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A new cancer education mission: managed care and clinical trials
Background:
The traditional support for clinical research, teaching, and indigent patient care is being seriously compromised by the growth of managed care in the United States. Educational initiatives are needed to ensure the incorporation of clinical trials into the optimal care of cancer patients.
Methods:
The Cancer Clinical Trials Task Force of Colorado was established in 1995 to find a collaborative and non-legislative solution to the uncertainty of coverage by third-party payers for cancer patients participating in clinical trials.
Results:
This program has served to heighten the awareness of the crucial role of clinical trials in defining new treatment strategies among third-party payers.
Conclusions:
The Task Force and similar regional and national efforts have begun to provide needed information and education about the importance of clinical trials to the managed care industry; however, much remains to be done to ensure access to and coverage for clinical trials.