Current Issue of Evidence-Based OncologyTM, a Publication of The American Journal of Managed Care®, Addresses Developments in Technology

CRANBURY, N.J.—Technology is everywhere in cancer care, and the current issue of Evidence-Based Oncology^TM (EBO^TM), a publication of The American Journal of Managed Care^®, covers plenty of territory: from the issues physicians face with electronic health records (EHRs) to the promise that technology could speed the transition to value-based care. The issue can be found here.

Anchored by a commentary from EBO^TM Editor-in-Chief Joseph Alvarnas, MD, director of Value-Based Analytics and director of quality at Alpha Clinic at City of Hope, Duarte, Calif., the issue covers a range of topics, including:

• Former Aetna Medical Director Sheree Starrett, MD, MS, a board-certified hematologist/oncologist, writes how the need for physicians to collect information for EHRs has altered the nature of the patient visit, and how physicians can improve these interactions.
• Associate Editorial Director Surabhi Dangi-Garimella, PhD, interviews medical oncologist Thomas W. LeBlanc, MD, of Duke University School of Medicine about the growth and potential of electronically collected patient-reported outcomes.
• Three entrepreneurs discuss how technology, including social media, are changing the way clinical trials recruit cancer patients, improving trial diversity, giving rural patients access, and shaving months off the recruitment process.

Despite the challenges that technology presents, Alvarnas writes that it will become more important as cancer care confronts rising costs and the need for greater precision: matching the right drugs with the right patients at the right time.

“The value conundrum is particularly challenging within the domain of cancer care, in which treatment-related costs dwarf overall healthcare spending,” he writes, quoting estimates from the National Cancer Institute that show cancer care—related costs are projected to grow by 39% to $172.8 billion by 2020.

About The American Journal of Managed Care^®:

The American Journal of Managed Care^® (AJMC^®) is a peer-reviewed, MEDLINE-indexed journal that keeps readers on the forefront of health policy by publishing research relevant to industry decision makers as they work to promote the efficient delivery of high-quality care. AJMC.com is the essential website for managed care professionals, distributing industry updates daily to leading stakeholders. Other titles in the AJMC^® family include The American Journal of Accountable Care^®, and two evidence-based series, Evidence-Based Oncology™ and Evidence-Based Diabetes Management™. These comprehensive offerings bring together stakeholder views from payers, providers, policymakers and other industry leaders in managed care. To order reprints of articles appearing in AJMC^® publications, please contact Jeff Prescott at 609-716-7777, ext. 331.

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