As the economics and management of health care change, it has become essential for the clinician to evolve as well in order to navigate these changing waters.
Whether you are a medical student, a senior oncologist, or an advanced practice provider, the necessity is the same: understanding the basics of the business of oncology is crucial to a successful career and may facilitate positive patient outcomes. ASCO recognizes this need and has created a new ASCO University® course on “The Business of Heath Care Fundamentals.”
“In order to provide the best care to patients, the business aspects of practice must be well managed and optimized for efficiency. Care delivery is not just about selecting the best treatment approach. This course addresses key foundational elements that support the business side of cancer care,” said ASCO University Associate Editor David L. Graham, MD, FASCO, who serves as faculty and a planner on the course.
The course is divided into four sections, one for each key topic.
- How to evaluate an employment contract
- Practice operations/practice efficiency
- Financial and operational challenges in today’s practice environment
- Electronic medical records in today’s practice environment
Designed with the full cancer care team in mind, ASCO University Associate Editor and course planner Jill Gilbert, MD, noted that the course is ideal for early-career oncologists who are evaluating their first contract, as well as for mid- or advanced-career oncologists who want to update their knowledge about the changing landscape of health-care practice and payment.
“Our fellows are coming out of medical training without any experience with billing, reimbursement, or even evaluating a contract, looking for a job, or completing an interview,” Dr. Gilbert said. “On a larger scale, we’ve got a rapidly changing health-care environment. In order for any oncologist, at any level, to understand and be an active voice, he or she needs to be able to navigate these complexities.”
“The Business of Health Care Fundamentals” planners and faculty include oncologists, advanced practitioners, and oncology practice managers. This course was designed for medical professionals at all stages of development and across professional specialties, including advanced practitioners, pharmacists, early-career oncologists, and fellows, as they navigate the evolving business aspects of oncology.
After completion of the course, participants can earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ by viewing course content, resources, and completing the self-assessment with evaluation. American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) diplomates may also receive Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Self Evaluation of Medical Knowledge points for their participation in the course. In addition, through ASCO Joint Accreditation, nursing and pharmacy credit is available for advanced practitioners.
Visit university.asco.org to find “The Business of Health Care Fundamentals” and other valuable educational materials.
ASCO University is supported in part by the Conquer Cancer Foundation of ASCO. ■
Originally published in ASCO Connection. © American Society of Clinical Oncology. “ASCO University ‘Business of Health Care Fundamentals’ Course: Education for the Complete Care Team.” ASCO Connection, July 2017. All rights reserved.
