Medicare is working with hundreds of health care practices that serve cancer patients (otherwise known as oncology practices) across the nation on a new approach to oncology care. This new approach is known as the “Oncology Care Model.”
The goal of the Oncology Care Model is to provide you and your family with more patient-focused, coordinated care. The Oncology Care Model supports oncology practices to deliver quality care to cancer patients with Original Medicare who are getting chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. There are nearly 200 oncology practices throughout the country and 13 private health plans that are part of the Oncology Care Model. Your oncology practice will notify you if they’re part of the Oncology Care Model.
If you get care from an oncology practice that’s part of the Oncology Care Model, you can expect:
- A plan of care personalized and tailored to your specific health needs.
- Access to a health care provider who can answer your questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Health care focused on your needs—as defined by you and your support network.
- Support in coordinating care with other health care professionals and community organizations to meet the full range of your health needs.
- Access to support services (like financial help, social, and emotional support) to help you navigate your treatment journey.
Health care providers that agreed to work with Medicare are committed to making sure you get care that centers on your needs and personal goals. Medicare monitors oncology practices that are part of the Oncology Care Model to make sure you get care that meets your unique needs. Oncology practices will regularly get information from Medicare on the quality of care they’re providing.
Medicare may ask you to complete a survey about the services and care you get from your oncology provider. Your feedback is very valuable to us, and we thank you in advance for helping us to improve care for all cancer patients with Medicare.
Your Medicare rights and benefits are protected
If you have questions about the Oncology Care Model, we encourage you to speak with your oncology provider, or call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY: 1-877-486-2048.
You can still choose any health care provider, and you still have all the same Medicare rights and protections, including the right to report concerns of inadequate care to Quality Improvement Organizations and to 1-800-MEDICARE. If you want to find a different doctor, visit Medicare.gov/care-compare, or call us at 1-800-MEDICARE.