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Posted 41 minutes ago

Cost of Care – Community Based Oncology VS Hospital Based Oncology

Community Oncology: High-Quality Care with Lower Total Cost

As cancer care costs continue to rise, community oncology such as Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers plays a critical role in delivering high‑value treatment that reduces financial burden and improves patient access.

Beyond financial relief for payers and patients, community oncology provides highly personalized, accessible care—and is associated with a 29% reduction in avoidable emergency department visits following chemotherapy. Consider the site of service in your next referral to help protect patients from financial toxicity.
Why site of service matters

The Cost of Care Challenge

We face a national healthcare crisis: cancer care costs are accelerating, while consolidation shifts oncology services into hospital outpatient departments. Hospitals often bill substantially more for the same infused cancer drugs and add facility fees that increase overall spending.

By referring patients to independent community oncology practices, you maintain high clinical standards while generating profound cost savings.

What the Data Shows

Matched-claims analyses indicate community practices save roughly $8,000 per patient per month, driven by lower chemotherapy and physician visit costs.
If commercial payers shifted all infusion care to independent physician offices, the system could realize an estimated $1.28B in annual savings.
Community oncology settings are linked to a 29% reduction in avoidable emergency department visits after chemotherapy.

What You Can Do

Consider site of service when making referrals for infused oncology therapies.
Direct patients to independent community oncology practices when clinically appropriate.
Engage with payers about value-based models that reward quality and total-cost performance.