Two medical practices in Philadelphia will participate in a nationwide program to improve cancer care.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) selected Jefferson Medical Oncology Associates, located in Center City, and Medical Oncology and Hematology Associates, located in the Logan section in the city, for the Oncology Care Model.

Nearly 200 physician group practices and 17 health insurance companies across the country will participate in the five-year program, from July 1, 2016 until June 30, 2021.

More than 3,200 oncologists will cover approximately 155,000 Medicare beneficiaries in the program.

“The Oncology Care Model encourages greater collaboration and information sharing so that cancer patients get the care they need,” said Sylvia M. Burwell, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. “This patient-centered care model furthers the goal of the Vice President [Joe Biden]’s Cancer Moonshot to improve coordination, care, and outcomes while spending dollars more wisely.”

This year, more than 1.6 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed and cancer will kill 600,000 Americans. According to the National Institutes of Health, medical expenditures for cancer in the year 2020 are projected to reach at least $158 billion, a 27-percent increase over 2010.

The program will focus on coordinating appointments with providers, providing 24/7 access to care, arranging diagnostic scans, ensuring data is received so patients do not need to schedule additional visits, and providing patients with access to additional resources.