In Episode 14 of Captivating Health Insights, host Maddison Bezdicek welcomed Kris Atkins, President of Cancer CARE for Life & INTERLINK, and Ashley Urzendowski, MSN-L, RN, CCM, also of Cancer CARE for Life & INTERLINK, for an in-depth conversation about one of the most complex and emotionally charged drivers of employer healthcare spend: cancer.
Drawing on decades of oncology and transplant experience, Kris and Ashley shared real-world stories that highlight a critical truth — managing cancer claims isn’t just about controlling cost. It’s about guiding employees through one of the hardest journeys of their lives while ensuring care is clinically appropriate, financially sustainable, and outcomes-centered.
The conversation explored how specialized oncology management, benefit plan design, and early intervention can dramatically improve both patient experience and employer spend — without sacrificing quality.
A cancer diagnosis affects every aspect of an employee’s life — physically, emotionally, financially, and professionally. Beyond treatment decisions, employees face questions about time off work, family responsibilities, transportation, body image, and mounting medical bills. Having oncology-specialized nurse advocates helps employees navigate both the clinical and administrative complexities of care.
High-cost oncology drugs, particularly immunotherapies, are major contributors to rising cancer spend. However, total cost includes more than the drug itself — administration, complications, and site of care matter. Moving appropriate infusions from hospital outpatient settings to the home or alternative sites of care can significantly reduce cost while improving convenience and comfort for employees.
Specialized oncology review ensures treatment aligns with evidence-based guidelines. In one example shared during the episode, a costly therapy continued despite lack of effectiveness. Expert review can prevent unnecessary treatments, reduce complications, and avert avoidable spend — protecting both the patient and the plan.
Complex cases may require input from national experts, but treatment does not always need to remain at a major cancer center. A coordinated model allows specialists to design the treatment plan while local oncologists administer care, minimizing travel burdens and keeping employees close to their support systems.
Stage at diagnosis dramatically impacts both outcomes and cost. Catching cancer early improves survival rates and reduces overall spend compared to late-stage treatment. Prevention tools, genetic testing for high-risk individuals, and survivorship follow-up all play a critical role in long-term health and cost containment.
Effective cancer management depends on thoughtful plan design. Employers must ensure their benefit language supports site-of-care optimization, utilization review, and access to specialized oncology oversight. Without this structure, even the best programs cannot intervene effectively.
This recap captures just part of the conversation on supporting employees through cancer while responsibly managing healthcare spend. Listen to Episode 14 of Captivating Health Insights to hear practical strategies, real patient stories, and actionable insights for employers navigating rising oncology costs.
Listen and subscribe on your favorite platforms, including YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Pandora, and Pocket Casts, to learn how employers can approach cancer care with both compassion and strategy — improving outcomes for employees while strengthening the long-term sustainability of their health plans.
