For patients with cancer, an unexpected trip to the emergency department (ED) is often more than an inconvenience—it’s a disruption that can lead to unnecessary hospitalizations, increased stress, and financial burdens. At Reimagine Care, we believe there’s a better way. By delivering 24/7 on-demand, AI-powered, and clinician-supported virtual care, we’re proving that many of these visits can be avoided—leading to better patient experiences and stronger healthcare outcomes.
The Impact: Measurable Reduction in ED Utilization
Our latest analysis featured below, conducted in partnership with a leading actuarial firm, demonstrates the effectiveness of our virtual oncology care model in reducing avoidable ED visits:
- 30% fewer ED visits for Reimagine Care patients compared to national benchmarks.
- 41% reduction among moderately to highly engaged patients—highlighting the importance of proactive virtual support.
- 64% reduction for patients aged 65 and older, who face the highest risk of complications and hospitalizations.
- Nearly two fewer ED visits per high-risk patient within their first six months on our symptom management program.
“Our analysis showed a 30% reduction in symptom-related ED utilization across our entire patient population compared to recent national averages which increased to a remarkable 64% for patients over the age of 65. To put this into perspective, we saw over 100 fewer avoidable ED visits occur per 1,000 patients during their first six month of treatment compared to benchmarks. The data represented patients who received their care both in a large independent oncology practice as well as a community-based health system. The analysis was conducted using high-quality claims data sets, risk-adjusted patient populations, and independent actuarial oversight to ensure rigor, accuracy, and reliability. These findings provide evidence for the strong clinical performance of RC’s care model while also suggesting an opportunity for providers to realize substantial shared savings and increased revenue through value-based care programs,” shares Kyle Lee, VP of Data & Analytics.
How We’re Changing the Model of Cancer Care
Traditional oncology care often relies on patients reaching out when symptoms become unmanageable, leading to reactive ED visits. Reimagine Care shifts this paradigm with a proactive approach that keeps patients at home whenever possible. Our model includes:
- 24/7 access to oncology-trained clinicians via our Virtual Care Center.
- AI-powered virtual assistance to identify and address symptoms early.
- Personalized, risk-adjusted support to ensure the right level of intervention at the right time.
By addressing common, manageable symptoms—such as pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea—in the home setting, we’re keeping patients out of the ED while alleviating pressure on healthcare providers.
Medical Director, Pallav Mehta, MD, shares, “As an oncologist, I’ve seen firsthand how emergency department visits can be disruptive, exhausting, and even harmful for cancer patients. Often, patients on cancer treatment who go to the ED are far more likely to be hospitalized, sometimes for several days. Avoiding the ED all together impacts more than just the chaos of one day and many of these visits are avoidable with the right support in place. By providing 24/7, on-demand care, we’re not only keeping patients out of the ED—we’re giving them back a sense of control, comfort, and dignity in their care journey.”
A Win for Patients, Providers, and Payers
Reducing avoidable ED visits isn’t just good for patients—it’s critical for the sustainability of oncology care. For value-based care models like the CMS Enhancing Oncology Model (EOM), our approach unlocks shared savings while improving patient outcomes. As we continue to scale our impact, we remain committed to partnering with providers to extend high-quality, patient-centered cancer care beyond the clinic.
To read our full report and findings, please fill out the information below for immediate access.