HealthPartners expands member access to digital cancer care

Health company HealthPartners is expanding its digital health service, Iris, developed by OncoHealth, to include 240,000 fully insured commercial members. 

Iris allows members to connect with a team of cancer clinicians, nurses, social workers, and peers anytime via chat, phone, or video to discuss various aspects of cancer treatment, including symptom and side-effect management, emotional support, nutrition, and more.

The service aims to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and ease the physical and financial burdens associated with cancer care. During the initial pilot phase, 43% of members engaged with the Iris clinical team, and 68% utilised a personalised, self-directed curriculum. 

With Iris, HealthPartners' members have access to 24/7 support from oncology nurses, mental health therapists, nutritionists, and a digital tracker for recording goals and side effects. Additionally, they receive invitations to virtual events with clinical experts and access to a library of on-demand articles and videos tailored to their specific cancer type and treatments.

The expansion of Iris aims to address the diverse needs of individuals with cancer and support them throughout their treatment journey. Andrew Norden, MD, the chief medical officer at OncoHealth, highlighted the importance of providing convenient access to oncology experts for cancer patients and their caregivers.