NCCN Oncology Case Management Program™

NCCN collaborates with managed care organizations and insurance companies to facilitate patient access to NCCN Member Institutions and to improve the quality and outcome of care delivered to patients with cancer. NCCN works with payors to ensure that patients have access to specialized services and expertise available at these leading cancer centers. NCCN aims to facilitate this process so that patients and health professionals can benefit from NCCN Member Institutions’ commitment to providing the highest quality cancer care. NCCN Member Institutions possess expertise in the overall management of cancer, including prevention and early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and patient follow-up; participate in multidisciplinary care planning; serve as a major source of innovative clinical studies and translational research programs; and develop effective new therapies.

NCCN has active initiatives in place with UnitedHealthcare, OptumHealth (formerly United Resource Networks), Blue Cross^® Blue Shield^® Association (BCBSA), CIGNA, and Humana. These organizations collaborate with NCCN on issues related to quality, coverage, reimbursement, and outcomes in cancer care. They also inform a large group of health care decision-makers about important issues in the delivery and financing of oncology care.

NCCN collaborated with OptumHealth in development of Cancer Resource Services, a cancer “centers of excellence” program that provides support to patients in making informed decisions about their care and where to receive it. This program has been in place since 2002.

NCCN has also been a strategic collaborator with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and participating Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies on the development of Blue Distinction Centers for Complex and Rare Cancers^SM (focusing on complex inpatient and surgical care). Blue Distinction^® recognizes facilities that meet objective, evidence-based thresholds for clinical quality, developed in collaboration with expert clinicians and leading professional organizations. To learn more about the Blue Distinction Centers for Complex and Rare Cancers,  please click here.

• Information about Blue Distinction Centers for Complex and Rare Cancers
• Log into your myCIGNA account to find out more about the NCCN -- or call your Cancer Support Program Specialist

Press releases:

• BCBSA and NCCN Announce Strategic Collaboration (3/13/2008)
• NCCN Named as Strategic Collaborator of BCBSA (3/13/2008)
• NCCN and UnitedHealthcare Collaboration Benefits Patients (1/16/2008)

Case Manager Training

NCCN has developed an oncology case management education program designed to inform private payors’ medical directors, case managers, and pharmacists about technology, guideline development, clinical trials, and advances in the delivery of cancer care. The program also highlights the comprehensive cancer care delivered by NCCN Member Institutions. Program participants are educated on topics such as the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology™ and the NCCN Drugs & Biologics Compendium™, oncology care today, communicating with patients with cancer and addressing end-of-life issues, emerging pharmaceutical and technology issues in cancer care, and understanding clinical trials.

NCCN Oncology Case Management Programs™:

• 2008
• Blue Cross® Blue Shield® Association, February 15, 2008 – Nashville, TN
• Blue Cross® Blue Shield® Association, April 9, 2008 – Denver, CO
• Premera Blue Cross, May 27, 2008 – Seattle, WA
• Humana, July 24-25, 2008 – Webcast
• 2007
• OptumHealth, January 30, 2007 – Lisle, IL
• Blue Cross® Blue Shield® Association, April 15, 2007 – Chicago, IL
• Blue Cross® Blue Shield® Association, July 31, 2007 – Salt Lake City, UT
• Blue Cross® Blue Shield® Association, September 16, 2007 – Orlando, FL
• CIGNA, November 27-28, 2007 – Pittsburgh, PA
• CIGNA, December 11, 2007 – Pittsburgh, PA