Albuquerque, NM. – A daunting task for any doctor. A patient is diagnosed with cancer, treatment plans are developed and the patient is sent home armed with all the resources they need right? Not exactly…actually not even close. While most of us cannot relate to the process (thankfully), attempting to place ourselves in that mindset brings on emotions of fear and doubt as well as a plethora of other questions. The timeliness and coordination of care after diagnosis is critical.
With 1.6 million new cases of cancer expected in 2015[1], the right care plan after diagnosis is a challenge for any Oncologist and supporting staff. Dr. Barbara McAneny took on that challenge and not only began solving, but was awarded a grant for her work from the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation.
In 2012, Dr. McAneny founded Innovative Oncology Business Solutions, Inc. and launched the Come Home Model across six states. Her goal? Build the concept of patient-centered medical care through a ‘one-stop-shop’ after the initial cancer diagnosis using existing resources. When accomplished, this concept will reduce emergency room and hospital visits, keep consistency with caregivers and reduce an already overwhelmed healthcare system. And it did just that.
The Come Home model Dr. McAneny built is a network of participating outpatient care centers in seven existing community oncology practices. This network strives to improve patient outcomes, enhance experience and reduce cost of care, not only for the patient but the overall health care system. Armed with a 24/7 triage line staffed by first responders, the predicted net savings are estimated at 13.76 million over three years from the start of the grant (2012)[2]. Here is a quick look into the model and testimonials.
This process uses existing resources to combat an ongoing challenge. The Come Home Model attempts to answer the question – Do we have access to the right care in the right place at the right time?
http://www.comehomeprogram.com/
[1]http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@editorial/documents/document/acspc-044552.pdf
[2] http://www.comehomeprogram.com/index.php/come-home-practices/
