CVS Health Announces Innovative Oncology Medicine Strategy for Payers

Transform Oncology Care is an inaugural precision medicine strategy announced by CVS Health recently, aimed at improving costs for payers and patients alike.

According to a press release, “the program uses genomic testing results at the point-of-prescribing to help patients start on the best treatment, faster and in addition, matches eligible patients to clinical trials.”

Building upon CVS’ existing community and resources, Transform Oncology Care is expected to improve patient outcomes and reduces costs for every part of a patients cancer care journey.

The strategy uses the latest National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) treatment and supportive care guidelines and results from broad-panel gene sequencing tests, so that oncologists can “identify and start their patients on the most precise, appropriate treatment regimen based on their clinical and genetic profiles.”

Treatment regimens that adhere to NCCN guidelines, including broad-panel gene sequencing test matches, will receive automatic prior authorization approval, shortening the process for patients to receive therapy.

“Timing in cancer care is everything and when a patient does not get started on the right treatment it can result in progression and higher costs,” said Alan Lotvin, MD, executive vice president and chief transformation officer, CVS Health, in a press release.

The Transform Oncology Care program is created in collaboration with Tempus, “a technology company advancing precision medicine through the practical application of artificial intelligence in health care.”

“CVS Health is making great strides in advancing patient care, and we are thrilled to contribute the benefits of genomic testing to these efforts,” said Ryan Fukushima, chief operating officer of Tempus, in a press release. “We believe this collaboration has real potential to personalize treatment for patients while also reducing the total cost of care.”

Dr Lotvin concluded, “We are the first company working to make the latest in precision medicine accessible to more patients and further empower informed treatment decision-making based on a patient’s genetic profile to give them the best chance for successful treatment and improved quality of life.” —Edan Stanley