Oncologic Services Through Project Access and Other Safety Net Care Coordination Programs

Abstract

PURPOSE: Little is known about the provision of oncologic services by Project Access safety net care coordination programs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information on safety net care coordination program locations, health services, and patient eligibility was obtained via program Web sites and calls. For programs not offering oncologic care, program directors were interviewed to identify oncologic care barriers. RESULTS: Web sites of 29 safety net care coordination programs in 22 states were identified; 62% (n = 18) offered oncologic services. Programs were in 65% (n = 11) of states that did not expand Medicaid. Of those offering oncologic services, 83% (n = 15) offered free chemotherapy, and 93% (n = 27) of all programs offered oncologic imaging. Program director interviews revealed costs, longitudinal care, and multiple-physician buy-in as barriers limiting oncologic care. CONCLUSION: Third-party care coordination centers provide a novel and potentially unrecognized approach to increasing oncology service access. Further research should identify strategies to overcome the relative lack of oncologic care offerings.