HealthPartners collaborates with Oncology Analytics to support high-cost cancer treatment

Provides consultation from board-certified hematologists/oncologists

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Following a successful pilot program this spring, HealthPartners is implementing Oncology Analytics Benefits Management Consulting Services for members in HealthPartners fully and self-insured plans. Oncology Analytics will use its utilization management platform and board-certified oncologists to ensure that high-cost cancer drugs are the most effective, safe and affordable option. If a better treatment plan is available, board-certified specialists from Oncology Analytics will call a patient’s doctor to discuss the alternatives.

During the pilot program, 80 percent of the cases reviewed by Oncology Analytics confirmed that the treatments prescribed were the most effective, safe and affordable solutions. In most of the remaining cases, a consult between the patient’s physician and an Oncology Analytics’ board-certified specialist resulted in a treatment change. As a result, patient care was based on the most up-to-date clinical research and helped lower treatment costs.

“This partnership brings focused oncology expertise to our prior authorization process,” said Scott Schnuckle, HealthPartners Senior Vice President Pharmacy and Business Development. “By offering this service, oncologists can consult with their peers and nationally recognized experts to confirm that they are providing the best care and value for their patients.”

“We are honored to partner with one of the country’s leading health care organizations,” said Rick Dean, Oncology Analytics CEO. “This is a great example of how we can help health plans collaborate and support physicians to provide the best care and the best value.”