Blue Cross and Blue Shield's Blue Distinction(R) Designation Improves Healthcare by Focusing ...(sciplinary treatment planning and comple...),Health

-- acute leukemia (inpatient/non-surgical)

-- bladder cancer

-- bone cancer

-- brain cancer - primary

-- esophageal cancer

-- gastric cancer

-- head and neck cancers

-- liver cancer

-- ocular melanoma

-- pancreatic cancer

-- rectal cancer

-- soft tissue sarcomas

-- thyroid cancer - medullary or anaplastic

Selection criteria for Blue Distinction Centers for Complex and Rare Cancers set objective, evidence-based criteria for clinical care. All Blue Distinction Centers for Complex and Rare Cancers feature:

-- multidisciplinary team input, including sub-specialty trained teams for complex and rare cancers and demonstrated depth of expertise across cancer disciplines in medicine, surgery, radiation oncology, pathology and radiology;

-- ongoing quality management and improvement programs for cancer care;

-- ongoing commitment to using clinical data registries and providing access to appropriate clinical research for complex and rare cancers; and,

-- sufficient volume of experience in treating rare and complex cancers.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network Collaboration

Blue Distinction Centers for Complex and Rare Cancers were developed in strategic collaboration with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network* (NCCN) and input from leading clinicians and professional organizations.

"The NCCN is pleased to collaborate with Blue Cross and Blue Shield on the development and the implementation of this important program," said Bill McGivney, PhD, NCCN CEO. "We applaud and support the efforts of Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies in dissemination of this information. It is critical that experts establish and share criteria for the treatment of complex cancers to improve care for patients whom we serve."

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