Latest news with #ThymeCare
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Thyme Care Triples Its Multidisciplinary Care Team with Increased Focus on Often-Overlooked Survivorship Population
Oncologist Dr. Asma Dilawari and palliative care physician Dr. Nelia Jain join to expand survivorship program and scale supportive care and palliative care services Expansion coincides with new patient-centered supportive care offerings, including enhanced social work, emotional support, and advanced social needs planning to provide continuous support across the entire cancer journey, from pre-diagnosis through survivorship or end-of-life care Rapid growth with commercial and Medicare Advantage health plans drives care team expansion across all roles, including medical directors, nurse practitioners, oncology nurses, social workers, and navigators NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Thyme Care, the leading value-based cancer care enabler, today announced a significant expansion of its survivorship program and comprehensive cancer care services with the appointment of two experienced medical directors: Dr. Asma Dilawari as medical director of oncology care, who will lead the company's survivorship program expansion, and Dr. Nelia Jain as medical director of palliative care, who will scale Thyme Care's virtual palliative care offering, called Enhanced Supportive Care. Drs. Dilawari and Jain join Thyme Care from the FDA and Devoted Health, respectively, with previous roles held at Georgetown University and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital. Survivorship Support For Clinical, Emotional, and Nutritional Needs Beyond Oncology CareMore than 18 million cancer survivors live in the U.S. today, and that number continues to grow as new therapeutics and treatment options lead people to live longer lives. Although survivorship is often a celebratory milestone, it doesn't mean their healthcare support should stop. Many patients continue to manage long-term side effects and emotional distress while continuing to take medications that reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, all while trying to return to work, care for their families, and navigate life after treatment. As someone who deeply understands this patient population, Dr. Dilawari will lead the expansion of Thyme Care's survivorship program to close the critical gaps survivors face. "With over 15 years of experience guiding oncology patients through survivorship, I'm excited to bring these insights to Thyme Care to design systems of support as they enter a new chapter of their care," said Dr. Dilawari. "These patients aren't in active treatment but still may require clinical, emotional, and nutritional guidance that often isn't adequately addressed. At Thyme Care, we want to meet these patients exactly where they are, with personalized care plans grounded in evidence-based guidelines and tailored to each survivor's health goals and needs." At Thyme Care, Dr. Dilawari will support patients in survivorship, continue to advance the company's Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes (ePROs) program, and collaborate with Thyme Care Oncology Partners. She joins the company from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, where she served as a medical officer in the division of oncology. With over two decades of experience, including roles at Georgetown University and MedStar hospitals supporting survivorship patients, Dr. Dilawari brings regulatory insight and clinical expertise that will reinforce Thyme Care's ability to navigate the evolving oncology landscape. Multidisciplinary Support Across the Entire Cancer Journey Dr. Jain's focus will be to scale Thyme Care's palliative care program, called Enhanced Supportive Care, so that patients have support at every stage of their journey—from early detection through active treatment and into survivorship or end-of-life care. Dr. Jain, formerly the physician lead of complex care at Devoted Health, brings specialized expertise in palliative care and will lead Thyme Care's clinical team in caring for members with serious illness. She previously served as medical director of HeartPal, a palliative care service dedicated to the advancement of palliative care among patients living with advanced heart disease, at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital. At Thyme Care, Dr. Jain will see members for palliative care outpatient appointments, oversee interdisciplinary case conferences, and help scale Thyme Care's Enhanced Supportive Care program. "Thyme Care's commitment to addressing the whole person, not just their medical diagnosis, is what excites me most about joining the company," said Dr. Jain. "Their approach to patient-centered care aligns perfectly with my experience supporting patients with symptom management and complex decision-making across their illness trajectory. I look forward to expanding our palliative care offering across the nation and supporting our clinical team with education and resources to best support our members." Thyme Care has also expanded its emotional support services and advanced social needs assistance with the addition of Stephanie Broadnax Broussard, DSW, LCSW-S, APHSW-C, and a growing team of oncology social workers. Thyme Care recognizes that oncology social workers possess specialized expertise in cancer care, including the psychosocial, emotional, and practical impacts of the disease, its treatment, and the survivorship experience. Thyme Care's social workers are part of Thyme Care's virtual Care Team, consisting of nurse practitioners, oncology nurses, and healthcare navigators, who are closely integrated with the treating oncologist to provide total wraparound care, whether at the clinic, home, or elsewhere. This collaborative approach ensures patients receive coordinated support regardless of location or care setting. "Managing a cancer diagnosis requires more care than what our current system can offer. Our Care Team expansion reflects our commitment to supporting people with cancer in every aspect of their lives, not just their medical diagnosis. And with all the changes happening in our healthcare system, delivering coordinated, patient-first care is more important than ever before," said Dr. Julia Frydman, senior medical director who oversees the clinical team. "The additions of Dr. Dilawari, Dr. Jain, and Stephanie Broussard strengthen our ability to address the complex needs of our members and make a real impact on their cancer journey." About Thyme Care Thyme Care is the leading value-based care enabler, collaborating with payers and providers to transform the experience and outcomes for individuals living with cancer. The company partners with health plans, employers and risk-bearing providers to assume accountability for enhanced care quality, improved health outcomes, and reduced total cost of care. Thyme Care's approach combines a technology-enabled Care Team and seamless integration with more than 800 oncologists in Thyme Care Oncology Partners, creating a hybrid collaborative care model that guides and supports the entire patient journey. Thyme Care empowers oncologists nationwide through purpose-built tech, advanced data analytics, and virtual patient engagement, driving better care and outcomes in value-based arrangements. Thyme Care is a founding member of CancerX, and is backed by leading investors. To learn more about how Thyme Care is enabling the shift to value-based care in oncology, visit ContactKimberly DreisingerThyme Care Communicationspress@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Thyme Care
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Humana Expands Value-Based Oncology Care Through New Agreement with Thyme Care
LOUISVILLE, Ky., February 26, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM), a leading health and well-being company, today introduced a new value-based care agreement with Thyme Care to provide comprehensive cancer care support for eligible Humana Medicare Advantage members. Value-based care is a holistic, patient-centered model designed to improve patient health outcomes and quality of life while helping to make healthcare more affordable and accessible. Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the United States, with devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Humana's collaboration with Thyme Care is designed to address these challenges through 24/7 virtual care navigation, data-driven insights that empower Care Teams to intervene early, and provider-led pharmacy interventions that reduce patient out-of-pocket costs. This proactive approach to cancer care minimizes care gaps, reduces costly and unnecessary expenditures, and supports patients while managing the complexities and costs of cancer care. "Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a pivotal moment that requires the right care and support," said Humana Medical Director Dr. Bryan Loy. "As a leader in value-based care, we are excited to team up with Thyme Care to ensure our members have access to comprehensive, high-touch oncology services." Humana Medicare Advantage members who are eligible for the program in Michigan, New York, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey now have access to Thyme Care's suite of services. This includes: 24/7 virtual care navigation: Thyme Care's dedicated Care Team, comprised of oncology nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers, and resource specialists, provides clinical and non-clinical support in between appointments, including medication guidance and symptom management, urgent care support, chronic condition management, and access to palliative care support. Community support beyond the clinic: a localized team proactively identifies needs and connects members to community-based resources, including financial assistance, transportation to and from their appointments, food assistance, or access to stable housing. Care coordination between providers: Thyme Care coordinates seamlessly with a member's oncologist, primary care physician, and other specialists to ensure everyone has the right information at the right time to make informed care decisions. "Navigating a cancer diagnosis can feel like a maze for patients and their loved ones or caregivers. Between getting up to speed on their medical diagnosis to coordinating between specialists and learning to manage their symptoms and side effects, the experience can often feel lonely and isolating. Thyme Care surrounds patients with dedicated support to guide them through this journey, which aligns perfectly with Humana's commitment to provide access to high-quality, patient-friendly care," said Thyme Care President and Chief Operating Officer Brad Diephuis, MD. "We're proud to work with Humana as they expand their value-based care strategy into oncology and bring comprehensive cancer support to more people who need these critical services." About Humana Humana Inc. is committed to putting health first – for our teammates, our customers, and our company. Through our Humana insurance services, and our CenterWell health care services, we make it easier for the millions of people we serve to achieve their best health – delivering the care and service they need, when they need it. These efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare, Medicaid, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large. Learn more about what we offer at and at About Thyme Care Thyme Care is the leading value-based care enabler, collaborating with payers and providers to transform the experience and outcomes for individuals living with cancer. The company partners with health plans, employers and risk-bearing providers to assume accountability for enhanced care quality, improved health outcomes, and reduced total cost of care. Thyme Care's approach combines a technology-enabled Care Team and seamless integration with more than 800 oncologists in Thyme Care Oncology Partners, creating a hybrid collaborative care model that guides and supports the entire patient journey. Thyme Care empowers oncologists nationwide through purpose-built tech, advanced data analytics, and virtual patient engagement, driving better care and outcomes in value-based arrangements. Thyme Care is a founding member of CancerX, and is backed by leading investors. To learn more about how Thyme Care is enabling the shift to value-based care in oncology, visit Other providers are available in the Humana network. Provider may also contract with other Plan Sponsors. Y0040_GCHMLC7EN_C View source version on Contacts Media Contacts Lisa DimondHumana Corporate Communications832-330-4702ldimond@ Kimberly DreisingerThyme Care Communicationskimberly@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The federal funding freeze is inciting fear and chaos for millions with cancer. There's a better way
A young mother diagnosed with cancer is forced to perform a never-ending juggling act: getting her children to and from their school programs, being on time for her chemotherapy appointments, and navigating severely tight finances due to her expensive treatment and medications. She's doing all of this while feeling physically drained and anxious about her health, imagining what would happen to her family if the worst-case scenario occurred. This is the everyday lived experience for oncology patients, one of our most vulnerable populations that needs protection from any additional chaos and uncertainty in their lives so they can focus on recovery. Yet 2025's federal funding freeze, which threatens to undermine America's health-care safety net, could directly impact many of the 18 million people with cancer in the U.S., a number expected to increase by 44% as soon as 2040. While it's unclear exactly which programs will lose federal aid, even the possibility that resources that support cancer patients could disappear is troubling. Programs that rely on federal funding, such as financial assistance for medication or free transportation to a doctor's office, help ensure that cancer patients' needs don't go unmet and aid in their access to life-saving and life-prolonging treatment. At Thyme Care, a cancer care technology company, we're witnessing firsthand the chaos and confusion patients are feeling right now. As the senior medical director and director of social work, we hear their concerns daily. Our team supports thousands of patients nationwide, and many depend on governmental assistance for medications, transportation, and nutrition. Over the past four weeks, our phones haven't stopped ringing, with panicked patients asking, 'Will I lose financial assistance for my medication?' 'Do I still have access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)?' 'Who will help me navigate this?' While our frontline nurses and community health workers attempt to manage patients' fear and uncertainty, they lack clear answers about which programs will be impacted by the funding freeze. Uncertainty for people with cancer can create a disturbing equation: delayed care, missed appointments, and further financial and emotional strain that results in worse health outcomes. Oncology patients deserve clear communication about which programs will be impacted by the funding freeze, and, more importantly, they deserve to maintain access to the resources they need to manage their cancer care. A cancer diagnosis already devastates finances, with some patients spending more than 20% of their income and others facing out-of-pocket costs of $10,000 to $15,000 annually for just one drug. Many rely on federally aided resources, including state-funded programs that are supported by federal funds, to navigate cancer's financial toxicity, such as financial assistance for prescriptions and other basic needs, supplemental income if they need to take work off for treatment, and home-delivered meals if they're homebound and recovering from surgery. When one domino falls for a patient living with cancer (or any other life-altering condition)—even if it just threatens to fall, like the potential funding freeze on these programs—it can easily create needless emotional and physical distress. Whether you receive the diagnosis or your family member or friend does, cancer touches communities across the nation—yet profound disparities exist. The American Cancer Society projects an estimated 5,600 new diagnoses each day and more than 600,000 deaths this year. Cancer rates are also rising in our younger populations; by 2030, early-onset cancers in those diagnosed before age 50 will likely see a 30% increase. Native Americans and Black Americans suffer mortality rates 2-3 times higher for certain cancer types than White Americans. For people with cancer, the funding freeze could create impossible choices, such as: Ration doses until they can afford a refill. Choose between groceries or a ride to the clinic for chemotherapy. Miss work for treatment and lose insurance benefits, or miss an appointment to maintain financial stability for their family. Our marginalized populations will feel the impact first: women, people with disabilities, people of color, and low-income families. These communities are at greatest risk as they typically receive a high level of support from federally funded programs. If they lose access to support, they'll be forced to skip or delay treatment, resulting in sicker patients and higher reliance on expensive emergency care later on. This would also further extend the health equity divide felt by these groups. These aren't hypothetical scenarios; they're conversations we're having daily with real people across America. Even middle and upper-middle-class families turn to these services when they're hit by the financial devastation that comes with a cancer diagnosis. We work directly with thousands of these centers nationwide at Thyme Care to help patients meet their practical, everyday needs. Without federal aid, access to life-saving programs will drastically decline, and the care continuum will be jeopardized. Health care doesn't exist in isolation. When a patient loses childcare assistance from programs like TANF, CHIP, and Head Start, a caregiver will be forced to leave their job, creating financial instability precisely when stability matters most. This kickstarts the cycle of increased unemployment, fewer jobs, and less spending, which leads to an economic slowdown, adding to the estimated $122 billion a year our economy is already losing due to parents missing work or leaving their jobs because of inadequate childcare. Patients aren't the only ones who will feel the economic impact. If care is delayed, physicians will see an uptick in resources needed to treat more complex cases, yet they'll likely be working with less money, less staff, and less capacity. Patients won't be able to cover their bills, so health systems will need to absorb them. At-risk rural hospitals, which already lost federal pandemic assistance grants and now only qualify for federal assistance if they eliminate inpatient services, will be one step closer to shutting down. Insurers will also see higher premiums as health systems will need to raise costs. If the potential fallout from a federal funding freeze seems apocalyptic, it's because it could be. But regardless of which side of the political aisle you stand on, we can all agree that access to care for people with cancer is important. Before dismantling any one program, we must evaluate how each federally aided program serves vulnerable populations and strengthens our health care and economic infrastructure. Revisiting initiatives together as health, community, and policy experts, and then determining how to best use federal funds to support patients, would provide a path forward that doesn't incite chaos, fear, and confusion. Meanwhile, while we wait for clarity and direction on the potential funding freeze, we urge anyone feeling overwhelmed to seek information from trusted sources—your doctor, pharmacist, insurer, or even your care navigator or social worker. At Thyme Care, we continue to proactively conduct outreach calls to our patients, helping them navigate this tumultuous time and connecting them to whatever community resources remain available. At the same time, we're taking solace in knowing that people, communities, and organizations always find a way to come together to ensure the vulnerable and powerless are cared for despite seemingly insurmountable barriers. People with cancer deserve nothing less than our most determined effort to preserve the systems that support their care. The opinions expressed in commentary pieces are solely the views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of Fortune. This story was originally featured on
