Sep 07, 2011
In July, ASCO released a policy statementthat outlined specific provisionsof the 2010 Patient Protection andAffordable Care Act that have thepotential to reduce racial and economicdisparities in cancer prevention, diagnosis,and treatment in the United States.ASCO’s statement, which wasinitially published in the Journalof Clinical Oncology, identifies specificmeasures to help eliminate cancer caredisparities, including:
For further insight,read a blog postby Beverly Moy, MD,MPH, Chair of ASCO’sAdvisory Group on Health Disparities.
- immediate Medicare eligibility forMedicaid patients who are diagnosedwith cancer;
- coverage for follow-up testing andtreatment of any abnormalitiesfound in cancer screenings;
- adopting patient-centered quality improvementinitiatives;
- attracting more minority physiciansand improving the training of theoncology workforce;
- improving data collection on cancerdisparities;
- ensuring access to cancer specialistsfor all patients who seek treatmentat federally qualified communityhealth centers; and
- allowing for cancer-centered servicesto be at the direction of oncologyprofessionals in community healthcenters and medical homes wheremany seek medical care.
For further insight,read a blog postby Beverly Moy, MD,MPH, Chair of ASCO’sAdvisory Group on Health Disparities.