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Empowering Cancer Care Through Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology and Interoperability
In our unwavering commitment to transform cancer care, The US Oncology Network (The Network) and Ontada, a McKesson business, have joined forces to support the Cancer Moonshot initiative. This collaborative effort aims to revolutionize oncology treatment by leveraging cutting-edge technology and enhancing interoperability through the advanced framework of the Enhancing Oncology Model (EOM).
The Cancer Moonshot Initiative: A Vision for the Future
The Cancer Moonshot initiative, reinvigorated in 2022, aspires to reduce cancer death rates by 50% over the next 25 years. It emphasizes the importance of having seamless access to critical medical information to improve patient outcomes. This initiative aims to support patients and caregivers by creating a reliable healthcare system, particularly through the standardization and interoperability of electronic health records (EHRs).
Pioneering Innovation in Oncology
Ontada has partnered with the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to advance oncology data standards. Early on, Ontada made the strategic decision to adopt mCODE (Minimal Common Oncology Data Elements), an HL7 industry standard designed to compile a core set of structured data elements for oncology electronic health records (EHRs). The Ontada and CMMI teams have created a high-tech solution to facilitate the reporting of key clinical data elements for the EOM program. Furthermore, by utilizing standardized data bolstered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), they have achieved a more comprehensive data set that can be seamlessly delivered via FHIR-based API functionality. This innovation supports interoperability, along with enhancing the accuracy and completeness of the data sourced from the EHR system. In turn, better access and utilization of this data leads to improved health outcomes and promotes health equity.
Pilot with Compass Oncology
In our ongoing commitment to advancing cancer care, The Network is thrilled to announce that Compass Oncology, utilizing iKnowMed as its primary EHR, will pilot Ontada’s innovative technology during the first performance period (PP1) of the Enhancing Oncology Model (EOM). The Compass Oncology quality improvement team, with their extensive experience as participants in the previous Oncology Care Model (OCM) program, possess a deep knowledge of quality reporting requirements and workflows essential for meeting program criteria successfully.
The Network’s participation in this pilot underscores our dedication to driving innovation in cancer care. By working closely with Ontada, The Network is contributing to the development of tools and practices that will enhance data accuracy, improve efficiency, and promote health equity across the oncology landscape.
The Benefits for Practices and Patients
Our collaborative efforts with the Cancer Moonshot initiative and other stakeholders are set to bring numerous benefits to oncology practices and patients:
- Enhanced Data Accuracy and Completeness: By standardizing data elements across EHRs based on FHIR, we ensure that healthcare providers have access to accurate and comprehensive patient information, facilitating better treatment decisions.
- Improved Efficiency: The implementation of AI/NLP technology will streamline data capture processes, allowing healthcare providers to focus more on patient care rather than administrative tasks.
- Promoting Health Equity: By ensuring that critical health information is accessible across different systems, we aim to improve care for patients in rural and underserved areas, thereby advancing health equity.
- Accelerated Research and Innovation: Standardized data opens new possibilities for faster research results and more effective public health interventions, driving continuous innovation in cancer care.
Our Commitment to Excellence
The Network’s dedication to the EOM program and the use of USCDI+ codes and FHIR API functionality underscores our commitment to advancing cancer care through technology. As a Qualified Clinical Data Registry-certified vendor for eight consecutive years, The Network has consistently demonstrated the ability to support and innovate within the oncology field. This year, we have also implemented Social Determinants of Health collection across 12 practices to support the EOM program.
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Cancer Care
As we advance in healthcare technology innovation, we encourage the oncology community to support and engage in efforts to make health information exchange more prevalent. The dedication and involvement of the healthcare community will propel us toward a more innovative, cohesive, and patient-centered future.
Wanmei Ou, Vice President, Product Life Sciences, Ontada: "Ontada's collaboration with The Network and the Cancer Moonshot initiative is a step towards revolutionizing cancer care. Through our cutting-edge AI technology and FHIR-compliant common data model, we are not only addressing critical interoperability challenges but also promoting health equity and accelerating research in oncology."
Erin Crum, Senior Director, Quality Strategy and Innovation, The Network: "Our partnership with Ontada and the Cancer Moonshot initiative exemplifies our commitment to transforming oncology care. By leveraging advanced AI and interoperability, we are pioneering innovations that enhance data accuracy and improve patient outcomes, ultimately driving significant advancements in cancer treatment."
Scott Rushing, MD, MBA, Practice President, Compass Oncology: “Compass Oncology is excited to participate in this groundbreaking pilot with The Network and Ontada. This initiative will enhance our practice by leveraging advanced AI technology and improving data interoperability, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and more efficient cancer care."
