The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has revised its medical guidelines to expand Lynch syndrome screening. Lynch syndrome is the most common cause of hereditary colon cancer in adults.

Genetic counseling—including testing and risk assessment—is one of the most rapidly growing areas of oncology and has become the standard of care for patients with a personal and family history of breast, ovary, or colon cancer.

Ed Pezalla, MD, MPH, national medical director for pharmacy policy and strategy, office of the CMO, Aetna, says payers and health plans are preparing for patient-centered care by utilizing digital tools. Everything from virtual people to cost search tools are used to assist employed and general patient populations. Dr Pezalla says many of these tools will also be used in the public and private health insurance exchanges to help people make decisions as they purchase health plans.

Dennis Falci, MBA, director, US managed markets training, sales training and leadership development, Sanofi-Aventis SA, says it’s no secret—Health Insurance Exchanges are a hot topic in health news.

A 4-year study assessing the impact of early outpatient palliative care versus standard oncology care in a variety of advanced cancers found promising results. The researchers observed that when palliative care teams collaborated earlier in the course of illness, it improved patients’ quality of life and satisfaction.

Belgian cancer testing group MDxHealth recently announced an agreement with US health organization Prime Health Services to extend access to its prostate cancer test to 144 million insured people. MDxHealth suggests that collaboration will permit faster reimbursement for cancer testing.

How Can Molecular Diagnostic Companies Show Value if Insurers Won’t Pay?