Thyme Care, a leader in value-based oncology care, has launched its innovative platform, Thyme Care Oncology Partners (TCOP). This extensive network, boasting over 400 oncologists across 25 US states, signifies a significant step forward in delivering value-based cancer care. Thyme Care and its TCOP partners will collaborate to design and implement value-based care initiatives for patients covered by risk-bearing entities. Notably, Thyme Care takes on the financial risk for these partner practices.
Patient-Centered Care at the Core
The cornerstone of Thyme Care’s approach is the integration of patient-centered resources directly within oncology practices. This comprehensive suite includes vital services like patient navigation, operational and actuarial support, and financial incentives that encourage practices to prioritize value-based activities. While government initiatives are pushing healthcare towards value-based cancer care, Thyme Care acknowledges the historical challenges associated with traditional patient navigation programs, particularly their high cost and scalability issues.
Collaboration is Key: Building a Better System
“We’re bringing together all of the stakeholders in such a way that it makes sense for everyone to be a part of,” Dr. Bobby Green, co-founder and chief medical officer of Thyme Care, recently stated. “Too often in the past this has been attempted without collaborating with the people actually taking care of cancer patients, the oncologists. Together with our partners, we’re helping to drive this shift to value-based cancer care.”
Comprehensive Support for TCOP Practices and Patients
Thyme Care offers unparalleled support for TCOP practices and their patients. This includes a dedicated 24/7 virtual care team with specialized oncology expertise. This team provides essential wraparound services such as care coordination, symptom management, and access to crucial social services. Additionally, the platform features a powerful data and analytics engine, empowering practices to gain deeper insights into their patient populations. This includes advanced reporting capabilities that enable accurate measurement of treatment outcomes at the individual practice level.
Streamlining Referrals: A Seamless Patient Journey
Another key benefit of the TCOP network is its streamlined referral process. Primary care physicians can effortlessly check their Electronic Health Record (EHR) referral software to identify available TCOP practices and seamlessly refer patients. The entire referral process is automated, ensuring all necessary paperwork is handled efficiently. Simultaneously, Thyme Care’s team is notified and actively monitors the referral’s progress, guaranteeing a smooth transition for patients.
Future-Proofing Cancer Care: Expanding Partnerships
Thyme Care has ambitious plans to expand its partnerships, aiming to include employer-sponsored healthcare programs within the next few years. The company’s core philosophy extends beyond the confines of traditional clinical settings, focusing on proactive patient support throughout their entire care journey.
A Real-World Example: Identifying and Addressing Referral Bottlenecks
A recent case exemplifies the significant value proposition of Thyme Care’s approach. A patient at a large at-risk primary care group received a referral for a biopsy with a surgeon. However, several months elapsed with no scheduled appointment due to an undetected referral issue. Fortunately, Thyme Care’s team intervened and identified the bottleneck, ensuring the patient received the necessary care promptly.
Prioritizing Quality Care: Partnering for Success
Beyond streamlining referrals, Thyme Care actively seeks partner practices that demonstrate a commitment to established quality programs. This includes well-respected initiatives like the CMMI’s Enhancing Oncology Model and ASCO’s Quality Oncology Practice Initiative. By partnering with practices that prioritize high-quality care delivery, Thyme Care aims to create a collaborative, provider-centric model. This model has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare system, driving a more value-oriented approach to cancer care on a national scale.
