title: Oncology disease management.
abstract: Oncologic conditions are ubiquitous medical illnesses that present a particular challenge for medical management programs designed to address quality and cost issues in patient populations. Disease management strategies represent a reasonable and effective approach for employers and health plans in their arsenal of health management strategies. Multiple reasons exist for the development of specialized disease management programs that deal with cancer patients, some unique to this group of individuals. Health plans and/or employers have solid justification for addressing these issues directly through programs developed specifically to work with cancer patients. Whether developed within a health plan, or "carved out" to an external vendor, proper evaluation of outcomes is essential.
authors.affiliation: Matria Healthcare, Inc., Marietta, Georgia 30067, USA. don_fetterolf@matria.com
authors.forename: Donald E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Fetterolf
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Terry
mesh_terms: D019468:Disease Management; D006801:Humans; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000458:organization & administration