Minnesota Oncology Tries Value-Based Care Model

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is teaming up with Minnesota Oncology on a five-year value-based agreement for cancer care.

The collaboration will begin Sept. 1, and the payer and provider will share risk for the overall cost of cancer for members treated at Minnesota Oncology, the companies announced. As part of the deal, Minnesota Oncology has agreed to a set of evidence-based principles to guide care, so Blue Cross will waive prior authorization for certain treatments that are often overutilized.

Karen Amezcua, senior director of contracting at Blue Cross, told FierceHealthcare that this rewards the oncology practice for offering evidence-based care. She noted that Minnesota Oncology was already using the set guidelines, so they were not foisted on them by an insurer.

“It’s just how committed Minnesota Oncology has been to providing the right care and allowing us as a health plan come together to jointly support that model,” she said.

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