Commentary: Quality Nutrition Care is Integral to the Oncology Care Model

Abstract:

The Oncology Care Model (OCM) is a US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) specialty model implemented to provide higher quality, more highly coordinated oncology care at the same or lower costs. Nutrition is a component of best-practice cancer care, yet it may not be addressed by OCM providers even though up to 80% of patients with cancer develop malnutrition and poor nutrition has a profound impact on cancer treatment and survivorship. This paper outlines how and why quality nutrition care is integral to the OCM and can benefit patient health and provider outcomes.