The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has selected Starling Physicians of Rocky Hill as one of nearly 200 physician group practices and 17 health insurance companies to participate in a nationwide program to improve cancer care.
Starling will be part of a five-year program, called the Medicare Oncology Care Model (OCM), which aims to provide higher quality, more coordinated cancer care. The program began July 1.
Practices participating in OCM will provide treatment following nationally recognized clinical guidelines for beneficiaries undergoing chemotherapy, with an emphasis on person-centered care. Services may include:
– Coordinating appointments with providers within and outside the oncology practice to ensure timely delivery of diagnostic and treatment services.
– Providing 24/7 access to care when needed.
– Arranging for diagnostic scans and follow-up with other members of the medical team — such as surgeons, radiation oncologists, and other specialists — that support the patient through their cancer treatment.
– Ensuring data from scans, blood test results, and other tests are received before patient appointments so patients do not need to schedule additional visits.
– Providing access to additional patient resources such as emotional support groups, pain management services and clinical trials.
