High-Value Cancer Care (HVCC) Program

High-value cancer care means receiving precise, patient-centric care that combines evidence-based treatment with comprehensive support services. For patients, this translates to improved outcomes—including better symptom management, reduced hospital visits, lower care costs, and increased satisfaction. The HVCC Program at The Oncology Institute ensures patients with advanced cancer receive coordinated care that addresses not only their medical needs but also their emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being throughout their cancer journey.

While standard oncology focuses primarily on medical treatment of cancer, high-value cancer care takes a multidisciplinary approach that integrates treatment with comprehensive care coordination and support services. The key differences include: dedicated health care coaches available 24/7, care coordination teams that manage all aspects of treatment, mental health screenings and ongoing psychological support, advanced care planning, palliative care services, and mobile-based technology platforms for patient engagement. This comprehensive model reduces unnecessary hospitalizations and ER visits while improving overall patient satisfaction and quality of life.

Yes, high-value cancer care significantly reduces costs. The HVCC Program has demonstrated over 25% lower care costs compared to standard cancer care. This cost reduction is achieved through several mechanisms: preventing unnecessary emergency room visits (75% fewer ER admissions), reducing inpatient hospitalizations (30% fewer admissions), and optimizing care coordination to eliminate redundant services and procedures. Lower costs benefit both patients and healthcare systems while maintaining or improving quality of care and patient outcomes.

The HVCC Program is a specialized quality care model designed specifically for patients with advanced cancer. It combines precise, evidence-based treatment with comprehensive care management and support services. Key components include: a dedicated health care coach available 24/7, the ANKR mobile-based care platform for symptom tracking and provider interaction, care coordination teams, mental health screenings, advanced care planning, palliative care services, and post-treatment survivorship support. The program is built on patient-centric principles and focuses on informed decision-making, symptom management, and addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families.

The Oncology Institute reduces ER visits and hospital admissions in the HVCC Program through several integrated strategies: 24/7 access to a dedicated health care coach who provides ongoing symptom assessment and guidance, early clinical triages that identify and address issues before they become emergencies, proactive symptom management to prevent complications, care coordination that eliminates gaps in communication and treatment, and the ANKR mobile platform that allows patients to report symptoms and connect with providers in real-time. These interventions have resulted in 75% fewer ER admissions and 30% fewer inpatient hospital admissions for HVCC Program participants.

The health care coach in the HVCC Program serves as a primary support person available 24/7 for patients and families. Coaches help patients and families navigate cancer diagnosis and treatment, provide ongoing symptom assessment, conduct clinical triages to identify potential emergency situations before they develop, offer guidance on managing treatment side effects, and provide emotional support throughout the cancer journey. By serving as an accessible resource, coaches reduce overall care costs and prevent unnecessary ER visits and hospitalizations while improving patient satisfaction and outcomes.

ANKR is a mobile-based care platform that empowers patients to actively manage their cancer care. Through ANKR, patients can explore treatment options, interact directly with their healthcare providers, track and log symptoms in real-time, and coordinate all aspects of their care from their mobile device. This technology facilitates better communication between patients and providers, enables faster identification of problems through symptom tracking, and allows patients to access care resources anytime and anywhere. The platform enhances patient engagement and supports informed decision-making.

Mental health support is a core component of the HVCC Program. Social workers conduct comprehensive mental health screenings upon enrollment and at regular intervals throughout treatment. This ongoing assessment ensures that emotional and psychological needs are identified and addressed early. The program provides continuous mental health support throughout the cancer journey, recognizing that cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact mental health. This integrated approach addresses depression, anxiety, and other psychological challenges that often accompany cancer treatment.

The HVCC Program has demonstrated measurable improvements in patient outcomes and healthcare utilization. Clinical studies show: 30% reduction in inpatient hospital admissions, 75% reduction in emergency room visits, over 25% reduction in overall care costs, and 14% increase in patient satisfaction. These outcomes demonstrate that comprehensive, coordinated cancer care not only improves the patient experience and clinical results but also creates significant cost savings for the healthcare system.

The HVCC Program prioritizes informed decision-making by ensuring patients have open communication with their healthcare providers about care needs and treatment preferences. Patients are supported in understanding their treatment options and are encouraged to make shared decisions with their family members and oncology team. The program provides access to health information systems and educational resources that help patients understand their condition and options. This approach ensures that treatment decisions reflect patient values and preferences while incorporating expert clinical judgment.

The HVCC Program includes a dedicated care coordination team that manages all aspects of cancer care. Care coordinators organize outpatient specialty visits, coordinate medical procedures, arrange ancillary services, and manage palliative care services. This comprehensive coordination eliminates the burden on patients and families to navigate complex healthcare systems, reduces confusion about appointments and treatment plans, minimizes gaps in care communication, and ensures all members of the care team are aligned. This integrated approach significantly reduces time and stress for patients.

Yes, the HVCC Program includes comprehensive advanced care planning to prepare for end-of-life situations. The program provides support for developing healthcare directives and advance plans, helping patients and families have difficult conversations about preferences and goals. Additionally, the program offers palliative care services not only during active treatment but also through end of life, ensuring patients receive comfort-focused care that addresses pain, symptoms, and quality of life. This holistic approach provides peace of mind for patients and their loved ones.

The HVCC Program provides comprehensive post-treatment survivorship care for patients who have completed active cancer treatment. Survivorship care includes monitoring for cancer recurrence, managing long-term treatment side effects, supporting the transition back to normal life, addressing physical and emotional health needs, and providing ongoing support as needed. This extended care ensures that patients do not feel abandoned after treatment ends and have continued access to healthcare providers and support services as they move into the survivorship phase.