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New Century Health (NCH) is a prominent national specialty care management company that focuses exclusively on enhancing the quality and efficiency of cancer and cardiac care. (New Century Health) By partnering with specialist physician practices and leading health plans, NCH provides comprehensive technology and clinical solutions aimed at improving patient outcomes and optimizing healthcare delivery. In 2018, NCH became a subsidiary of Evolent Health, Inc., a company dedicated to delivering integrated value based care platforms to leading health systems and physician organizations across the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about New Century Health
1. What services does New Century Health offer?
NCH specializes in managing the quality and cost of specialty care, particularly in the fields of oncology (cancer care) and cardiology (heart care). The company’s services include:
Clinical Decision Support:
Providing evidence based clinical pathways to assist physicians in making informed treatment decisions.
Utilization Management:
Ensuring that the care provided aligns with established guidelines and is both necessary and appropriate.
Advanced Care Planning:
Offering services like the Vital Decisions platform to help patients articulate and document their care preferences during serious illnesses.
2. How does New Century Health collaborate with healthcare providers?
NCH partners with health plans and physician practices to implement its specialty care management programs. For instance, NCH has collaborated with organizations like Health New England to provide advanced care planning services, ensuring that members receive care aligned with their values and preferences Additionally, NCH has agreements with health plans such as Simply Healthcare and Florida Blue Medicare to manage oncology and cardiology services, aiming to enhance the quality and efficiency of care delivered to members.
3. What is the significance of NCH’s partnership with Evolent Health?
The acquisition of NCH by Evolent Health in 2018 brought together two innovative companies focused on supporting provider organizations and health plans with clinical management and operational capabilities.(New Century Health) This strategic partnership enables the combined entity to offer comprehensive specialty care management services and technology across Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and commercial populations, thereby enhancing the ability to deliver value based care.
4. How can healthcare providers access NCH’s services?
Healthcare providers can access NCH’s services through the New Century Health Provider Portal, which offers personalized access to patient records and various tools to support day-to-day needs. The portal allows providers to:
Check member eligibility and benefits.
Submit and check the status of claims.
Submit and check the status of service or authorization requests.
Access provider rosters and download provider-specific documents.
To access the portal, providers can visit https://um.newcenturyhealth.com
Account Logonfrm Logon https://um.newcenturyhealth.com/
and log in with their username and password. For registration assistance, providers can contact NCH’s Customer Service Department at 888-999-7713 from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday.
5. What measures has NCH implemented to improve communication with providers?
To enhance communication and streamline processes, NCH has introduced new eFax numbers by specialty and plan. Effective May 1, 2023, providers are encouraged to use the NCH provider portal for all prior authorization submissions and supporting clinical documentation. Alternatively, providers can use the following eFax numbers or email addresses:
Cardiology:
eFax 1-714-582-7547;
email efax carepro cardio@newcenturyhealth.com
Oncology:
eFax 1-213-596-3783;
careprooncology@newcenturyhealth.com
Radiation Oncology:
eFax 1-714-494-8366;
email efax carepro radonco@newcenturyhealth.com
Providers can also reach the Utilization Management Department telephonically at 888-999-7713, with options for cardiology (Option 1), medical oncology (Option 2), and radiation oncology(Option3)
6. How does NCH ensure the delivery of evidence-based care?
NCH utilizes its Care Navigator program, which integrates evidence-based clinical pathways with automated processes and innovative clinical decision support tools. This program is designed to meet the needs of oncologists and practice support staff, facilitating the delivery of quality-focused, cost-effective cancer care. For example, Arizona Integrated Physicians selected NCH’s Care Navigator program to manage medical oncology and radiation therapy for its Medicare members, aiming to improve quality and provide evidence-based care.
7. What impact has NCH had on healthcare quality and cost management?
By focusing on specialty care management in oncology and cardiology, NCH has played a significant role in improving healthcare quality and cost management. Through partnerships with health plans and physician practices, NCH’s programs have led to:
Improved Patient Outcomes:
Ensuring that patients receive care aligned with their preferences and evidence-based guidelines.
Cost Efficiency:
Implementing utilization management strategies that reduce unnecessary treatments and associated costs.
Provider Support:
Offering clinical decision support and advanced care planning services that assist providers in delivering high quality care.
8. How does NCH support advanced care planning for patients with serious illnesses?
NCH offers comprehensive advanced care planning services through its Vital Decisions platform. This program involves indepth phone or video conversations with patients to examine and document their quality of life and
