SilverSummit Healthplan, a leading managed care plan that provides quality health insurance to Nevadans through the state, launched an innovative new program to treat breast cancer called Project Accelerate.
Developed with medical partners in southern Nevada, including Steinberg Diagnostics, local Southern Nevada breast surgeons and Quest Diagnostics, Project Accelerate will expediate treatment for women once breast cancer has been detected.
“Numerous studies show that a woman’s breast cancer survival rate decreases if she has delays in care,” said Dr. Steven Evans, Chief Medical Officer of SilverSummit Healthplan. “We are honored to partner on this program, which is essential in helping women get the treatments they need as quickly as possible.”
Cutting Down Wait Times for Treatment to 30 Days or Less
Project Accelerate’s facilitated processes involve an ultrasound or diagnostic mammogram within three days of breast cancer detection, quick results, reporting of results and findings back to SilverSummit Healthplan, and then an appointment with a surgeon and/or oncologist within three to five days.
Once diagnosed with breast cancer, currently it can take several weeks for women to see specialists and be treated. In Nevada, the average time for women to receive treatment, regardless of insurance type, is about 68 days. Project Accelerate helps schedule SilverSummit Healthplan members in a timely fashion and aims to cut down the wait time to less than 30 days.
“Previous studies have shown our program can save between 5 and 10 lives per year in the population we manage at SilverSummit Healthplan,” said Evans.
The Significance of Timely Treatment
The significance of timely treatment of breast cancer was brought to light by a recent analyses of the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program) and National Cancer Database registries. Data showed overall survival can decrease by 10% if treatment is not initiated within 30 days. Further, survival rates decreased by up to 20% if delayed by 60 days or more.
“Breast cancer spreads and metastasizes so quickly that it’s imperative we move as quickly as possible,” said Evans. “It’s a travesty to allow built-in delays to impact patient care.”
“This is a remarkable partnership, and we are extremely proud to help women diagnosed with breast cancer as they begin their treatment plans,” said Eric Schmacker, Plan President and CEO of SilverSummit Healthplan.“Our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable coverage for Nevada residents. Using a combination of local, regional, and community-based resources, we aim to improve health outcomes in all the communities we serve.”
About SilverSummit Healthplan
SilverSummit Healthplan is a managed care plan that delivers quality health insurance to the people of Nevada. Established in 2017, SilverSummit is committed to improving the health of its members through focused, compassionate and coordinated care. SilverSummit’s active community evolvement reaches beyond physical and mental health. The plan is dedicated to transforming the health of the community, one person at a time. SilverSummit Healthplan is a diversified healthcare organization that offers healthcare services through Nevada Medicaid, Medicare, and the Health Insurance Marketplace. For more information on SilverSummit Healthplan, visit www.silversummithealthplan.com.
