Blog posts that are not press releases.
Beyond the Bottom Line: How AON Pharmacy Achieved Millions in Cost Savings
AON Pharmacy reported a $2 million cost savings through effective processes to reduce waste and unnecessary prescription refills.
The rising costs of prescription drugs, especially oncolytic medications, have consistently been at the forefront of patient care where health systems, physicians, pharmacists and others have remained vigilant in looking for ways to reduce the costs of prescriptions. During these ongoing challenges, AON Pharmacy and its process initiatives have emerged as a successful partner in cost savings. By the end of 2023, the pharmacy achieved cost savings of almost $2 million by performing a comprehensive reassessment before each prescription refill and therefore, reducing wasteful and unneeded refills.
At the heart of healthcare’s cost dilemma lies the increasing burden of prescription drug expenses. As medication prices soar, patients grapple with the prospects of affordability for both direct and indirect costs, payers face a mounting financial strain of paying for potentially unneeded claims and physicians are left to navigate the task of balancing optimal patient care with economic realities.
The price of cancer drugs has been on the rise over the past several years — and there is no indication that this sharp increase is on the decline or will plateau. According to the President’s Cancer Panel, between 2009 and 2013, cancer drugs were priced at exceeding $100,000 per patient for one year of treatment, and in 2015, the cost of new cancer medications fell between $7,484 and $21,834.
Unsurprisingly, one-third of adults have reported being unable to afford these critical medications, as reported in the article “Drug Companies Continue To Hike Prices Above Inflation.” The financial burden is exacerbated because patients often experience a degree of indirect costs associated with their cancer diagnoses. These indirect costs may include expense fluctuations related to a loss or decline in income, transportation costs associated with travel to and from appointments and treatments, and even childcare costs.
The increase in costs and the inability to afford the medications can have devastating consequences on patients’ cancer journeys and their survival rates. For example, patients may fail to adhere to their prescription schedules to stretch out the supply of medications, allowing the treatment to not be as effective and reducing the quality of life experienced. Patients may also skip or delay paying for other expenses, such as groceries, to save money that can then be used for their prescriptions.
AON Pharmacy’s achievement is a testament that process improvements can reduce costs for all involved, from patients to physicians to payers, and illustrates their commitment to optimizing patient care while mitigating financial burdens to increase patient care, well-being and quality of life experienced.
Related: The Benefit of a Centralized Pharmacy
AON Pharmacy specializes in oral oncolytic medications and is the provider pharmacy for AON practices and patients to ensure seamless care within the network. Its services include insurance and copay assistance, dispensing, shipping, counseling and patient support. The pharmacy is a trusted source for physicians as the electronic medical records connect pharmacists and physicians, enabling them to collaborate effectively on patient medication management to improve timely and appropriate therapy.
AON Pharmacy holds accreditations from ACHC, NABP and URAC Specialty Pharmacy.
Related: What Does the URAC Re-Accreditation Mean for You?
For more information about AON Pharmacy, visit www.AONcology.com/pharmacy.
AON and Thyme Care: Enabling Practices with Patient-Centered Support Beyond the Clinic
Oncology is facing an inflection point as the industry continues its push toward value-based care. However, successfully scaling and implementing value-based care programs is time and resource-intensive, and can pose significant challenges for individual practices.
American Oncology Network (AON) equips its network physicians with the tools they need to thrive in value-based care arrangements, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest standard of patient care. Through its partnership with Thyme Care, a leading value-based cancer care enabler, AON practices can receive access to 24/7 virtual patient navigation and comprehensive support beyond the clinic for their Enhancing Oncology Model (EOM) patients, improving care outcomes while reducing costs.
Serving as an extension of AON practices, Thyme Care offers patients a dedicated Care Team to help them navigate the clinical, emotional, psychological and social barriers to care while AON oncologists continue to lead clinical decision-making. Thyme Care’s robust analytics capabilities provide continual performance monitoring insights that support practice transformation and data-driven decision-making, enabling success in the EOM.
With a shared drive to empower physicians to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care, AON’s partnership with Thyme Care reduces practice administrative burden, enhances the patient experience and furthers the delivery of true value-based care.
RxConnect Podcast
Join AON Vice President Pharmacy Operations Melody Chang as she speaks with guests speakers on topics from Drug Shortages to their Impact on different types of Cancer Treatments.
Season 1
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Cancer Screenings: What You Need to Know
The most important aspect of maintaining good health is staying informed about preventive care measures. Cancer screenings stand at the forefront of the battle against this devastating disease, offering individuals the opportunity to detect potential threats early on and take proactive steps toward better health outcomes. However, misconceptions and uncertainties often shroud these life-saving procedures. Empower yourself, as a patient, with the insights you need to navigate the realm of cancer screenings and arm yourself with the tools to safeguard your health.
In 2023, there are estimated to be 1.9 million new cancer diagnoses and 609,820 deaths from cancer. It is the second most common cause of death in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Preventive measures such as cancer screenings help detect issues early on when intervention has the highest efficacy rate. Despite the benefits of cancer screenings, many people forgo them for various reasons.
According to a release by the Prevent Cancer Foundation®, 39% of survey participants did not know they needed to be screened, 37% of participants had “no symptoms” that would lead them to have a screening and 31% of participants cited the costs associated with screenings as the reason why they did not have them. The good news is that, while insurance coverage for cancer screenings depends on the health plan you are enrolled in, most plans are required to cover some cancer screening costs under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). You can call your health plan and ask to know what is covered as well as any out-of-pocket expenses that may be incurred from the tests beforehand.
Related: Addressing the Financial Concerns of Cancer Treatment
To ensure your health remains a top priority, cancer screenings are recommended based on age and gender.
- Ages 21 to 29: For women, routine breast examinations can help detect any abnormalities that may lead to breast cancer. Additionally, cervical cancer testing such as a Pap test for women becomes critical to protect against cervical cancer, which is often preventable.
- Ages 30 to 39: Women continue to need frequent breast examinations and cervical cancer testing.
- Ages 40 to 49: Both men and women should begin talking to their physician about colon cancer screenings. Men around the age of 45 are recommended to have prostate cancer screenings. Women continue to need frequent breast examinations and cervical cancer screenings and have the choice to start annual breast cancer screenings with mammograms.
- Ages 50 to 64: Both men and women are recommended to have colon cancer screenings in addition to breast, cervical, colon and prostate screenings. However, both groups should seek out lung cancer testing at this time, especially if they have any history of smoking.
- Ages 65 and up: Breast, cervical, colon, prostate and lung cancer screenings are important, and some cancer screenings are covered by Medicare.
Related: Men’s Health Month: Steps to Reduce Cancer Risks and Lead Healthier Lives
Keep in mind, however, that your physician may recommend certain cancer screenings earlier or more often if you are at higher risk. For example, while colon cancer is most seen in older individuals (aged 45 and up), if you have a high risk for this cancer or a family history of it, you may be asked to have colon cancer tests at a younger age or more frequently. To make sure you are receiving the right cancer screenings at the right time, talk with your physician and discuss the best plan for your unique health situation. Many cancers, if caught early, can be diagnosed and treated — drastically improving the likelihood of survival and success.
Cancer screenings also include a variety of different types of cancer tests and are different from diagnostic testing. Interestingly enough, cancer screenings are not used to detect cancer; this is a common misconception that most people have about screenings. The main goal of screenings is to detect any present abnormalities that will lead to further cancer testing. A physical exam; lab tests such as blood, urine and tissue tests; imaging tests like x-rays; and genetic tests can all identify whether something abnormal may be present. Tests that identify cancer are called diagnostic tests, which include additional laboratory testing, imaging and biopsies that your physician will order.
Learning that you may have cancer is a frightening experience, and at first, you may question the validity of the results. How often are there false positives and false negatives? While cancer screenings and diagnostic tests are not always 100% accurate, there is a lower rate of false positives and false negatives thanks to the advancements in cancer testing as well as the precision used when analyzing samples. Physicians are meticulous in their duties and in reviewing test results. For this reason, physicians will often conduct additional testing to ensure the initial results were correct before beginning any treatments.
If the screening and diagnostic test report that cancer is present, your physician will refer you to a specialist, also known as an oncologist. An oncologist is a doctor who has been trained in diagnosing and treating cancer. You may even transition to an oncologist who has received training in and focuses on your specific type of cancer. Your oncologist will review your medical history, including your cancer screenings and other tests, to determine a treatment plan that is designed uniquely for you.
Stopping cancer in its tracks and before it has had a chance to metastasize begins with a single step: having the recommended cancer screening at the right time in your life. Screenings offer the gift of early detection, allowing you to confront potential cancerous threats head-on and increase the chances of successful treatment. Remember, knowledge is power, and being proactive about your health is an investment that yields invaluable returns.
How to Make the Most Out of Your Oncology Appointment
Heading to an oncology visit can be a daunting experience, filled with questions, uncertainties and a range of other emotions. However, with the right approach and preparation, you can make the most out of each oncology appointment, ensuring you receive the best care, support and information during this crucial time.
Come prepared with the required information. To ease the process of checking in, be sure to come with the right documents and information such as an ID, proof of insurance, a list of current medications and the doses, a list of other physicians you see, and an understanding of your and your family’s medical history. However, if you are still unsure what information to bring along with you, you can call the clinic and ask prior to your appointment.
Come early to check in before your appointment. Running late can easily add extra stress and frustration. Arrive between 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This gives you enough time to check in with the receptionist, complete any necessary forms and have a moment to sit before being ushered back. This recommendation also remains true for virtual appointments. Allow yourself time to log in to the platform before your appointment.
Bring someone to support you. You should not have to attend your appointments alone. In fact, having a strong support network, whether that be a family member or friend, can improve the journey and help you stay optimistic despite the current circumstances. This individual can also take notes during the appointment; remind you of any questions you may have missed; ask follow-up questions you may not have thought of; and serve as an interpreter, if needed, to ensure you understand the information.
Related: Cancer’s Impact on Mental Health
Prepare questions to ask the physician. With such a diagnosis, you probably have a long list of questions to ask. When the time comes to meet with your oncologist, you want to make sure your questions are answered. Here are questions you may want to ask the physician:
- What type of cancer do I have, and what stage is it?
- Is there a prognosis at this time?
- What is your experience in treating patients with the same cancer?
- Do I need any additional tests to confirm my diagnosis or to get me started on the treatments?
- What treatment options are available to me that you recommend? What are the side effects of the treatments that I may experience? How long are the treatments?
- What about clinical trials? Are there any that I may be eligible for? What is the success of clinical trials?
- Regarding my diagnosis, what are things I should and should not do to ensure I remain in the best health possible?
- If I have questions or concerns moving forward, whom do I contact? Do I contact the clinic or have a special person on the care team I can call?
- What support and resources are available to me?
Related: Diagnosed With Breast Cancer? Ask These Eight Questions
Take notes during your appointment. It may be a simple step that is often overlooked but taking notes during your appointment becomes a resource that you can refer to at a later date and serves to keep your thoughts and appointment information organized. This also is beneficial as you do not have to solely rely on memory to recall important details discussed during the appointment. An additional tip is to store your notes somewhere that is accessible, whether that is on paper or through an app on your phone.
Confirm all important information before leaving. Always verify details from your appointment and review any critical information or next steps with your physician before leaving. Such information as prescription changes, upcoming tests and treatments, and even any lifestyle adjustments like diet and exercise are examples of what to verify so that you know what to do moving forward.
Making the most of your oncology appointment is about taking control of your healthcare journey and becoming an empowered patient. Being prepared helps you approach each visit with confidence and clarification so that you can play an active role in the decision-making process. Your appointments with your oncologist are opportunities to gain knowledge and receive guidance on your health. Remember, you are not alone. Your care team is there every step of the way to guide and support you toward better health and healing.
Closing The Cancer Care Gap With Transformational Achievements
At AON, we’re making great strides toward closing the cancer care gap by ensuring every patient has access to the care needed to help fight their cancer. With an expanding network of close to 200 providers in over 75 clinics across 17 states, our practices are not only in big cities, they’re in rural areas where medical resources are scarce. We’re actively enrolling patients in over 150 clinical trials throughout the network, offering more community-based options so that patients don’t have to go far to get the latest treatment. And by responsibly controlling cancer costs and sourcing over $103 million in free medications and financial assistance for patients, we’re increasing access to care for hundreds of cancer patients.
Biosimilar Adoption Within the Oncology Industry
How the AON Pharmacy Operations team is increasing the usage of biosimilars as treatments for cancer patients.
Back in September 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first biosimilar used for cancer treatments. Mvasi was created as the biosimilar alternative to the brand medication Avastin, which is used to treat various cancers. From colorectal and lung cancers to kidney cancer and brain cancer, Mvasi’s formulation was determined biosimilar when treating these cancers. Since 2017, over twenty biosimilars for cancer treatments have been approved.
The growth within the biosimilar market increases with the acceptance and adoption of these prescription alternatives by oncologists and other healthcare leaders who are taking the initiative to improve cost-savings for millions of cancer patients. AON is one such organization that is taking the lead to publicize the benefits — including the cost savings — of biosimilars..
Related: Understanding Biosimilars
AON’s Biosimilar Substitution Program
The biosimilar substitution program, the brainchild of the AON Pharmacy Operations team, was created to encourage the use of biosimilar products when a biosimilar is covered by the payer and the cost is lower, as an effective cost-saving strategy without negatively impacting the efficacy of the patient’s treatment.
By definition, a biosimilar is highly similar to and has no clinically meaningful differences from its reference product with cost-saving potential. A biosimilar is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after rigorous evaluation and testing to show the same efficacy and same safety profile when compared to its reference product. Expanding access to biosimilars can help to improve health equity and provide more treatment options for patients.
Acquiring biosimilar products can be challenging for various reasons. One of the more common barriers is health insurance coverage and requirements as it varies from state to state as well as how the insurer’s formulary is designed. While these hindrances may slow adoption, the AON Pharmacy Operations team recognizes the benefits of biosimilar products to not only the patient but to the healthcare provider and health insurer.
The switching model employs key persons within the process and equips them with the processes and tools needed to communicate and drive forward biosimilar substitutions. Originally, AON regional clinical pharmacists (RCPs) assisted in biosimilar product selection. Under the new biosimilar substitution program, the RCPs transitioned into an intermediary position between the pharmacy, healthcare providers, administrators and financial teams at each practice. Using the electronic health record (EHR) system empowers RCPs to communicate directly with financial teams and send switch requests (requests to switch to a biosimilar product) directly to the healthcare provider who can easily approve within the system.
The AON Pharmacy Operations team measured the impact of the program for one year and reported positive results:
- There was an increase in all AON-preferred biosimilar products after program implementation. The total number of biosimilars now in use is 17.
- The average in the United States for biosimilar usage is 65% whereas AON sits comfortably 20% higher.
- There was an increase in cost savings for healthcare providers, payers and patients totaling $56.21 million for 2022 and $131.32 million since AON’s inception.
The AON Pharmacy Operations team hopes that sharing the program’s successes will encourage other clinicians and those in healthcare to switch and use biosimilars when appropriate.
Related: Expanding Options: What’s Next for Biosimilars in Oncology?
Three Facts About Cancer in African American Communities
It starts by recognizing cancer disparities unique to each population.
Because of the genetic makeup of tumors, cancer affects individuals differently. Other factors that alter the way an individual experiences cancer include sex and gender, lifestyle, geography and income among others. These are explained as the social determinants of health or, more specifically, cancer disparities. Race is also an underlying determinant that can put certain populations at higher risk of being diagnosed with certain cancers.
Related: Racial Disparities in Cancer Care and Research: The Causes and Possible Solutions
African Americans are part of one of the largest minority populations in the United States (an estimated 46.9 million people). This group also reports the highest cancer mortality rate, despite the decline in cancer incidence rates, of any other racial population. These striking statistics have become the basis for the drive across the healthcare industry to implement initiatives to reduce healthcare disparities and ensure every individual has equitable access to the care they need to treat their disease at every stage.
For example, Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, and inflammatory breast cancer. Additionally, they are at higher risk for developing lung and colorectal cancers. Black men are diagnosed more often with lung and bronchus cancer as well as prostate, colon and rectum cancers than other populations.
Here are three facts about cancer among the African American population.
- This population reports a lower cancer screening rate compared to their counterparts. Frequent cancer screenings, as recommended by physicians, can help detect tumors in the early stage and before they have had time to develop. As a result of delayed and, in some cases no, screenings, late-stage diagnoses are more common, which has allowed time for the tumor to develop and spread. The higher rate of inaccessible and quality healthcare services and being uninsured as well as an increased level of medical mistrust are only just a few reasons why screenings are low for this population.
- The five-year survival rate for certain cancers is lower for African Americans. Cancer is often found in advanced stages that are more challenging to treat, which increases the risk of mortality. In fact, Black men have a 19% higher mortality than White men, and Black women have a 12% higher mortality rate than their counterparts. The survival rates are impacted by the barriers to timely care and accessible cancer treatment centers in addition to other cancer disparities.
- There is an underrepresentation of African Americans in clinical trials. Diversity in cancer treatment trials is critical in learning how certain therapies impact specific populations. However, African Americans are less likely to be participants in these studies for various reasons including economic factors, unawareness of available trials and mistrust. Diversifying the participants who enroll in trials provides insights into the efficacy of treatments.
Related: The Benefits of Clinical Trials at Community Practices
Early detection through frequent screenings makes a difference in whether cancer therapies are successful or not. By recognizing the disparities populations face, such as the African American community, physicians and healthcare teams can work toward creating more inclusive services that enhance the health and well-being of many.
American Oncology Network (AON) works to bridge the gap cancer disparities have created by addressing them head-on. Through both innovative initiatives and simple processes such as increasing communication about available clinical trials and providing support and resources to help patients throughout their cancer journey, AON is dedicated to actively closing the cancer care gap — making cancer care and therapies accessible to more Americans.
To locate an AON partner oncology practice, visit aoncology.com/locations/.
In Community-Based Study, Switching to Ixazomib in Newly Diagnosed MM Brought Improved Responses Across Age Groups
A recent article by The American Journal of Managed Care (AJMC), summarizes an analysis presented during the 64th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting and Exposition and co-authored by Ruemu E. Birhiray, MD of Hematology Oncology of Indiana showing that patients with multiple myeloma were able to experience improved responses to the proteasome inhibitor ixazomib after switching from bortezomib. Read the article.
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