Oncologists worry they may have to reduce staff or enhanced care after payment model ends in June

Oncology practices are trying to figure out their next steps for value-based care as a popular payment model concludes in June with no successor in place, with providers worried that access to services will decline.

Oncologists told a survey conducted by the advocacy group Community Oncology Alliance they are worried that access to care could be reduced without a successor and that staff responsible for navigating value-based care may be laid off.

“Overall, practices indicated that the [Oncology Care Model] transformed the patient experience for the better by comprehensively addressing patient needs and disparities,” said COA in a release on Monday.

The Oncology Care Model started in 2016 and offers oncology practices a way to improve care through an episode-based payment model that pays practices for the total cost of care. Practices could get a monthly enhanced payment for delivering enhanced services like a comprehensive care plan or other patient navigation services.

Commercial payers also agree to participate in the model to create incentives for physicians to transform their care.

As of July 2, there were 126 practices and 5 commercial payers — Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, Cigna, Priority Health and the University of Arizona Health Plan — that were participating in the model.