Aetna, MOASC Contracting Network, Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions Aim To Improve Quality, Costs Of Cancer Care In California

-- Evidence-Based Cancer Care Program Promotes Best Practices --

News provided by

Apr 29, 2014, 08:30 ET

UPLAND, Calif., April 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Aetna (NYSE: AET), the MOASC Contracting Network and Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions announced today the launch of an evidence-based program designed to improve cancer care in California. The program is available to Aetna network oncologists who are members of the MOASC Contracting Network.

This program identifies clinical best practices that improve cancer treatment and make it more affordable. Participating physicians have access to PathWare™ Decision Transaction Solutions, a tool that provides them with real-time decision support at the point of care, including easy access to clinical pathways for various types of cancer.

"We are committed to working with the oncology community to make cancer care safer and more effective," said Michael Kolodziej, M.D., Aetna's national medical director for Oncology Strategy. "Through this joint effort, we want to help doctors base treatment decisions on the most current medical evidence, which leads to better patient outcomes."

Aetna's participation in this program aligns with a collaborative approach to cancer care.

"This new agreement expands our relationship with both Aetna and MOASC, and is an excellent example of our commitment to delivering the best possible processes and technology to empower oncologists to provide quality care for cancer patients," said Bruce Feinberg, chief medical officer, Oncology, for Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions.

A steering committee of California oncologists has been formed to support the program. They will continue to update evidence-based treatment plans and supportive care plans for certain types of cancer. The program includes quality metrics and offers participating providers enhanced reimbursement of generic drugs as well as a shared savings component.

"By helping our members to develop and implement cancer care pathways, we can help ensure oncologists are fairly reimbursed for the quality care they provide to patients while removing unnecessary costs from the health care system. At the same time, oncologists have a clear voice in the future of patient care," said Dr. Vu Phan, president, MOASC Contracting Network.

Aetna and Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions have also launched Clinical Pathways programs in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Florida. Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions has also developed Clinical Pathways with MOASC Contracting Network.

About Aetna

Aetna is one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving an estimated 44 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities, Medicaid health care management services, workers' compensation administrative services and health information technology products and services. Aetna's customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care providers, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, see www.aetna.com.

About MOASC Contracting Network

Incorporated in 2011, the MCN is providing an additional benefit for the member physicians of the Medical Oncology Association of Southern California, Inc. (MOASC), the largest oncology society in its region. The goal of the MCN is to advance and protect the ability of cancer patients to obtain, and the ability of the oncologist to provide optimal cancer care. Membership representation is both private solo and group oncologists in California. MCN works to affect payer policy, thereby assisting the community oncologist to provide appropriate care to their patients. MCN is viewed by private payers as representative of the California oncology community. For more information, see www.moasc-mcn.com

About Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions

Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions provides clinical, reimbursement, technology and distribution services that help health care professionals, payers and pharmaceutical and biotech companies improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of caring for patients who are managing complex diseases. Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions helps customers alleviate day-to-day administrative burdens, optimize business functions and partner to implement new innovations that move their businesses forward. To learn more, visit www.cardinalhealth.com/specialtysolutions.

About Cardinal Health

Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE: CAH) is a $108 billion healthcare services company that improves the cost-effectiveness of health care. As the business behind health care, Cardinal Health helps pharmacies, hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and physician offices focus on patient care while reducing costs, enhancing efficiency and improving quality. Cardinal Health is an essential link in the health care supply chain, providing pharmaceuticals and medical products to more than 60,000 locations each day. The company is also a leading manufacturer of medical and surgical products, including gloves, surgical apparel and fluid management products. In addition, the company supports the growing diagnostic industry by supplying medical products to clinical laboratories and operating the nation's largest network of radiopharmacies that dispense products to aid in the early diagnosis and treatment of disease. Ranked #21 on the Fortune 500, Cardinal Health employs more than 30,000 people worldwide. More information about the company may be found at cardinalhealth.com and @CardinalHealth on Twitter.