Cancer diagnoses among working-age people are rising, a burden for employees and their families, and a leading cost driver for employers. Traditional health benefits aren't adequately addressing the challenges of cancer care. A benefits manager at one major corporation noted that 1.4% of its workforce was impacted by a cancer diagnosis, while cancer care represented 12% of its annual medical costs.
Expert consultation programs present a better path forward. When expert reviews are available as an employee benefit, patients gain access to the latest medical knowledge at top cancer centers. Treatment plans become better aligned with the latest in evidence-based care, in close coordination with local oncologists. This strategy contributes to better health outcomes, less variation in treatments, and greater equity.
Expert consultation programs have measurable benefits, including:
- Improved access to second opinions
- Subspecialist recommendations for optimizing treatment plans
- Matching patients with clinical trial opportunities
- Reducing unwanted care variation
- Mitigating the financial toxicity of cancer care
To learn more about the impacts of expert consultation programs, download this case study for benefits managers.