Cancer care is too complex for silos. That’s why pharmacy and oncology leaders joined forces at THMA’s Oncology Forum in September. The joint session explored how tighter integration can improve patient access, streamline care coordination, and sustain margins.
Key Takeaways:
1. The pharmacy-oncology partnership is essential.
Pharmacists are increasingly viewed as frontline providers who extend physician capacity, reduce adverse events, and lower readmissions.
Health systems that elevate pharmacy as a strategic partner will strengthen care continuity, reduce adverse events, and optimize reimbursement
2. Site-of-care strategy is a defining issue
Site-neutral payment reform, private equity investment in ambulatory infusion, and payer “site of service” policies are reshaping infusion delivery.
Site neutrality equalizes payment across care settings, potentially lowering barriers to care and improving access for patients.
Systems must model margins carefully and plan for home infusion and non-HOPD settings.
3. Equity and navigation must be built into oncology programs, not added later.
Socioeconomic barriers, lack of telehealth support, and cultural competency gaps continue to hinder equitable access.
Through pharmacy and oncology partnerships, clinicians can bring care services closer to those who need them
Infusion optimization requires intentional care coordination but can heighten impact on care quality and availability. One participant shared: “Home infusion allowed a full-time patient, part-time mom to become a part-time patient and a full-time mom. That’s the kind of impact we should be aiming for.”
4. Value-based care in oncology is still aspirational, but preparation is essential.
While many organizations see value-based care as the future of oncology, progress is slow.
Insufficient data analytics, reimbursement barriers, and lack of clear outcome measures remain obstacles.
Oncology lags in VBC uptake due to difficulties proving value. Building data capabilities to measure outcomes is key.