OREANDA-NEWS. Anthem Blue Cross of California and Valley Radiotherapy Associates Medical Group (VRA) have developed a new agreement for a single episode-of-care payment for patients with a breast cancer diagnosis requiring radiation therapy treatment.

The case rate covers all radiation therapy services provided to the patient for the treatment of breast cancer. The case rate agreement, effective May 15, creates opportunities for efficiencies and long-term price predictability for Anthem, long-term revenue predictability for Valley Radiotherapy Associates Medical Group, and the ability to better manage the total cost of care for radiation therapy services for Anthem’s members.

“Vantage is helping to lead the way with new payment models for radiation therapy,” said Dr. Jennifer Malin, vice president of Clinical Strategy at Anthem, Inc. “We hope to build on this approach to provide our members with cancer more options for high-quality, patient-centered, value-based care.”

Leslie Botnick, M.D., president of VRA and chief medical officer and co-founder of Vantage Oncology agrees, saying: “In our practices, women receive optimal care in a clinically appropriate time period.”

This agreement signifies the first step in progressing to value-based payment from the traditional fee-for-service model, demonstrating a commitment on both organizations’ parts to support quality care with improved outcomes and patient experience at a sustainable cost.