• Pilot results showed that 40% of patients with complex cancers benefited from updated treatment guidance
• Tech-enabled service harnesses the power of Cigna and Evernorth's combined capabilities to support both patients and community oncologists
• Service enhances Cigna's suite of integrated oncology solutions, which drives better health outcomes for patients throughout cancer journey

BLOOMFIELD, Conn., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) announced a new service to improve health outcomes for patients with complex cancers. The service, powered by Cigna's health services business Evernorth, connects patients and their community oncologists with cancer subspecialty experts at National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated centers. By connecting community oncologists with national subspecialty experts, patients benefit from the latest developments in the rapidly-advancing fields of diagnostic innovations and evidence-based research, all while keeping the patient's care close to home and family.

"Clinical innovations in oncology continue to accelerate at an unprecedented pace, fueled by genomic data, precision medicine, and an explosion of new treatment options," said Eric Gratias, M.D., an oncologist and chief medical officer for eviCore, an Evernorth company that manages medical benefits. "By using our powerful analytics to identify patients with complex cancer cases, we can bring the right experts together at a critical time in an individual's cancer journey to drive better health outcomes."

In a pilot with select Cigna health plan customers, 85% of eligible community oncologists and their patients participated in the program by having their treatment plans reviewed by expert oncologists in the PinnacleCare network of medical centers of excellence across the country. Among the reviewed cases, 40% of patients benefited from recommendations for alternative tests and therapy choices based on the newest advancements in research and treatment innovations.

"Cancer is one of the most complex, fragmented, and evolving medical conditions in health care," said Scott Josephs, M.D., chief medical officer, Cigna. "Through the power of Cigna's family of companies, we have best-in-class capabilities across the continuum of care to predict, identify, and connect patients with the care they need, in partnership with their treating oncologists. This consultative service is an important expansion of Cigna's integrated approach to supporting patients throughout their cancer journey to drive better health outcomes and lower costs."

Using proprietary technology, Cigna identifies patients recently diagnosed with a complex cancer, such as certain types of lung, breast, colon, or other cancers, who are most likely to benefit from a consultative review. Patients' diagnoses and treatment plans are then reviewed by cancer subspecialty experts from one of more than 20 NCI-designated cancer centers to recommend the best possible tests, therapies, or clinical trial opportunities for the individual's cancer type.

The provider consult service augments Cigna's holistic suite of oncology solutions, which includes personalized case management for patients and their families, mental health services, financial support services, collaborative partnerships with oncology providers that prioritize better health outcomes, and evidence-based strategies to manage the high cost of oncology medicines for patients and their plan sponsors. This integrated offering of behavioral, medical and pharmacy solutions support patients and their families throughout the cancer journey, from pre-diagnosis to treatment and post-cancer care and survivorship.

The provider consult service is now in place for select Cigna clients, and is being expanded broadly for both Cigna clients and clients of eviCore.

Cigna Corporation is a global health service company dedicated to improving the health, well-being, and peace of mind of those we serve. Cigna delivers choice, predictability, affordability, and access to quality care through integrated capabilities and connected, personalized solutions that advance whole person health. All products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Evernorth companies or their affiliates, and Express Scripts companies or their affiliates. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits, and other related products.

Cigna maintains sales capability in over 30 countries and jurisdictions, and has more than 185 million customer relationships around the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com

Evernorth creates and connects premier health services offerings, including benefits management, pharmacy, care solutions, insights and intelligence. With an open approach to partnering across the health care landscape, we deliver innovative and flexible solutions for health plans, employers and government programs. Evernorth capabilities are powered by our family of companies, including Express Scripts, Express Scripts® Pharmacy, Accredo, eviCore and MDLIVE, along with holistic Evernorth platforms and solutions that elevate health and drive progress for people and businesses. All Evernorth solutions are serviced and provided by or through operating affiliates of Evernorth Health, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cigna Corporation, or third-party partners. Learn more at Evernorth.com.

Media Contact
Kelly Mathews
1 (423) 260-9267
Kelly.mathews@cigna.com 

SOURCE Cigna Corporation