Clinical Physics Transformation at UMC Health System

UMC Health System operates a high-volume cancer center delivering complex treatments like IMRT, SRS, SBRT, and HDR brachytherapy. In July 2022, UMC partnered with OriginQS to replace their prior physics service provider, aiming to improve quality and reduce costs while preparing for a new cancer center launch in 2025.

Problem

• Increasing treatment complexity (+18% from 2019–2023)
• Rising physicist salaries (+20%) and lengthy recruitment times (avg. 18 months)
• Demand for reduced sim-to-start timelines
• Need for remote, scalable, and cost-efficient service without compromising quality

Solutions

 OriginQS delivered a high-efficiency model through:

• A 15% cost reduction in physics services
• Remote service delivery with strong communication and AI-enhanced workflows
• Optimized staffing: 2.5 physicists + 0.5 dosimetrist handling expanded workload
• AI tools to accelerate planning and streamline sim-to-start
• Support for integrating advanced treatment technologies

Key Results and Impact

• Monthly cost reduced from $70,800 to $60,000
• Sim-to-start timeline shortened from 10 to 6 days
• 312 new patient starts supported in 2023
• 511 treatment plans delivered with consistently high quality
• Maintained care quality amid rising complexity and workforce pressures
• Boosted UMC’s program reputation and internal confidence in service quality

Services Provided

• Full-spectrum clinical physics for IMRT, SRS, SBRT, HDR
• Remote delivery model with efficient communication
• AI-enhanced planning processes
• Cost-optimized staffing and service delivery
• Support for technology implementation and upgrades