What Really Drives Up (And Lowers) Cancer Costs with Troy Brennan

Healthcare costs are rising, especially for cancer, but there’s a better way to provide care that’s both affordable and effective.In this episode of Making Healthcare Sustainable, host Nancy Ryerson talks with Dr. Troyen Brennan, a healthcare expert, about the high costs of cancer care and specialty treatments. Dr. Brennan explains how a shift to value-based care can help reduce costs while improving patient outcomes. He also shares simple ways that employers and healthcare leaders can make care more affordable and effective for everyone.In this episode, you'll learn:How high costs in cancer and specialty care are impacting healthcareWhy switching to value-based care can lower costs and improve careEasy steps for employers to make healthcare more affordable and efficientHighlights:(00:00) Meet Dr. Troyen Brennan(01:58) The impact of Medicare prior authorization on costs(03:40) Understanding provider-induced demand in healthcare(05:14) The evolution of healthcare costs(06:47) Why Dr. Brennan is focusing on cancer care(09:08) The players in pharmacy commerce and their impact(10:28) Biosimilars: Lowering costs and maintaining margins(12:02) Changing incentives in healthcare to drive value(13:06) How employers can influence healthcare costs(15:28) Community-based care vs. cancer centers(16:32) The challenge of keeping up with new therapies(19:14) The future of cancer trends and screening(20:40) Reality check: The effectiveness of wellness programs(22:44) One key move for benefits leaders to improve care(23:34) A look ahead: The future of healthcare costsResources:Nancy Ryerson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyryerson/Dr. Troyen Brennan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troyen-brennan-494bb533/ Dr. Troyen Brennan’s Email: [email protected]