Chicago (March 30, 2016) – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) and Illinois Cancer Specialists (ICS), a practice in The US Oncology Network, announce the first oncology intensive medical home (IMH) pilot program in Illinois. The overall goal of the oncology IMH is to provide coordinated, cost-effective care, in part, through the use of evidence-based medical treatment guidelines.
“We worked with ICS physicians to develop the Oncology IMH model as a patient-focused system of delivering benefits for quality cancer care that is coordinated and efficient,” said Walter Hollinger, M.D., medical director of strategic operations at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. “As such, the pilot program is designed to help meet the needs of patients, payers, and providers.”
Last November, the program started identifying BCBSIL PPO patients who were currently being treated by an ICS physician. To qualify, patients must be receiving chemotherapy or hormone therapy, with a cancer diagnosis of breast, colon, lung, pancreatic, prostate and any non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The program intends to enroll 150-200 patients per year. Current ICS patients are selected to join the program for six months while receiving treatment at one of the ten ICS sites: Arlington Heights, Bolingbrook, Chicago/Resurrection Hospital, Elgin, Hinsdale, Hoffman Estates, Huntley, McHenry, Niles and Woodstock.
“We at Illinois Cancer Specialists sought to improve efficiency and quality by following NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®), leading to the development of a patient-centered, value-based cancer care program,” said David Hakimian, M.D., practice president, ICS. “Our goal is to provide evidence-based validated, outcome-driven patient care. This type of quality care also has to meet the national quality standards that follow cost-effective pathways to provide access and affordability to patients.”
Illinois Cancer Specialists provides Chicago area patients with advanced, comprehensive, compassionate cancer care in a community setting. The practice employs the latest technologies and drug therapies to ensure patients receive high-quality care for their particular diagnosis in a collaborative setting. ICS treatment centers feature outpatient treatment including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, positron emission tomography (PET), computerized tomography (CT), stem cell transplant, laboratory, x-ray studies, specialized pharmaceuticals, and clinical research, including immuno-oncology trials. A study published in the American Journal of Managed Care in 2015 titled, “Cost Differential by Site of Service for Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy,” has shown that providing chemotherapy in a community setting rather than a hospital setting allows patients to stay near loved ones while receiving high-quality care at a lower cost.
Through the new IMH pilot, enrolled patients being treated at ICS will receive the free services of an ICS Nurse Care Manager (NCM), an oncology certified nurse whose primary purpose is to proactively address the challenging needs of oncology patients. The NCM will provide disease and treatment education, schedule phone calls after treatment, and closely follow symptom management issues. Subsequent meetings may include continued use of chemotherapy, advance care planning and hospice when appropriate. The ICS physicians will continue to assess these patients to develop and implement a plan of care that will attempt to actively address the patients’ needs during their treatments and beyond.
Some of the key aspects of the BCBSIL/ICS Oncology IMH model are:
- Access to cancer care that is coordinated with the central focus on patients and their entire medical condition;
- Cancer care that is optimized based on evidence-based medicine to produce quality outcomes;
- Cancer care that is efficient, with treatment provided in a high-quality, low-cost setting for the patient;
- Cancer care that is delivered in a patient-centric, caring environment that optimizes patient satisfaction; and
- Cancer care that is continuously improved by measuring and benchmarking results against other facilities providing care, so that best practices “raise the bar” in delivering care.
“Providers with Illinois Cancer Specialists will enhance the quality of cancer care while controlling overall costs of care,” said Dr. Hakimian. “This will happen in a system where quality and value are measured and continuously improved.”
BCBSIL and ICS physicians will meet quarterly to exchange information and discuss if the IMH is a sustainable model for benefit and care delivery services. Some of the information discussed will include metrics on hospital admission rates, hospital days, ER visits, office visits and home health visits.
“The key to managing health costs is providing access to the right care in the right place,” said Dr. Hakimian. “This program with BCBSIL gives us valuable data that providers can use to improve the care our patients receive. This is a real opportunity for direct access to quality and cost data that will help inform decisions about how best to care for our patients. Blue Cross is making this level of transparency possible, something that wouldn’t otherwise be available to us.”
In traditional fee-for-service arrangements, reimbursement is based on specific services provided to patients; effectively rewarding providers for the volume of services they provide. In value-based care, provider reimbursement is associated with meeting quality or performance measures.
“Cancer care has evolved dramatically over the past 40 years from academic, in-patient treatment to community-based, comprehensive, and coordinated cancer care,” said Hollinger. “In this model, reimbursement to providers is more appropriately aligned with the quality and value of cancer care delivered.”
The IMH is one of BCBSIL’s value-based programs that utilizes incentives to engage healthcare professionals and help facilitate improved health, affordability and customer experience. The BCBSIL intensive medical home programs initially focused on large primary care physician groups and have expanded to include hospitals, small primary care practices and specialists. The first BCBSIL specialty intensive medical home was launched in 2014 with the Illinois Gastroenterology Group.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
With over 8.1 million members, BCBSIL, a division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, is the largest health insurance company in Illinois. Begun in 1936, BCBSIL remains member owned rather than publicly traded and is committed to promoting the health and wellness of its members and its communities, fostering greater access to care, and working to lower the overall cost of care while improving health care quality and patient outcomes.
About Illinois Cancer Specialists
Illinois Cancer Specialists (ICS) is dedicated to providing convenient, compassionate leading-edge cancer care to patients in Chicago and the surrounding areas. With more than 30 years in practice and over 400 years of combined physician experience, ICS is changing the forefront of patient care. Our dedicated and highly-skilled physicians and staff, who specialize in caring for patients with cancer and blood disorders, provide unparalleled access to the most innovative, advanced therapies and latest technologies throughout Chicago and the surrounding areas. With more than 20 board certified physicians, ICS offers convenient, compassionate care in ten locations. For more information about Illinois Cancer Specialists visit www.illinoiscancerspecialists.com.
Illinois Cancer Specialists is united in healing with The US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest networks of integrated, community-based oncology practices dedicated to advancing high-quality, evidence-based cancer care. As an affiliate of The US Oncology Network, ICS is united with more than 1,000 physicians nationwide. Illinois Cancer Specialists participates in clinical trials through US Oncology Research, which has played a role in nearly 60 FDA-approved cancer therapies, nearly one-third of all cancer therapies approved by the FDA to date. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.
Media Contacts
Mary Ann Schultz, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
(312) 653-6701, MaryAnn_Schultz@bcbsil.com
Christy Sullivan, Illinois Cancer Specialists
(847) 421-4919, Christy.Sullivan@usoncology.com
Claire Crye, The US Oncology Network
(281) 825-9927, Claire.Crye@usoncology.com
Gloria Drouin, APRN, brings expertise in supportive care to the practice
Columbia, Missouri (March 29, 2016) – Missouri Cancer Associates (MCA), the premier cancer treatment center in mid-Missouri and an affiliate of The US Oncology Network, has added Gloria Drouin, APRN, to the practice as its newest provider. Drouin has extensive experience in nursing in many different environments, including oncology, and has been a nurse practitioner for the past 18 years. In her new position, she will work in collaboration with the MCA team of physicians, nurses and other highly-skilled support staff to provide high-quality integrated cancer care to patients, especially in the area of supportive care.
“Adding Gloria to our practice will help ensure we continue to provide superior comprehensive care that supports the whole patient and their family as much as possible,” said Mark Tungesvik, M.D., oncologist with MCA. “Gloria has extensive experience in oncology, and in her previous position was instrumental in developing a survivorship program for cancer patients. She will be implementing some of her best ideas here at Missouri Cancer Associates, educating patients on what they can do to achieve an optimal outcome and working with them on whole body wellness and good nutrition. She is a great addition to our care team, and we are excited about the many new ideas and energy she brings to the practice.”
Drouin comes to Missouri Cancer Associates from Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic, Norris Cotton Cancer Center in Manchester, N.H, where she worked in collaboration with oncologists, palliative care specialists, nurse navigators, nutritionists and social workers to support the delivery of comprehensive cancer care. She was a member of the survivorship care plan committee and was instrumental in developing a comprehensive survivorship program. Prior to the Cancer Center, Drouin spent several years working at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Pulmonary Medicine caring for patients with a variety of acute and chronic respiratory illnesses and sleep disorders. She has also delivered primary care to adolescent and geriatric patients and worked in emergency medicine, pediatrics and occupational health.
Drouin received her Master of Science degree in nursing from Northeastern University, Boston. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Rivier College, Nashua, N.H. She is certified as a Nurse Practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She has also earned Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Certification from the Oncology Nursing Society. Drouin is a member of several nursing-related professional organizations, including the Oncology Nursing Society.
“Quality of life is extremely important for cancer patients, and I have a great interest in helping them achieve the best quality of life possible during their cancer journey,” Drouin explained. “Missouri Cancer Associates is very interested in supporting the whole patient as well as the patient’s family by developing new survivorship programs, so this position is a perfect fit for my skills and interests.”
About Missouri Cancer Associates
Missouri Cancer Associates (MCA) is the largest oncology group in mid-Missouri and offers patients advanced comprehensive care from their new state-of-the-art facility in Columbia, as well as treatment centers in Kirksville and Marshall. MCA has 13 cancer physicians on staff and offers a full range of hematologic care, chemotherapy and radiation services, laboratory and diagnostic testing delivered by compassionate, caring professionals dedicated to helping patients achieve optimal outcomes. The practice prides itself in offering the latest technologies to diagnose and treat cancer, including PET/CT and a full range of advanced radiation therapies. In 2014, Urology Associates of Central Missouri, a leading provider of urology services in the region, joined MCA, adding eight highly-credentialed and experienced urologists to the practice. Urology Associates of Central Missouri offers the very latest treatment options and technologies, such as robotic and minimally invasive surgery. The practice is committed to providing compassionate, quality, state-of-the-art urological care in a prompt and courteous manner. To learn more visit www.missouricancer.com and www.mo-urology.com.
Missouri Cancer Associates is united in healing with The US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest networks of integrated community-based oncology practices dedicated to advancing high-quality, evidence-based cancer care. As an affiliate of The US Oncology Network, MCA is united with 1,000 physicians nationwide. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.
Media Contact
Claire Crye
281-825-9927
Claire.Crye@usoncology.com
FCA Patients Among First in Florida Treated with SpaceOAR Rectum-Protecting Spacer
Trinity, Florida (March 22, 2016) – Florida Cancer Affiliates (FCA) is helping to pioneer a new tool aimed to protect prostate cancer patients from the negative effects of radiation therapy. Recently a patient, one of the first in Florida, was injected at FCA with SpaceOAR® hydrogel, the first FDA cleared spacing device to protect the rectum in men undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer. The SpaceOAR System is intended to temporarily position the anterior rectal wall away from the prostate during radiotherapy for prostate cancer, creating space to protect the rectum from radiation exposure. Dr. Lawrence Hochman and Dr. Sanjay Emandi of Florida Cancer Affiliates are the first radiation oncologists in the state certified to safely administer the SpaceOar hydrogel.
“Providing the best possible treatment to patients is our top priority, which is why we are one of the first centers offering SpaceOAR hydrogel,” said Lawrence Hochman, DO, FACRO, practice president, FCA-Tampa Bay. “FCA has a long history of bringing new technological advances for radiation therapy to the local communities in Florida. We pride ourselves with providing patients with the cutting-edge and high-quality treatment options they deserve.”
Because of the close proximity of the prostate to the rectum, prostate radiation therapy typically results in some radiation hitting the rectum, which can sometimes cause side effects. The SpaceOAR System creates space and pushes the rectum away from the prostate and the high dose area. Placed through a small needle, the hydrogel is administered as a liquid, but quickly solidifies into a soft gel that expands the space between the prostate and rectum. The hydrogel spacer maintains this space until radiation therapy is complete. The spacer then liquefies and is absorbed and cleared from the body in the patient’s urine.
“Creating space between the prostate and rectum is an important technological advance that significantly protects the rectum during radiation treatments and reduces the likelihood of early and late rectal side effects,” emphasized Sanjay Emandi, MD, radiation oncologist, FCA. “Men facing prostate cancer may have some difficult decisions to make, but utilizing SpaceOAR hydrogel during radiation therapy should not be one of them. We have successfully implemented the option of using the Space OAR hydrogel into the treatment of our prostate cancer patients and have seen excellent results.”
According to the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute, prostate cancer is second only to skin cancer as the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men with an estimated 220,800 new cases and 27,540 deaths in the U.S. in 2015 alone. Worldwide, prostate cancer is expected to grow to 1.7 million new cases and 499,000 deaths by 2030.
FDA clearance was granted following completion of the SpaceOAR System prospective, multicenter, randomized clinical trial. SpaceOAR patients experienced a significant reduction in rectal radiation dose and severity of late rectal toxicity when compared to control patients who did not receive SpaceOAR hydrogel. The results of the SpaceOAR pivotal clinical trial were published in the August 2015 edition of the prestigious International Journal of Radiation Oncology (aka “Red Journal” see abstract).
For more information about the benefits and risks of the SpaceOAR System, call 1-855-451-7095 to schedule a consultation. The procedure is being performed in FCA treatment centers in Trinity, Brooksville and Hudson. Locate a physician who performs the procedure by visiting www.floridacancer.com.
About Florida Cancer Affiliates
Florida Cancer Affiliates (FCA) is a community-based radiation oncology, medical oncology, and hematology practice with convenient locations throughout Florida, from Naples and Ft. Myers to Trinity, Hudson, Brooksville, The Villages, Ocala and Panama City. The integrated clinical team of FCA employs the latest technologies and drug therapies to ensure patients receive advanced care close to home. The comprehensive treatment centers include outpatient treatment and diagnostic facilities providing chemotherapy, hematology services, radiation therapy including stereotactic and PET/CT imaging, clinical research, pharmacy and laboratory, as well as financial counseling and patient support services.
The practice is committed to providing patients with advanced care. They offer therapies proven to be effective, along with advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies. They also provide access to new investigational drugs through clinical trials. By participating in clinical trials that test new drugs or various combinations of treatments, patients have the opportunity to receive new therapies not yet available outside these clinical trials.
Florida Cancer Affiliates is united in healing with The US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest networks of integrated community-based oncology practices dedicated to advancing high-quality, evidence-based cancer care. As an affiliate of The US Oncology Network, FCA is united with more than 1,000 physicians nationwide. Florida Cancer Affiliates participates in clinical trials through US Oncology Research, which has played a role in nearly 60 FDA-approved cancer therapies, nearly one-third of all cancer therapies approved by the FDA to date. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.
Additionally, FCA participates in radiation clinical trials through NRG Oncology, a group that conducts practice defining, multi-institutional clinical trials. To learn more about Florida Cancer Affiliates, go to www.floridacancer.com.
Media Contact
Claire Crye
The US Oncology Network
281-825-9927
Claire.Crye@usoncology.com
PHOENIX (March 15, 2016) — Ranking Arizona: The Best of Arizona Business has released its 2016 “Cancer Treatment Centers” rankings. Arizona Oncology received the distinction of second highest in the state and ranked number one in community-based cancer care in Arizona.
Results are based on voters’ opinion, not annual revenue or number of employees. The Best of Arizona Business is the largest opinion poll in Arizona. Voters give the annual publication recommendations based on quality of service and recommendations for doing business.
“Arizona Oncology is dedicated to providing patients with high-quality cancer care,” said Jerry Lucas, M.D., practice president, Arizona Oncology. “By offering advanced, integrated care in communities where patients live, we can help patients and their families have a better experience while battling cancer and help to contain costs of cancer care. We aim to remain number one and to continue to provide the best care possible to all patients who walk through our doors.”
Arizona Oncology, one of the largest medical groups in Arizona devoted exclusively to cancer care and a practice in The US Oncology Network, treats more patients with cancer than any other healthcare provider in the state. The physicians, nurses and staff at Arizona Oncology wish to thank those who took the time to vote and recognize Arizona Oncology’s commitment to advancing cancer care for patients.
Arizona Oncology is proud to offer Arizonans exemplary care in medical, radiation and gynecological oncology, hematology, stem cell transplant, genetic risk assessment and patient support services. In addition, the practice’s commitment to innovative clinical research through US Oncology Research and other clinical trials is helping to improve the scope of cancer treatment nationwide.
For more information about Arizona Oncology physicians and services, please visit ArizonaOncology.com or call 888.972.CURE. To vote for Arizona Oncology in the Best of Arizona Business 2017 rankings, please visit: http://azbigmedia.com/vote-ranking-arizona.
About Arizona Oncology
Arizona Oncology is one of the largest medical groups in Arizona. With more than 60 practicing physicians devoted exclusively to providing comprehensive, compassionate and high-quality cancer care, Arizona Oncology specializes in Medical, Gynecologic, and Radiation Oncology, Hematology, Stem Cell Transplant, Research, Genetic Risk Assessment and patient ancillary programs. The physicians and their staff treat patients in many communities throughout the state including: Chandler, Cottonwood, Deer Valley, Flagstaff, Glendale, Green Valley, Nogales, Oro Valley, Phoenix, Prescott Valley, Safford, Scottsdale, Sedona, and Tucson.
Arizona Oncology believes it is beneficial to provide cancer therapies in a community setting, close to patients’ homes and support systems. The physicians are supported by a talented clinical team sensitive to the needs of cancer patients and their caregivers. For more information, visit ArizonaOncology.com.
Arizona Oncology is united in healing with The US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest networks of integrated community-based oncology practices dedicated to advancing high-quality, evidence-based cancer care. As an affiliate of The US Oncology Network, Arizona Oncology is united with more than 1,000 physicians nationwide. Arizona Oncology participates in clinical trials through US Oncology Research, which has played a role in nearly 60 FDA-approved cancer therapies, nearly one-third of all cancer therapies approved by the FDA to date. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.
Media Contact
Amy Robertson
(480) 789-2986
Amy.Robertson@usoncology.com
Strong ratings in key performance areas earn McKesson Specialty Health EHR top spot in Black Book Rankings
The Woodlands, Texas (Feb. 24, 2016) — iKnowMedSM electronic health record (EHR) has been named the top-ranked EHR platform for oncologists and hematologists for the fifth year in a row by the prestigious Black Book Rankings, a division of Black Book Market Research, an unbiased industry-leading source for polling, surveys and market research. iKnowMed was recognized for its superior focus on meeting the unique needs of community-based oncology practices. Implemented in more than 620 sites of care nationwide and used by more than 1,600 providers, iKnowMed EHR and iKnowMed Generation 2 received top rankings in 12 key performance areas, including support and customer care, best of breed technology and process improvement, and strategic alignment with client goals to name a few.
“Earning this prestigious honor for the fifth consecutive year demonstrates our ongoing commitment to provide oncology practices innovative solutions that respond to the changing healthcare environment,” said Jeff Kao, chief information officer and senior vice president of Information Technology Services for McKesson Specialty Health and The US Oncology Network. “iKnowMed is specifically designed to support and enhance the delivery and documentation of high-quality evidence-based cancer care, providing an invaluable tool to help oncology practices successfully transition to alternative payment models and the new value-based care delivery system while keeping quality of care the number one priority.”
iKnowMed Generation 2, developed in collaboration with oncologists in The US Oncology Network and supported by McKesson Specialty Health, is the only next generation EHR for oncology and hematology available on the market today. This innovative EHR platform seamlessly integrates with McKesson Specialty Health’s leading technology solutions to meet the unique needs of oncology and enhance value-based care delivery while strengthening core practice operations.
“We are excited iKnowMed has been so well received by the oncology market and has once again been recognized as the industry leader in oncology-specific EHR systems,” said Dan Lodder, vice president and general manager of Technology Solutions for McKesson Specialty Health. “This next generation EHR platform is a robust, comprehensive practice solution offering flexibility through integrated modules that address key areas of concern in healthcare today, such as patient engagement, as well as data analytics that can play a critical role in ensuring efficient high-quality care while optimizing revenue.”
Integrated iKnowMed modules include Clear Value PlusSM –clinical quality and regimen support; My Care PlusSM– an oncology-focused patient portal engaging 280,000 enrolled patients; Lynx Mobile® inventory and purchasing management; TotalViewSM Generation 2 revenue cycle reporting, and Practice InsightsSM analytics. Together, these best-in-class solutions help practices safely deliver high-quality patient care, advancing a practice’s ability to provide an integrated care experience for both patients and their comprehensive caregiving team while optimizing revenue.
“iKnowMed is an investment in quality care and efficiency that can help oncologists navigate today’s challenging healthcare landscape while preparing them for future reforms that may be coming,” Lodder concluded.
For more information about the Black Book Rankings report or to request a demonstration of iKnowMed Generation 2, visit https://enews.mckessonspecialtyhealth.com/2016BlackBookRankings.html.
About McKesson Specialty Health
McKesson Specialty Health, a division of McKesson Corporation, empowers the community patient care delivery system by helping community practices advance the science, technology and quality of care. Through innovative clinical, research, business and operational solutions, facilitated by integrated technology systems, we focus on improving the financial health of our customers so they may provide the best care to their patients. For more information, visit www.mckessonspecialtyhealth.com.
About The US Oncology Network
The US Oncology Network is one of the nation’s largest networks of integrated, community-based oncology practices dedicated to advancing high-quality, evidence-based cancer care. A physician-led organization, The US Oncology Network unites like-minded physicians and clinicians around a common vision of improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Leveraging healthcare information technology, shared best practices, evidence-based guidelines and quality measurements, physicians within The US Oncology Network are pioneering new ways to achieve this vision. The US Oncology Network is committed to strengthening patient access to integrated care in local communities across the nation, including collaboration with a variety of payers, hospitals and academic institutions. The US Oncology Network is supported by McKesson Specialty Health, a division of McKesson Corporation focused on empowering a vibrant and sustainable community patient care delivery system. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.
About Black Book Rankings
Black Book Rankings, a division of Black Book Market Research, provides healthcare IT users, media, investors, analysts, quality minded vendors, and prospective software system buyers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and other interested sectors of the clinical technology industry with comprehensive comparison data of the industry’s top respected and competitively performing technology vendors.
Media Contact
Claire Crye
The US Oncology Network
281.825.9927
claire.crye@mckesson.com
