Using Evidence-Based Guidelines May Decrease Total Cost Of Cancer Care

For colon and breast cancers, use of evidence-based practice guidelines may decrease the total per member per month (PMPM) cost for individuals with cancer. For colon cancer, the PMPM total cost of care (TCOC) was 33% lower for Medicare beneficiaries who received care that aligned with the treatment guidelines established by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). For breast cancer, the PMPM TCOC was 43% lower for Medicare beneficiaries whose care aligned with the NCCN guidelines.

Among Medicare beneficiaries whose colon cancers were treated following the NCCN guidelines, the TCOC was $2,986 PMPM lower than for those whose . . .