The impact of clinical pharmacy services within an oncology center of excellence on patient outcomes and cost efficiency.

BACKGROUND

Evidence is mounting that clinical programs for specialty pharmacies can substantively contribute to improved treatment. As cancer is currently the second leading cause of death in the United States, clinical pharmacy programs may improve outcomes for millions of cancer patients. A center of excellence in outpatient specialty pharmacies may best leverage these benefits.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND

METHODS

We observed the relationship between engaging with an insurance provider's affiliated pharmacy's remotely operated Oncology Center of Excellence (COE) and health outcomes and medical costs for Medicare Part-D beneficiaries. We then tested whether engagement with COE engagement mediated outcomes during a 12-month period.

RESULTS

Both propensity score matching and regression models indicated lower hospitalizations, emergency department (ED) visits, and medical costs for those who primarily used the affiliated pharmacy. Follow‑up mediation analyses indicated these effects were mediated by engagement with the COE.

CONCLUSION

Engagement with this COE was associated with lower medical costs and fewer ED visits and hospitalizations. The high-quality clinical pharmacy programs and services associated with COE's likely contributed to better and less expensive oncology care overall.