Visualization of Health Care Utilization for Cancer Survivors: Occupational Health Implications from Viewing a Typical Trajectory of Care

Background

In 2014, the US National Cancer Institute estimates 94,990 new cases of gynecologic cancers and 232,670 cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed. Each type of cancer presents challenges related to diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.  Approximately 13.7 million Americans with a history of cancer were alive in January 2012, a large proportion of whom (38%) are in the typical working age of 20-64. Occupational Health Nurses have the unique opportunity to facilitate the return-to-work process during and post treatment.

Objective:

To characterize the population of Medica Insurance enrollees diagnosed with gynecologic and breast cancers during an 18- month study period, and track health care utilization for 12-months prior, and 12-months post-diagnosis.

Methods

Administrative claims data were reviewed to identify a previously cancer-free cohort of women newly diagnosed with a gynecologic or breast cancer during an 18-month study period. Inclusion criteria included adult women with continuous medical insurance coverage for 12 months pre- diagnosis and 12 months post-diagnosis. Procedure codes were used to identify treatments; claims data to identify monthly health care utilization.

Results and Conclusions

Analyses are underway for the >2000 women meeting inclusion criteria. The typical trajectory of care, by cancer and treatment type, can be used to facilitate discussion between the Occupational Health Nurse and the cancer survivor to best inform the return-to-work process.