Summer 2009

New Oncology Care Support Program offers help

A new Oncology Care Support Program was implemented April 1, 2009 for members diagnosed with cancer, regardless of the stage of cancer or the proposed plan of treatment (surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy or palliative care). The program is designed to help these members become self-advocates in their own care, understand the treatment options available to them and identify ways to prevent unnecessary complications. Dedicated Oncology Care Support nurses offer one-on-one telephonic engagement with participating member and/or care givers, and collaborate with the member’s physicians and other providers.

The Oncology Care Support Program design takes into consideration members’ varying stages of cancer and treatment regimes. The program is applicable to a member who is newly diagnosed with a potentially curable cancer or a member in the terminal stages of the disease process. Care Management staff work to:

• Improve clinical outcomes and quality of life by managing signs and symptoms of side effects of treatments;

• Engage the member, family, and their physicians to ensure shared decision making with a full understanding of goals of care;

• Reduce inpatient admission rates and emergency department visits; and

• Increase member and provider satisfaction.

The program is available for active Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) members who desire assistance and support with their medical condition and coordination of their care. Members who are actively engaged in hospice are not eligible to participate. Physicians and other sources such as BCBSF staff, including Care Coordination, can refer members to this program.

To refer a member into the Oncology Care Support Program call Care Coordination at (800) 955-5692 and select “Option 4.” Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.