Financial Barriers to Biomarker Testing

The advent of biomarker testing has brought targeted cancer treatment to more patients than ever before. However, these tests require a collaborative effort from a number of specialists—and that means a high price tag. Additionally, private payers have different reimbursement structures that change frequently, resulting in lengthy pre-authorization periods. On this episode of CANCER BUZZ, we speak to two financial navigators about their roles helping patients and providers understand the options available to patients in need of biomarker testing.  Guests: Rifeta Kajdic, Program Manager, Oncology Service Line, St. Luke's Cancer Institute Arnela Kajdic-Tarantino, BMT Patient Financial Coordinator, St. Luke's Cancer Institute Related Content: BiomarkerLIVE Resource Library Financial Advocacy Network A White Paper on the Need for Consistent Terms for Testing in Precision Medicine CMS's Proposed Payment Rules for 2021: What You Need to Know Reimbursement Challenges and Solutions with Molecular Biomarker Testing, Journal of Oncology Navigation & Survivorship Biomarker Testing for Cancer Patients: Barriers and Solutions Part 5, Lablogatory Navigating the Cost of Comprehensive Biomarker Testing, LUNGevity The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s)/faculty member(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer(s) or the Association of Community Cancer Centers.