The OnCol Podcast

For years, payers could see what every practice in a market was paid. Thanks to the Transparency in Coverage rule, community oncology practices can finally see it too, if they can make sense of the data.

Host Sam Morton talks with McKesson managed care experts Karen Mercier, contracting advisor on McKesson’s Advisory Services team, and Dan Johnson, director of managed care for The US Oncology Network. They discuss how to turn massive payer data files into real leverage at the negotiating table.

In this episode:

• Why the first test of any transparency data is checking your own contracted rates
• How to find your position in the market, and why you don’t want to be the highest- or lowest-paid provider
• Using AI to match competitors’ legal names, tax IDs, and NPIs
• Ghost rates, data quality, and why enforcement matters
• Why price alone won’t win a negotiation without quality and total cost of care

The oncologist shortage isn't going away. Dean Walker and Ryan Wilson explain why recruiting has to be a long-term strategy, not a scramble to fill a vacancy.

Summary

In this episode of the On-Call Podcast, hosted by Megan Farber, the discussion centers around the challenges and strategies of physician recruitment in community oncology. Guests Dean Walker and Ryan Wilson share insights on the limited supply of physicians, the importance of proactive recruitment strategies, and how the US Oncology Network supports practices in navigating these challenges. The conversation emphasizes the need for alignment in culture and values, as well as the significance of being intentional about recruitment as a long-term strategy for practice health and community service.

Takeaways

·       The limited physician supply is a major challenge.

·       Many candidates prefer densely populated metro areas.

·       Recruiting can take time, stretching 9 to 12 months.

·       Be proactive in your recruitment strategy.

·       Alignment matters a lot in recruitment.

·       Having a lead for recruiting is really important.

·       Reduce the risk of burnout among current staff.

·       We offer a centralized recruiting operation.

·       Candidates have interest in multiple opportunities.

·       Building a team that serves the community is crucial.

 Sound Bites

·       00:00 "Be proactive in your recruitment strategy."

·       04:57 "Alignment matters a lot in recruitment."

Chapters

·       00:00 The Challenges of Physician Recruitment

·       04:03 Strategies for Successful Recruitment

·       07:05 Support from the Network

·       08:15 Key Takeaways for Practices

How community oncology practices can safely and confidently bring bispecific antibody therapy into their clinic, without academic-center resources.

This conversation explores the growing role of bispecific antibodies in oncology, discussing their advantages, clinical considerations, monitoring strategies, and integration into community cancer care. The speakers emphasize the importance of teamwork, patient education, and structured protocols to ensure effective treatment and management of side effects.

Takeaways

·       Bispecific antibodies are effective for immune redirection in liquid tumors.

·       They offer good response rates, especially in refractory cases.

·       Rapid treatment initiation is a key advantage of bispecifics.

·       Patient eligibility and caregiver support are crucial for treatment success.

·       Monitoring for side effects like CRS is essential in community settings.

·       Clear communication among care teams enhances treatment workflows.

·       A dedicated practice champion can streamline the integration of bispecifics.

·       Education and preparation are vital for managing bispecific therapies.

·       Start small and build a comprehensive internal playbook.

·       Community practices can successfully manage complex therapies like bispecifics.

Sound Bites

·       00:00 "Bispecific antibodies are gaining rapid traction."

·       00:51 "They are well suited for immune redirection."

·       13:45 "Start small and just be intentional."

Chapters

·       00:00 Introduction to Bispecific Antibodies

·       02:49 The Rise of Bispecifics in Oncology

·       04:03 Clinical Considerations for Bispecific Therapy

·       06:12 Monitoring and Managing Side Effects

·       09:08 Integrating Bispecifics into Care Teams

·       13:02 Lessons Learned and Best Practices

This conversation emphasize the need for practices to shift from a reactive to a proactive approach in managing MIPS, highlighting the potential benefits of engaging with advisory services for support and guidance.

This conversation delves into the complexities of the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) in community oncology practices. The speakers discuss the challenges faced by practices, the importance of proactive management, and how MIPS can be optimized to avoid penalties and enhance financial performance. They emphasize the need for practices to shift from a reactive to a proactive approach in managing MIPS, highlighting the potential benefits of engaging with advisory services for support and guidance.

Takeaways

·       MIPS can feel like an administrative burden but can be managed strategically.

·       Understanding the basics of MIPS is crucial for community practices.

·       There are unavoidable challenges in MIPS, such as complex CMS requirements.

·       Self-inflicted pain points can be minimized with better implementation strategies.

·       Optimizing MIPS is essential to avoid significant financial penalties.

·       Proactive management of MIPS can reduce stress and surprises at year-end.

·       MIPS serves as a foundational step towards value-based care models.

·       Documentation should be integrated into existing workflows for efficiency.

·       Engaging with advisory services can provide valuable support for practices.

·       MIPS is not just a box to check; it can be a strategic opportunity.

Sound Bites

·       00:00 "We can avoid the operational burden."

·       16:08 "We need to make MIPS predictable."

·       18:06 "MIPS really is that first step."

·       20:29 "MIPS is not going away."

Chapters

·       00:00 Understanding MIPS: The Basics

·       06:05 Challenges and Pain Points of MIPS

·       09:10 Optimizing MIPS for Community Practices

·       11:55 Shifting from Surviving to Thriving with MIPS

·       14:46 MIPS as a Bridge to Value-Based Care

·       18:06 Engaging with Advisory Services for MIPS Success

In the debut episode of the OnCol Podcast, Megan Farber hosts Ben Jones and Dr. Les Busby to explore the financial strains, regulatory burdens, and the importance of management services organizations (MSOs) in helping practices remain independent while navigating these challenges.

Takeaways

·       Community oncology practices face significant financial strain due to rising costs and stagnant reimbursement.

·       The complexity of care delivery is increasing, requiring more coordination and infrastructure.

·       Physician burnout is exacerbated by regulatory pressures and administrative burdens.

·       Management services organizations can act as a pressure relief valve for community practices.

·       Partnerships are essential for navigating the challenges in community oncology.

·       Technology, including AI, is transforming how practices operate and deliver care.

·       Regulatory compliance adds to the operational challenges faced by practices.

·       Independent practices can provide high-quality care at lower costs compared to hospital systems.

·       Advocacy and policy engagement are crucial for community oncology practices.

·       The future of community oncology depends on finding strong partners to maintain independence.

Sound Bites

·       00:00 "Physician burnout is real."

·       07:26 "It's becoming much more difficult."

·       21:49 "The pressures aren't going away."

·       22:19 "Independent care is the best care."

Chapters

·       00:00 The Pressures on Community Oncology Practices

·       06:27 Navigating Financial Strain and Operational Challenges

·       10:43 The Burden of Regulations and Physician Burnout

·       12:40 The Importance of Partnership and Collaboration

·       17:09 Leveraging Technology and Support Systems

·       21:20 The Future of Independent Community Care