United HealthCare To Base Chemotherapy Drug Coverage on NCCN Compendium

UnitedHealthcare announced that, effective March 15th it will base its benefit coverage for chemotherapy drugs used in outpatient settings on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Drugs and Biologics Compendium. The NCCN, an alliance of 21 of the nation's leading cancer centers, is an authoritative source of information to help patients and health professionals make informed decisions about cancer care. The NCCN's compendium recommends drugs and biologics for the major types of FDA-approved disease indications and specific NCCN panel recommendations. The development of NCCN information is based on the independent evaluation of available scientific evidence integrated with the expert judgment of leading clinicians. Compendium recommendations are derived from the NCCN Guidelines™, a widely-used source of information recognized as the standard of care for oncology in the United States.

The NCCN Drugs and Biologics Compendium guidelines recommend the most appropriate therapy based on clinical evidence and the consensus of leading academic cancer centers. They suggest the correct diagnostic evaluation, such as scans, X-rays and lab tests, optimal therapy — drug, X-ray or surgery — as well as appropriate follow-up tests. 

UnitedHealthcare will update its chemotherapy-drug policies in conjunction with monthly updates made by the NCCN to its compendium. UnitedHealthcare is currently communicating this change in drug policy regarding use of the compendium to its network of physicians. Complete information is available on the company's physician portal at www.unitedhealthcareonline.com.