Are Oncology-Focused Urgent Care Centers and Emergency Centers Cost Effective?

Authors

Brittany D. Macon, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Hematology/Oncology

Advisor

Dr. Nancy Reid

Abstract

ABSTRACT:

Purpose: The purpose of this literature review is to analyze the cost effectiveness of oncology-focused urgent care (UC) and emergency centers utilized within health care systems. This will be instrumental in assisting health care systems to transition under the goal of value-based care under the influence of the Oncology Care Model (OCM).

Method: A literature search was conducted for all acute care settings (UC and emergency centers) that focused their treatment on hematology/oncology patients. Due to the paucity of research discovered within the constraint of five years, the literature search was expanded to cover articles within the last ten years. There were 37 applicable articles that were utilized for this review.

Results: Out of the 11 oncology-focused acute care centers that reported data in this literature review, three facilities were able to decrease the number of oncology patient visits to the emergency department (ED). Two facilities were able to discharge over 50% of their patients to home directly from the urgent care setting versus sending the patients for hospital admission. Seven facilities resulted in a significant decrease in hospital admissions. One program’s readmission rate was unchanged after opening the UC program. Three facilities reported actual cost savings for patients and the health care systems.

Conclusion: Oncology-focused acute care centers appear to ameliorate high acute care costs incurred by oncology patients without hindering patient safety. Patient satisfaction increased with implementation of several acute care centers.

Keywords: Cancer Urgent Care/ Emergency Department, Oncology Urgent Care/Emergency Department, Health Care Costs, Value-Based Care

Recommended Citation

Macon BD. Are Oncology-Focused Urgent Care Centers and Emergency Centers Cost Effective?. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2019; 1(4).