Oncology business update

This article explores a variety of environmental factors that influence the delivery of oncology care in both academic and community settings. These factors include fragmentation of the managed-care process, increased backlash to managed-care organizations, greater federal and state intervention, and new technologies, medicines, and procedures. The author also discusses continued consolidation of managed-care organizations, as well as how physicians and hospitals are being compensated for oncology services. Other topics explored include the progress of case rate and capitation as an alternative to fee-for-service medicine, the latest events in insurer coverage of clinical trials, and the progress of oncology disease management. In addition, the author discusses the interest of national payers in the management of oncology services and delivery mechanisms for highly specialized oncology services.