OBR OncologyOncology Leader Says EOM Requirements “Tone Deaf” After Withdrawing From Program

Navigating the Challenges of Value-Based Care in Oncology: Insights from a Community Oncology Leader

In this comprehensive analysis, Dr. Barbara L. McAneny, CEO of New Mexico Cancer Center, shares her firsthand experience with the Enhanced Oncology Model (EOM) program. Her insights reveal the complexities and challenges that arise when integrating value-based care models in community oncology practices, particularly when dealing with sensitive population groups and the practicalities of modern healthcare systems.

Key Points:

• Dr. McAneny withdrew from the EOM due to its perceived shortcomings, particularly its approach to data collection and lack of inclusivity concerning Medicaid and the Indian Health Service.
• Her experience with previous models like COME HOME and OCM shaped her expectations for EOM, which she found lacking in its structure and implementation.
• The EOM’s exclusion of Medicaid and Indian Health Service was seen as contradictory to its stated goal of improving outcomes in disadvantaged populations.
• The data collection aspect of EOM was criticized for being insensitive and potentially damaging to the trust built with Native American patients.
• Concerns were raised about the mandatory downside risk in EOM and the reliance on electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs), which may not be feasible for all patients.
• Dr. McAneny suggests leveraging AI to determine optimal pricing and care delivery, emphasizing the need for practical solutions over data collection without actionable outcomes.
• She advocates for a diverse array of pilot projects in the healthcare system rather than searching for a single, overarching solution.

“The Enhancing Oncology Model (EOM) is a huge disappointment. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) did a terrible job developing the EOM and “marketing” it to practices. This is so typical of wasteful government spending.”
– Ted Okon, Executive Director, Community Oncology Alliance (COA)

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