Aetna, Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions partner on evidence-based cancer care program in Michigan

HARTFORD, Conn. — Aetna and Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions on Tuesday announced an evidence-based program designed to improve cancer care in Michigan. This pathways initiative identifies clinical practices that improve cancer treatment and make it more affordable.

"We're always working to make cancer care more effective for the patient," stated Ira Klein, Aetna's lead oncology strategist and chief of staff to the chief medical officer. "Through this joint effort we help doctors make treatment decisions based on medical research and evidence. That leads to better patient outcomes."

A steering committee of state physicians has been formed to support the program. They will continue to update evidence-based treatment plans and supportive care plans for certain types of cancer.

Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions will give Aetna network doctors technology, tools and training to help them use the treatment pathways. Doctors can then track the program's key clinical outcomes.

Aetna and Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions launched pathways programs in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia last year. A program was introduced in Florida earlier this year.