COA's Ted Okon to Discuss Oncology Trends in AJMC's February Tweetchat

PLAINSBORO, N.J.—The president’s cancer moonshot initiative placed cancer firmly in the spotlight at the beginning of 2016. However, oncologists have a number of hurdles to navigate in today’s political healthcare environment.

On Monday, February 29, 1-2 pm ET, The American Journal of Managed Care (AJMC) will host a tweetchat with the Community Oncology Alliance (COA) to explore current trends in cancer care that could have lasting impacts on healthcare delivery and outcomes.

COA’s Ted Okon, MBA, executive director, will answer questions through the COA Twitter handle (@oncologyCOA) and discuss topics that include the cancer moonshot initiative, the 340B drug pricing program, payment reform, and the Oncology Medical Home.

“It is starting to feel like déjà vu in the world of community oncology. Issues we thought had been settled, such as cuts to cancer drug payments rate and site-neutrality, are once again being proposed by policymakers. Meanwhile the battle against the ever-growing 340B program continues and we push for movement on the bipartisan oncology payment reform bill H.R. 1934,” said Okon. “2016 is shaping up to be a very busy year for community oncology and COA is on the frontlines advocating for our member practices and the patients they serve.”

AJMC and COA encourage Twitter users to submit questions and participate in the chat on Monday, February 29, by using #AJMCchat. And don’t forget to follow @AJMC_Journal, @oncologyCOA, and @TedOkonCOA.

Recently, Okon participated in AJMC’s Oncology Stakeholders Summit, Fall 2015, where panelists discussed laboratory-developed tests, payment reform in oncology, drug prices, and more. Watch the series here.

About the Journals

The American Journal of Managed Care is the leading peer-reviewed journal dedicated to issues in managed care. AJMC.com distributes healthcare news to leading stakeholders across a variety of platforms. Other titles in the franchise include The American Journal of Accountable Care, which publishes research and commentary on innovative healthcare delivery models facilitated by the 2010 Affordable Care Act. AJMC’s Evidence-Based series brings together stakeholder views from payers, providers, policymakers and pharmaceutical leaders in oncology and diabetes management. To order reprints of articles appearing in AJMC publications, please call (609) 716-7777, x 131.

About Community Oncology Alliance

Community Oncology Alliance (COA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for community oncology practices and, most importantly, the patients they serve. COA is the only organization dedicated solely to community oncology where close to 70% of Americans with cancer are treated. The mission of COA is to ensure that cancer patients receive quality, affordable, and accessible cancer care in their own communities. COA has pioneered policy on the Oncology Medical Home and payment reform for cancer care, and maintains active networks of patient advocates, practice administrators, and pharmacy personnel dedicated to enhancing community cancer care. To learn more visit www.CommunityOncology.org.

Nicole Beagin (609) 716-7777 x 131

nbeagin@ajmc.com

www.ajmc.com

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