative precision medicine strategy that increases access to broad-panel gene sequencing tests for patients diagnosed with certain advanced-stage cancers.
– The program also uses CVS’ local footprint and unique assets to improve patient outcomes and lower costs every point of the patient’s cancer care journey.
CVS Health, today announced Transform Oncology Care, anchored on a first-of-its-kind precision medicine strategy for payors. The program uses genomic testing results at the point-of-prescribing to help patients start on the best treatment, faster and in addition, matches eligible patients to clinical trials. Transform Oncology Care also uses the Company’s local footprint and unique assets to improve patient outcomes and lower overall costs at every point of the cancer care journey.
Transform Oncology Care Program: Precision Medicine Strategy Approach for Payors
Transform Oncology Care includes an innovative precision medicine strategy that increases access to broad-panel gene sequencing tests for patients diagnosed with certain advanced-stage cancers. In collaboration with Tempus, the test results will support oncologists as they work to identify the most precise, appropriate treatment regimen for their patients, ultimately helping to decrease progression and reduce unnecessary costs.
Today, the majority of cancers when diagnosed early can be effectively managed, treated or even cured1. For patients diagnosed with late-stage cancers, however, many can benefit from advanced genomic testing, yet very few eligible patients receive this type of testing today. This can inhibit the start of the most appropriate treatment and result in cancer progression and higher costs.
For these patients, a web-based provider portal, built into the e-prescribing workflow, informs oncologists of the availability of Tempus’ broad-panel gene sequencing tests at diagnosis, which are more comprehensive than the single-gene tests that are used today.
The broad-panel tests identify a patient’s genomic variants and the therapeutic options specific to their molecular and clinical profile. The testing results also match and help support the rapid enrollment of eligible patients in local clinical trials through Tempus’ proprietary platform, facilitating broader access to experimental therapies. In addition, the portal provides oncologists real-time access to the latest NCCN guidelines at point-of-prescribing.
The program will also include:
– Provider access to the latest National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) treatment and supportive guidelines provided by CVS Health, helping to provide broader access to the most up-to-date care guidelines in the ever-evolving cancer landscape. Therapeutic regimens that align with NCCN guidelines will automatically receive prior authorization approval, speeding time to start of the therapy for patients.
– Nurse-led care management integrated with payor’s existing programs, to create a more personalized experience for patients and their caregivers and close existing gaps in care.
– Improved local access to screenings and prevention services offered at CVS HealthHUBs, as well as CVS pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations.
Value-based contracting with oncology providers to bring greater economic alignment between providers and payors and ensure high-quality care and lower costs.
Pilot Rollout with Aetna Provider Networks
Under the new CVS Health program, the results from these genetic tests will also be used to match eligible patients to clinical trials. Aetna has adopted the new program for fully insured commercial and populations and is rolling it out with participating Aetna provider networks in 11 states.
Why It Matters
“Timing in cancer care is everything and when a patient does not get started on the right treatment it can result in progression and higher costs,” said Alan Lotvin, M.D., Executive Vice President, and Chief Transformation Officer, CVS Health. “We are the first company working to make the latest in precision medicine accessible to more patients and further empower informed treatment decision-making based on a patient’s genetic profile to give them the best chance for successful treatment and improved quality-of-life.”
