UofL James Graham Brown Cancer Center recognized for quality in value-based cancer care

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Kentucky has recognized the University of Louisville James Graham Brown Cancer Center with a Blue Distinction Centers for Cancer Care designation as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. By combining nationally consistent quality criteria with locally effective value-based programs, Blue Distinction Centers for Cancer Care deliver maximum value to members battling cancer by aligning health care payments with improved health outcomes.

The designation is available for all cancer types and various care settings, including physician groups, cancer centers, hospitals and accountable care organizations (ACOs).

The UofL Brown Cancer Center received the designation by incorporating patient-centered and data-driven practices to better coordinate cancer care and improve quality and safety under a value-based payment model. Blue Distinction Centers for Cancer Care are reimbursed based on how they perform against both quality and cost outcome targets in order to receive incentives and rewards for better health outcomes – rather than traditional fee-for-service. Research has shown that care delivery transformation to improve quality and affordability is most successful when accompanied by transformation to a value-based payment model.

“This designation attests to our daily dedication to providing the very best care for each of our patients and to achieving the best possible results,” said Jason Chesney, MD, PhD, director of the UofL Brown Cancer Center. “While outcomes are our greatest priority, we work hard to make sure the people we treat also have the best patient experience.”

“Cancer patients are unique, and so is the care that they receive,” said Jennifer Atkins, vice president of network solutions for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. “Cancer patients often receive different kinds of specialized care in multiple settings with perhaps surgery at a distant medical center but chemotherapy at a local hospital. Medical professionals and facilities designated as Blue Distinction Centers for Cancer Care provide coordinated patient care and communication under a value based payment model.”

In 2018, the UofL Brown Cancer Center also received designation as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Transplants for Adult Bone Marrow/Stem Cell by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Since 2006, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality specialty care in the areas of bariatric surgery, cancer care, cardiac care, knee and hip replacements, maternity care, spine surgery and transplants while encouraging health care professionals to improve the care they deliver.