AIM’s new Integrated Oncology Solution will build on its heritage of promoting the most appropriate and cost effective use of clinical services including radiology, cardiology, oncology, specialty drugs and sleep medicine. In collaboration with eviti, AIM will deliver a comprehensive solution that targets the use of evidence-based treatment pathways across all tumor types. Through AIM’s proven business platform, physicians will be empowered with real-time, advanced cancer care decision support information and reimbursement verification. Health plan members will benefit from clinically effective, evidence-based treatment options recommended by their physicians. AIM’s current oncology solution covers 11 million members and will migrate to the enhanced, integrated solution on AIM’s expanding platform.

“Cancer care represents a significant and growing portion of healthcare spending with about a third of all treatment plans failing to meet nationally accepted standards. AIM’s solution will integrate comprehensive clinical evidence with treatment alternatives and reimbursement to help ensure the most effective treatment from the start – for patients, providers, health plans and their employer customers,” said Brandon Cady, president and CEO of AIM Specialty Health.

Cady added, “eviti represents a highly credible clinical decision support reference for cancer care, which makes the company ideal to help us deliver an integrated solution that goes beyond simply promoting clinical pathways to the oncology community. Our solution will help physicians make sure patients are receiving clinically effective treatments while the solution also aligns financial incentives from the payer. The end result will be improved quality and affordability for the entire system.”

“Treating cancer today is a complex business,” noted eviti, Inc. CEO Eduardo Beruff. “Taking into consideration all the toxicities, costs and outcomes of nationally accepted treatment options could be overwhelming and nearly impossible without the right information at the time of decision-making for the clinician and his/her patient. We are excited to be working with AIM to integrate our oncology decision support expertise into their next generation oncology solution. Together, we can achieve our mutual goals to eliminate inappropriate treatment and empower the alignment of quality care with appropriate reimbursement.”
 

About Oncology Clinical Decision Making

According to numerous articles published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology and other peer-reviewed medical journals, thirty two percent of treatment plans deviate from evidence-based medicine. Studies also show oncology patient treatment plan compliance at just forty-five percent. As scientific breakthroughs and personalized medicine advances, physicians are faced with an increasing number of treatment decisions. The National Cancer Institute predicts that by the end of this decade physicians may need to weigh 100 facts for each decision and, by 2025, the number of facts per treatment decision will grow to 1,000. Without support at the point of clinical decision making, new therapies and their appropriate use may lag and put further strain on the healthcare system.

About AIM

AIM Specialty Health is a national leader in specialty benefits management driving more appropriate, safe and affordable care throughout the healthcare system. For more than 35 million members covered across 50 states, D.C. and US territories, AIM targets the quality and cost of clinical services including radiology, cardiology, oncology, specialty drugs and sleep medicine. Clients including 43 health plans and over 100 national employers throughout the country realize proven value with AIM’s integrated solution suite that leverages clinical excellence, technology and superior customer service. AIM is a wholly owned subsidiary of WellPoint, Inc. (WLP). For more information, visit www.aimspecialtyhealth.com.

About eviti

eviti, Inc. is a leading health information technology and clinical decision-support company delivering solutions to improve the quality of cancer care and reduce its cost. eviti represents the culmination of almost a decade of experience providing oncology treatment intelligence, uniquely delivering value to all parties in the care process by ensuring quality care is prescribed from the start. For more information, visit www.eviti.com.

“We’re delighted to have Dr. Curry on board,” said Arlene Forastiere, M.D., SVP, Medical Affairs at eviti, Inc., “she brings a wealth of experience in academic and community care settings to our team, and she’ll play a valuable role in providing our users with actionable radiation oncology decision support.”

Curry joins eviti with over 15 years of experience in oncology, including nearly ten years as a radiation oncologist at Paoli Hospital Cancer Center where she served on numerous committees, including the Physician Advisory Group, Cancer Committee, and Radiation Safety Committee. She was an Assistant Professor at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital’s Radiation Oncology Department, and is certified by the American Board of Radiology. Dr. Curry is also eligible for certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

She is a member of the American society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, the American College of Radiology, and the American Association of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Dr. Curry has been named a “Top Physician” in Radiation Oncology by Main Line Today Magazine for the last three years.

Curry earned her A.B. from Bryn Mawr College where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with Honors in Philosophy and a minor in Biology. She received her medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine and completed her radiation oncology residency at Washington University in St. Louis.

About eviti, Inc.

eviti, Inc. is a leading health information technology and clinical decision-support company delivering solutions to improve the quality of cancer care and reduce its cost. eviti represents the culmination of almost a decade of experience providing oncology treatment intelligence, uniquely delivering value to all parties in the care process by ensuring quality care is prescribed from the start.

eviti’s growing national prominence is evidenced by the 2,000+ oncology practices already registered to use the eviti platform. eviti’s independent, non-proprietary digital oncology treatment library is one of the most comprehensive and current of its kind, meticulously compiled from the world’s leading sources. eviti’s treatment knowledge base and patent-pending decision-support engine help oncologists select a treatment option that is both evidence-based and compliant with each patient’s insurance plan language at the moment of prescribing. This transparent approach streamlines workflow and reimbursement, reduces variability in clinical care, and results in cost efficiencies. eviti allows the best cancer care to be available everywhere. For more information, visit www.eviti.com.

Philadelphia, PA – eviti, Inc., an independent health information technology and oncology decision-support company, recently announced that Dr. Reshma Jagsi, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Michigan has joined 14 other expert oncology specialists on the Medical Advisory Board.

Dr. Jagsi is nationally recognized for her research in advancing radiation treatments of breast cancer and for improving quality of care through the understanding of patient decision-making, cost and access to appropriate care. Dr. Jagsi is the recipient of funding from the National Institutes of Health and the American Cancer Society and previously also from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

“With her extensive research, including works published in journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, and the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Dr. Jagsi brings outstanding expertise to the eviti Board relating to breast cancer and advancing quality and cost-effective use of radiation technology,” said Dr. Arlene Forastiere, SVP, Medical Affairs and Medical Advisory Board Chairwoman at eviti, Inc.

Dr. Jagsi received her undergraduate and medical degrees from Harvard University and obtained a doctorate in Social Policy from Oxford University. She completed her residency training in Radiation Oncology at the Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Radiation Oncology Program and completed a fellowship at the Harvard Center for Ethics.

About eviti, Inc.

eviti, Inc. is a leading health information technology and clinical decision-support company delivering solutions to improve the quality of cancer care and reduce its cost. eviti represents the culmination of almost a decade of experience providing oncology treatment intelligence, uniquely delivering value to all parties in the care process by ensuring quality care is prescribed from the start.

eviti’s growing national prominence is evidenced by the 2,000+ oncology practices already registered to use the eviti platform. eviti’s independent, non-proprietary digital oncology treatment library is one of the most comprehensive and current of its kind, meticulously compiled from the world’s leading sources. eviti’s treatment knowledge base and patent-pending decision-support engine help oncologists select a treatment option that is both evidence-based and compliant with each patient’s insurance plan language at the moment of prescribing. This transparent approach streamlines workflow and reimbursement, reduces variability in clinical care, and results in cost efficiencies. eviti allows the best cancer care to be available everywhere. For more information, visit www.eviti.com.

New York, NY – CureMD’s Oncology EHR, a specialty product of CureMD’s Smart Cloud EHR solutions, now includes real-time oncology clinical decision support through eviti, Inc., a national leader in oncology clinical information.

Physicians using CureMD’s Oncology EHR will now have ready access at the point of care to eviti, Inc.’s clinical decision support library, enabling them to have the latest treatment protocols and clinical trial data available at their fingertips—providing patients, caregivers and referring physicians high quality treatment options for discussion and selection.

Kamal Hashmat, CEO of CureMD said, “We remain committed to enhancing our Smart Cloud EHR for Oncologists and have joined with eviti, Inc. in their mission to give patients and their care deliverers the best fighting chance.” He continued, “I can’t think of a better use for their real-time data and our common, web-based technology platform.”

Located in Philadelphia, eviti, Inc. supports physician decision-making with the most comprehensive and unbiased single information source of available cancer treatments for all cancer types. Their robust library— with 1,400+ evidence-based regimens and 10,000+ cancer clinical trials—is meticulously compiled from data that originates from internationally recognized governmental and industrial sources; and is maintained by: oncology professionals, a world-class medical advisory board and medical informatics professionals.

eviti, Inc. CEO, Eduardo Beruff, said, “We are pleased to be working with CureMD to make clinical decision support available through a system with which oncologists are familiar. Having easy access to such a robust clinical library will assist oncology specialists in comparing high quality treatment plans based on outcomes, costs and efficiency—providing better tools for selecting the most appropriate treatment for each patient.”
CureMD is the first EHR to incorporate evidence-based treatment protocols from eviti, Inc. into its award-winning Smart Cloud, All-In-One, Oncology EHR.

CureMD is a New York based, award-winning network of health information management systems and services, offering certified EHR, practice management, patient portal, revenue cycle management and transcription to help accelerate adoption and Meaningful Use qualification—driving outcomes and subsidy payments to maximize value and returns. CureMD’s advanced web technology and usability facilitate quality decision making, streamline operations and ensure compliance. For more information, visit http://www.curemd.com.

eviti, Inc. is a leading health information technology and clinical decision-support company delivering solutions to improve the quality of cancer care and reduce its cost. eviti represents the culmination of almost a decade of experience providing oncology treatment intelligence, uniquely delivering value to all parties in the care process by ensuring quality care is prescribed from the start. eviti’s growing national prominence is evidenced by the 2,000+ oncology practices already registered to use the eviti platform. eviti’s independent, non-proprietary digital oncology treatment library is one of the most comprehensive and current of its kind, meticulously compiled from the world’s leading sources. eviti’s treatment knowledge base and patent-pending decision support engine help oncologists select a treatment option that is both evidence-based and compliant with each patient’s insurance plan language at the moment of prescribing. This transparent approach streamlines workflow and reimbursement; reduces variability in clinical care; and results in cost efficiencies. eviti allows the best cancer care to be available everywhere. For more information, visit http://www.eviti.com.

“We are strengthening ways to make cancer care more effective, more affordable and safer for our members,” says Lonny Reisman, M.D., Aetna chief medical officer. “We have proven that cancer treatment plans based on clinical evidence result in better patient outcomes, often with lower costs. With eviti, we are now taking another step forward with a program that addresses the majority of cancer types. And supported by our company-wide efforts to leverage data and innovations with the greatest potential to improve quality and value, eviti can quickly be available nationwide through Aetna and Medicity’s suite of technology.”

Aetna is the first national payer to add eviti to its oncology approach. Through iNexx, oncologists will have real-time access to eviti’s patent-pending, decision-support engine. This tool delivers treatment options that are evidence-based and compliant with each patient’s benefit plan. And the options are available at the moment a treatment is prescribed. This transparent treatment plan, review, and selection process:
• Simplifies workflow
• Streamlines payment
• Reduces variability in clinical care

“We expect unwarranted deviations from evidence-based medicine to drop from 35 percent to less than 10 percent once oncologists begin using eviti,” says Eduardo Beruff, eviti, Inc. CEO. “Everyone benefits when a patient gets the most effective, proven level of therapy combined with the most appropriate treatment for side effects. Quality of life improves and unplanned hospital admissions decrease.”

A unique eviti code also automatically links treatment plans with payment from Aetna. As a result, oncologists will benefit from a streamlined, automated preauthorization process. eviti’s program offers the most complete and unbiased digital library of more than 1,200 evidence-based treatment regimens for more than 120 cancer types. The regimens are compiled from government and industry data and take into account costs, effectiveness, side effects and outcomes. In addition, the library includes more than 9,000 federally registered clinical trials. eviti is used as a web-based application or as a part of electronic health records software.

Aetna expects to expand the program to more states in 2012.

The program is part of Aetna’s established, collaborative approach to cancer care that includes:
• Working with the medical community
• Encouraging the application of evidenced-based medicine
• Delivering decision support
• Providing incentives for the delivery of quality, cost-effective care

“We are building on a foundation of successful oncology programs that we began in 2009 and have continued to expand. Ongoing advancements in treatment, data collection and sharing capabilities can accelerate the benefits of evidence-based cancer care,” Reisman says.

About eviti

eviti, Inc. is a leading health information technology and clinical decision-support company delivering solutions to improve the quality of cancer care and reduce its cost. eviti represents the culmination of almost a decade of experience providing oncology treatment intelligence, uniquely delivering value to all parties in the care process by ensuring quality care is prescribed from the start. For more information, visit www.eviti.com.

About Aetna

Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 36.1 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities, Medicaid health care management services and health information technology services. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care providers, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, see www.aetna.com.

Dr. Armstrong is an expert in genetic screening and treatment of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and other gynecologic malignancies. Dr. Armstrong directs the Johns Hopkins Breast and Ovarian Cancer Screening Service, a genetic counseling service that identifies and counsels women at risk for cancer and examines new strategies for cancer prevention.

“With her extensive background, and involvement in the Gynecologic Oncology Group, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, National Cancer Institute, and her leadership in clinical trials conducted throughout the nation, Dr. Armstrong brings a wealth of knowledge concerning women’s malignancies,” said Dr. Arlene Forastiere, SVP, Medical Affairs and Medical Advisory Board Chairwoman at eviti, Inc.

Dr. Armstrong received her medical degree from George Washington University School of Medicine; and she completed a fellowship in medical oncology at the Johns Hopkins Oncology Center. She is an Associate Professor of Oncology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center.

About eviti

eviti, Inc. is a leading health information technology and clinical decision-support company delivering solutions to improve the quality of cancer care and reduce its cost. eviti represents the culmination of almost a decade of experience providing oncology treatment intelligence, uniquely delivering value to all parties in the care process by ensuring quality care is prescribed from the start.

eviti’s growing national prominence is evidenced by the 5,100+ oncologists already registered to use the eviti platform. eviti’s independent, non-proprietary digital oncology treatment library is one of the most comprehensive and current of its kind, meticulously compiled from the world’s leading sources. eviti’s treatment knowledge base and patent-pending decision-support engine help oncologists select a treatment option that is both evidence-based and compliant with each patient’s insurance plan language at the moment of prescribing. This transparent approach streamlines workflow and reimbursement, reduces variability in clinical care, and results in cost efficiencies. eviti allows the best cancer care to be available everywhere. For more information, visit www.eviti.com.

Board certified in Radiation Oncology, Dr. Tapen was Medical Director of the Ulster Radiation Oncology Center in Kingston, New York prior to joining the eviti team. Additionally, she served as a member of the radiation department of the Comprehensive Cancer Center of Alta Bates Medical Center in Berkeley California for 7 years, and has published research in prostate, lung, and breast cancer.

“Dr. Tapen brings a wealth of experience from practice in community hospital cancer centers on both coasts where she has been strongly committed to evidence-based practice and improving quality,” said Arlene Forastiere, SVP, Medical Affairs at eviti, Inc. “Her broad leadership, practice and teaching experience is an asset to the eviti team.”

Dr. Tapen currently serves on the board for the American Cancer Society, and is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, the American Society for Clinical Oncology, and the American College of Radiology.

Dr. Tapen received her medical degree from UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Camden, New Jersey, and completed her residency in Integrated Radiation Oncology at St. Mary’s Hospital in San Francisco, California.

About eviti, Inc.

eviti, Inc. is a leading health information technology and clinical decision-support company delivering solutions to improve the quality of cancer care and reduce its cost. eviti represents the culmination of almost a decade of experience providing oncology treatment intelligence, uniquely delivering value to all parties in the care process by ensuring quality care is prescribed from the start.

eviti’s growing national prominence is evidenced by the 5,100+ oncologists already registered to use the eviti platform. eviti’s independent, non-proprietary digital oncology treatment library is one of the most comprehensive and current of its kind, meticulously compiled from the world’s leading sources. eviti’s treatment knowledge base and patent-pending decision-support engine help oncologists select a treatment option that is both evidence-based and compliant with each patient’s insurance plan language at the moment of prescribing. This transparent approach streamlines workflow and reimbursement, reduces variability in clinical care, and results in cost efficiencies. eviti allows the best cancer care to be available everywhere. For more information, visit www.eviti.com.

You can listen to the interview here.

by Arlene Forastiere, MD

An independent health information technology company, eviti, Inc, provides a suite of web-based decision-support services that connects and delivers value to all parties in the care process—patients receive quality care, physicians are assured payment, insurers pay for quality care only, and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) or specialty pharmacy improve adherence. This decision support platform is a transformative solution that reduces variability in care, improves quality, and enables realignment of provider incentives.

Introduced in October 2010, the eviti platform ensures that evidence-based treatments are prescribed, followed, and appropriately reimbursed. Developed for use at the point of care, eviti supports physicians in the prescription of evidence-based treatment that is compliant with payer plan language and that automates the preauthorization process, thereby eliminating costly retrospective claims review that cannot improve patient outcomes or quality.

eviti is an innovative and collaborative approach that promotes quality oncology practice to benefit all parties in the care process. As of April 1, 2012, close to 1500 oncology practices are registered users of eviti.

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Eduardo Beruff, CEO and President of eviti, Inc. and entrepreneur in health care coordination technology, has accepted an invitation to take part in a panel on coordinated care at the World Congress Leadership Summit on Clinical Integration and Care Coordination. The summit is scheduled for May 17th-18th, 2012, in Alexandria, VA, and will focus on innovative payment and primary care delivery models.

Mr. Beruff, who will be part of the panel titled “Follow the Money,” is the founding CEO of eviti, whose decision support tool is revolutionizing reimbursement mechanisms in oncology care. He will be joined on the panel by Stephen Cooper, Government Affairs Counselor, K&L Gates; Jeffrey Gold, VP of Managed Care and Special Counsel, Healthcare Association of New York State; and Peter Levin, MPH, Professor and Dean of the School of Public Health at University at Albany (SUNY).

The panel is slated to discuss various types of coordinated care programs, the impact of promised savings on public and private payer programs, and strategies to address the legal and practical issues providers face when implementing a coordinated care program.
“We see fragmentation and costs in health care escalating with the complexity of personalized medicine,” said Mr. Beruff, “I’m looking forward to discussing how new technologies, properly executed, can counteract that trend.”

World Congress, which provides strategic leadership for the health care industry, seeks to forge communities among senior executives and leading innovators across all facets of the health care industry. By uniting exemplary members of the coordinated care movement at this summit, World Congress hopes to illuminate the road to accountable care.