What You Should Know:
– Color, a healthcare technology company, has teamed up with MSK Direct from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK).
– The collaboration aims to provide employers, unions, and health plans with comprehensive cancer care offerings, making MSK’s world-renowned expertise and support accessible to employees and members regardless of their location.
Addressing Fragmentation and Barriers in Cancer Care
Access to top-tier healthcare, particularly specialized cancer care, is often hindered by geographic location, with “healthcare deserts” posing a persistent challenge. Furthermore, the current cancer care model can be fragmented and confusing, frequently leaving diagnosed patients to navigate siloed services with inadequate support during a critical time. Simple navigation services offered by employers often fall short. Compounding these issues, cancer diagnoses are becoming more common, particularly among those under 50, creating significant burdens for individuals, families, and employers. Color and MSK Direct assert that cancer care must be easily accessible and supportive throughout the entire experience, not just about connecting patients with doctors.
A Comprehensive Approach Across the Cancer Journey
This collaboration leverages Color’s 50-state network of oncologist-led providers and MSK Direct’s ability to accelerate access to MSK’s cancer experts and resources. Together, they offer integrated care and support across the entire cancer journey. This includes proactive risk assessment and guideline-based screening, support through diagnosis, access to expert second opinions, early detection strategies, facilitated access to treatment when needed, and comprehensive survivorship support. The goal is to prevent cancer or detect it early, delivering optimal care with continuous support.
How Employees and Families Benefit
Through this joint offering, employees and their families gain access to a continuum of care starting with prevention. Individuals can assess their cancer risk and easily access necessary screenings, supported by Color’s ACS LION-certified Care Advocates who assist with scheduling, transportation, and coordination. If an individual receives a diagnosis or needs clarification, MSK’s subspecialized physicians can provide in-depth second opinions by working directly with the patient’s existing medical team. For those requiring treatment, the program facilitates access to MSK’s world-class care teams. Throughout this process, patients receive ongoing education and multidisciplinary guidance. Care extends into survivorship, with integrated services including return-to-work planning, symptom management, dietary support, and strategies to minimize emergency room visits or hospitalizations.
Value Proposition for Employers
For employers, unions, and health plans, this collaboration provides a robust way to support their workforce and members facing cancer. It represents a significant step beyond basic navigation services, offering a holistic program focused on prevention, early detection, expert treatment, and survivorship. This approach offers the potential for better long-term health outcomes and associated cost savings.
