McKesson jumps on the CMS Oncology Care Model (OCM) experiment

First announced in 2012 as part of CMS’ Innovation Center, the Oncology Care Model (OCM) is an attempt to improve cancer care while lowering overall costs and developing better information resources in treatment. On May 9, McKesson Specialty Health, primarily through its US Oncology subsidiary (a network of community oncology centers supported by McKesson Specialty resources), will participate in OCM.

CMS offers “aligned” financial incentives, including performance-based payments, to improve quality of care. For its part, McKesson Specialty Health brings in a range of the services it offers to US Oncology participants, including practice service consulting, its electronic health-record system, iKnowMed, patient engagement resources and office-management and –reporting tools. It will also engage another McKesson subsidiary, RelayHealth and its Fuse IT platform, to collect and analyze claims, outcomes and financial data.

"McKesson Specialty Health continues to invest in a comprehensive OCM solution and support the advancement of community oncology. This includes testing our solutions early and designing integrated modules that focus on critical areas for success in value-based care,” said Diana Verrilli, VP and GM, Managed Care, Quality and Provider Solutions for McKesson Specialty Health. The program is expected to get underway in July.