For nearly a decade, The US Oncology Network has been on a journey toward the widespread use of evidence-based clinical pathways in oncology. The road has been sometimes rocky, and the path occasionally branching and uncertain. But we have recognized that enhancing value is good for all stakeholders and we are confident that with new collaborations and expanded access through technology we will be able to deliver high-quality cancer care to patients. When we introduced pathways, some payers voiced concern that our use of pathways would actually cost them more, not less. Furthermore, some oncologists were concerned that they would be forfeiting patient outcomes and their clinical freedom to choose their own treatments for their patients based on their medical judgment. The US Oncology Network has published reassuring data to address both of those concerns...
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