The EOM and OCM: How Do They Compare?

Achieving optimal patient care results in the field of oncology requires a well-planned and effective care model. With the development of innovative strategies and methodologies, two prominent care models have emerged – the Enhanced Oncology Model (EOM) and the Oncology Care Model (OCM). Let’s take a deep dive into the similarities and differences between the two and uncover which one may be the best for your oncology practice.

Enhanced Oncology Model (EOM)

The EOM focuses on providing comprehensive support and personalized care for cancer patients. It ensures that patients receive the necessary guidance and resources at every step of their cancer journey. By enhancing oncology model practices, EOM offers a more patient-centered approach that improves the quality of care and outcomes at each stage of cancer treatment.

Key EOM features include:

• Patient-Provider Communication:Proactive communication between patients and providers is emphasized to ensure that critical decisions are made in a timely manner.
• Care Pathways: Care pathways provide specific recommendations or protocols for best practices, patient management, and treatments.
• Technology: Technology-enabled care initiatives are essential for efficient support of EOM strategies. This includes the use of EHRs, telehealth services, and other digital tools.

Oncology Care Model (OCM)

The OCM is a value-based care reimbursement model introduced by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) in 2016. Its primary aim is to enhance the overall quality of care provided to cancer patients while reducing the cost. This model focuses on major elements you need with the oncology care model so your practice is prepared to meet the requirements of the OCM. Key OCM features include:

• Performance-based Reimbursement: OCM incentivizes practices to lower the cost of care by providing financial rewards for achieving performance benchmarks and improved patient outcomes.
• Data-Driven Decision-making: OCM requires participating practices to report quality measures and performance indicators, allowing for continuous improvement through thorough data analysis.
• Care Transition Management: OCM emphasizes the importance of managing transitions of care, such as post-hospital discharge and end-of-treatment processes, to enhance patient satisfaction and minimize the risk of complications.

Comparing EOM and OCM

While both EOM and OCM share some common goals, such as improving care quality and reducing costs, they differ in their methodology and focus. EOM concentrates on enhancing the patient experience and care coordination, while OCM focuses on a payment structure designed to incentivize oncology practices to make efficient and cost-effective treatment choices.

Another significant difference is that OCM is primarily government-driven, with CMS implementing this model to reform cancer care delivery. In contrast, EOM is a more flexible model that oncology practices can adapt according to their requirements and preferences.

To Sum Up

We hope this article has given you a better understanding of the similarities and differences between EOM and OCM. Both models are geared towards providing patients with high-quality care, but the approach each model takes is different. So, when choosing a care model, it’s important to consider the needs of your practice and determine which one is best suited for you. With the right combination of EOM and OCM strategies, your practice can achieve its goals of offering better patient care while remaining financially viable. Good luck!