While utilization management policies help lower healthcare costs, they can hinder patient access to crucial cancer therapies, according to a policy statement from the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
These payer-imposed policies — including prior authorization, step-therapy protocols and restrictive formularies — often restrict or deny specific therapies to patients due to cost, according to the report.
"[P]olicies that attempt to incentivize, force or coerce patients to accept anti-cancer therapy alternatives that are not recommended by their oncologist can threaten
both the outcomes for patients and the well-being of their families or caretakers," the ASCO said.
In the statement, the ASCO reviews current management policies payers use to control the cost of cancer drugs and recommends ways to ensure these policies don't undermine high-value patient care.
To view the full report, click here.
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