Hospital and Physician Update
July – August 2023

A patient advocate’s story: Roadmap for treating small renal masses in Michigan

James Humphries, 68, a Michigan Urological Surgery Improvement Collaborative* patient advocate, was one of a few patients selected to present during the Patient Perspectives forum at this year’s annual meeting of the American Urological Association in Chicago in April. Humphries shared his experience with kidney cancer, focusing on how the MUSIC KIDNEY Roadmap for the Management of Patients with T1 Renal Masses* helped him choose the best treatment for his situation and gave him the opportunity to improve his overall health.

MUSIC works to improve the quality of urologic care for patients in Michigan. More than 90% of the urologists in the state participate, as well as 14 patient advocates who serve as the patient voice for all the collaborative’s quality improvement activities.

In October 2021, a 3.5 cm mass was discovered on Humphries’ right kidney following a CT scan to investigate recurring pain in his lower abdomen.

He is sharing his story to encourage use of the MUSIC-produced educational materials to assist with transparent and direct physician-patient conversations about kidney masses and to encourage patients to assume more active roles in treatment decision-making and improvement of their own health.

Humphries was referred to a urologist for follow-up treatment, and the urologist explained that the mass may, or may not, be cancerous. The doctor also shared drafts of materials developed by the MUSIC team to illustrate treatment options, including active surveillance and immediate surgery.

“After discussing, we mutually agreed that active surveillance was a viable option considering my mass size, overall good health and lack of any adverse symptoms,” Humphries said. “The MUSIC roadmap was extremely helpful for me to understand my situation. The document, which was designed with the input of 26 urologists across Michigan to assist physicians with patient consultations, wasn’t intended for patient release and lacked patient input.”

He added that his urologist requested that he provide feedback from a patient perspective. “This was the beginning of my involvement with MUSIC,” Humphries said.

Since that time, MUSIC has increasingly worked with Humphries and other patient advocates to produce a variety of patient-focused materials. These materials draw from the groundbreaking work generated through the statewide urology collaborative, as well as the insights of individual patients who have experience dealing with urologic conditions.

Active surveillance

During the one-year active surveillance period, the mass on Humphries’ kidney grew from 3.5 cm to 4.1 cm. The urologist recommended proceeding with surgery and a partial nephrectomy was performed without complications in October 2022.

During the surveillance period, Humphries:

  • Enhanced his knowledge of kidney cancer and treatment options outlined in the MUSIC roadmap and provides patient input into development of a version specifically for patients
  • Enrolled in SilverSneakers® and established a regular exercise program
  • Consulted with a nutritionist to improve his eating habits and lose weight
  • Scheduled surgery to replace an arthritic knee joint in April 2022

He said guidance provided by his urologist, along with the MUSIC materials, allowed him to make informed treatment decisions.

“I am grateful for the continuing opportunity to participate in MUSIC collaborative meetings and provide commentary on patient educational materials,” Humphries said. “I sincerely believe other patients will benefit if this document* is shared. Ultimately, I attribute my improved health and successful surgical outcome to these collaborative efforts.”

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network provide support for MUSIC as part of the Value Partnerships program. To learn more about Value Partnerships, visit valuepartnerships.com.

*Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network don’t own or control this website.

MUSIC honored for advancing cause of active surveillance for prostate cancer

Active Surveillance Patients International, or ASPI, has selected the Blue Cross-sponsored Michigan Urological Surgery Improvement Collaborative as the first recipient of its ASPI Special Award for advances in researching and promoting active surveillance of lower-risk patients in place of aggressive treatments. “We’re extremely proud that MUSIC has won this award,” said Thomas Leyden, director, Value Partnerships. “Over the past few years, there’s been an increased move to engage patients in active decision-making. MUSIC has been ahead of that curve with more than a decade of experience in promoting active surveillance as a possible alternative to radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer.”

We’ll have full details in the next issue of Hospital and Physician Update.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.