Trends In Cancer Care With The Affordable Care Act.

46 Background: Accountable Care Organizations (ACO), as proposed by the Affordable Care Act, will change the delivery of health care in the United States. ACO serve as a network of providers with primary care providers (PCP) set up as gate-keepers for referrals to specialists. Within the next several years, many trends will emerge and drive progress of change, requiring oncologist to take a lead role to adapt to the evolving landscape of health care. Methods: Literature search of internet-based and academic sources for oncology and the Affordable Care, with a focus on ACO formation. Results: Four main expected trends and strategies to adapt to changes were formulated. Trend 1: Changes in referral patterns towards oncologists. Referral will be based on outcome data and ACO membership. Strategy: Increase communication and education to PCP and other providers. Endorse multidisciplinary clinics, which have shown to improve guideline compliance, coordination, and communication. Trend 2: Formation of large scal...