Heartland Oncology & Hematology Hosts 1st Annual Community Cancer Symposium

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Council Bluffs, Iowa, June 20, 2022 – Heartland Oncology & Hematology (HOH), a leading community oncology/hematology practice in Council Bluffs, Iowa, will host the 1st Annual Community Cancer Symposium, July 1, 2022. The symposium will take place between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Grass Wagon Event Center at 110 S 29th Street in Council Bluffs.

The event is free to the community, and all are welcome to attend. Lunch will be provided. The Nebraska Methodist Nursing College students will present information on numerous cancer types and recommended cancer screenings. Rolanda the inflatable colon – a fun and educational journey for colon cancer awareness – will also be available for attendees to explore.

“Screening is a key element of improving cancer outcomes – the earlier someone is diagnosed with cancer, the more likely they are to survive,” said Medical Oncologist Dr. Sakeer Hussain. “Cancer screenings across the country were greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and we’re now seeing a marked increase in cancer diagnosis. It’s important for everyone to get screened and be educated.”

HOH, an American Oncology Network partner practice, is committed to providing the community with the highest quality care that is based on research and evidence-based medicine and focused on the whole person. At its clinic, patients have access to a diverse range of services for cancer diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and patient support. With all amenities under one roof, patients have access to comprehensive quality cancer care, within the community.

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About Heartland Oncology & Hematology: (HeartlandOncology.com)
Heartland Oncology & Hematology (HOH) of Council Bluffs, Iowa is staffed by a proven, experienced multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals dedicated to patient care. We provide state-of-the-art oncology and hematology care, including immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Armed with the best treatment and diagnostic testing capabilities, our physicians work to formulate the best course of treatment for your cancer type. Treatment plans are tailored to patient lifestyle to enable patients to remain active. Throughout a patient’s entire time at Heartland Oncology & Hematology, our physicians will always be their strongest advocates.

About American Oncology Network, LLC: (AONcology.com)
American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success of community oncology. Launched in 2018, the rapidly expanding AON network represents 107 physicians and 85 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 16 states. The executive management team of AON encompasses more than three decades of oncology practice management experience, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest quality care for patients.

The organization provides unique and comprehensive protocols for managing administrative procedures and enhancing ancillary services for its affiliates. AON is able to aggregate volume and attain economies of scale, as it guides its member physicians and practices through the transition to value-based reimbursement models that improve the patient experience and help to reduce the per-capita cost of cancer care.

AON also provides a unique model of physician led, community-based oncology management. With services such as a centralized specialty pharmacy, diagnostics, pathology, fully integrated electronic medical records, a care management team and a variety of financial assistance programs, an alliance with AON ensures that patients’ experiences are at the very pinnacle of cancer care today.

For More Information, Contact:
American Oncology Network, LLC
Caroline Hewitt, Vice President of  Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com

American Oncology Network Physicians Research Presented at ASCO22

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Fort Myers, Fla., June 13, 2022 – American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is pleased to announce that three research studies co-authored by AON physicians were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2022 Annual Meeting, held June 3-7, 2022. The program featured over 200 sessions and more than 5,100 abstracts covering more than 120 abstract subcategories spanning all major disease sites and research areas. This year’s theme was “Advancing Equitable Cancer Care Through Innovation.”

The following AON physician investigators presented their research results during poster discussions and/or presentations.

  • Dr. Ruemu E. Birhiray of Hematology Oncology of Indiana co-authored a study on creating diversity, equity, inclusion and access in cancer clinical research (Abstract # e13636)
  • Dr. Arvind Chaudhry of Summit Cancer Centers served as co-author on a study that involved developmental therapeutics in immunotherapy (Abstract # 2500)
  • Dr. Victor M. Priego of The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders co-authored a study on developmental therapeutics in immunotherapy (Abstract # 2506)

AON Chief Executive Officer Todd Schonherz said, “To have our physicians’ research studies being shared at this prestigious program confirms that our physicians are not only committed to providing the most innovative treatment options personalized to each individual patient, they’re at the forefront of new discoveries and findings that will expand and improve cancer treatment options for every patient.”

“The physicians within our network are dedicated to closing the gap in cancer care ensuring every patient has access to the care needed to help fight their cancer. In addition, our practices provide innovative therapies including immunotherapy, precision medicine and access to research, all at a lower cost to patients and payers,” added Dr. Stephen “Fred” Divers, AON Chief Medical Officer.

To advance innovation in the treatment of all types of cancer and blood disorders, AON offers research in eight of its practice sites in the community setting – four of which are strategic research sites for the Sarah Cannon Research Institute – and is actively enrolling patients in more than 100 clinical trials throughout its network. Research has shown that having easy access to expert physician care and a comprehensive range of treatments and support services close to home is vital to a cancer patient’s well-being. Patients benefit from convenient access to AON’s clinical trials without the need to travel to large cities or tertiary cancer care facilities.

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About American Oncology Network, LLC: (AONcology.com)
American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success of community oncology. Launched in 2018, the rapidly growing AON network represents 107 physicians and 85 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 16 states. The executive management team of AON brings more than three decades of oncology practice management experience, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest quality care for patients.

The organization provides unique and comprehensive protocols for managing administrative procedures and enhancing ancillary services for its affiliates. AON is able to aggregate volume and attain economies of scale, as it guides its member physicians and practices through the transition to value-based reimbursement models that improve the patient experience and help to reduce the per-capita cost of cancer care.

AON also provides a unique model of physician led, community-based oncology management. With services such as a centralized specialty pharmacy, diagnostics, pathology, fully integrated electronic medical records, a care management team and a variety of financial assistance programs, an alliance with AON ensures that patients’ experiences are at the very pinnacle of cancer care today.

For More Information, Contact:
American Oncology Network, LLC
Caroline Hewitt, Vice President of Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com

American Oncology Network Names Karen Pilley Chief Revenue Cycle Officer

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Fort Myers, Fla., June 8, 2022 – American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), a high-growth medical oncology provider with a focus on supporting the long-term viability of cancer treatment in community-based settings, recently announced the appointment of Karen Pilley, as the organization’s Chief Revenue Cycle Officer.

“We are pleased to announce Karen Pilley as AON’s new Chief Revenue Cycle Officer,” said Todd Schonherz, AON Chief Executive Officer. “She has more than 40 years of experience and brings a vast knowledge of healthcare end-to-end revenue cycle services as well as payer regulation and compliance to AON. We look forward to her contributions to the organization in executing the future strategy for revenue cycle management and billing services.”

Prior to joining AON, Pilley served as Chief Strategy Officer of Value-Based RCM and was responsible for implementing significant growth in the revenue cycle management business, including potential acquisitions of other billing companies and growth outside the behavioral health vertical. She has held positions with Virtual Radiology, a network of onsite and teleradiology physicians; SPI Healthcare, one of the largest global revenue cycle management organizations with more than 500 employees located in Chicago and Manila; and US Oncology, as the Vice President of Reimbursement Services for 13 years.

Pilley stated, “Joining the AON team was an easy decision for me. The company’s commitment to quality customer service, growth and operational excellence aligns with the type of company I am proud to be a part of.”

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About American Oncology Network, LLC: (AONcology.com)
American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success of community oncology. Launched in 2018, the rapidly expanding AON network represents 107 physicians and 85 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 16 states. The executive management team of AON encompasses more than three decades of oncology practice management experience, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest quality care for patients.

The organization provides unique and comprehensive protocols for managing administrative procedures and enhancing ancillary services for its affiliates. AON is able to aggregate volume and attain economies of scale, as it guides its member physicians and practices through the transition to value-based reimbursement models that improve the patient experience and help to reduce the per-capita cost of cancer care.

AON also provides a unique model of physician led, community-based oncology management. With services such as a centralized specialty pharmacy, diagnostics, pathology, fully integrated electronic medical records, a care management team and a variety of financial assistance programs, an alliance with AON ensures that patients’ experiences are at the very pinnacle of cancer care today.

For More Information, Contact:
American Oncology Network, LLC
Caroline Hewitt, Vice President of  Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com

American Oncology Network Appoints Stephen “Fred” Divers, MD as Chief Medical Officer

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Fort Myers, Fla., May 18, 2022 – American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), a high-growth medical oncology provider with a focus on supporting the long-term viability of oncology treatment in community-based settings is pleased to announce that Stephen “Fred” Divers, MD has been named as the company’s new Chief Medical Officer (CMO).

As CMO, Dr. Divers will play a vital role in furthering AON’s mission, providing leadership, strategy and vision around practice transformation ensuring that its clinical model addresses patient needs.

“We are thrilled to announce Dr. Divers as our Chief Medical Officer,” said Todd Schonherz, AON Chief Executive Officer. “Since AON’s inception and as Chairman of the AON Advisory Board, Dr. Divers has been instrumental in leading the charge on ensuring patients have ready access to affordable, high quality cancer care in their local communities. The depth of his involvement in clinical research and patient advocacy is commendable and he will undoubtedly make a great impact in this executive leadership role.”

“AON and its practices are uniquely positioned to serve cancer patients with convenient and affordable quality cancer care,” said Dr. Divers. “I look forward to continuing to contribute to future successes and innovations in this newly-created leadership role.”

Dr. Divers is a Medical Oncologist with Genesis Cancer and Blood Institute, one of the first practices to join the AON network in the summer of 2018. In July of 2020, he was named Advisory Board Chairman. Dr. Divers has provided physician leadership as a member of several national committees and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Community Oncology Alliance (COA). He attended medical school at the Louisiana State University School of Medicine. He completed his residency at the University of North Carolina and a fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Cancer Center.

In addition to his new role as CMO, Dr. Divers will continue as AON Advisory Board Chairman and see patients at Genesis Cancer and Blood Institute.

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About American Oncology Network, LLC: (AONcology.com)
American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success of community oncology. Launched in 2018, the rapidly expanding AON network represents 107 physicians and 85 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 16 states. The executive management team of AON encompasses more than three decades of oncology practice management experience, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest quality care for patients.

The organization provides unique and comprehensive protocols for managing administrative procedures and enhancing ancillary services for its affiliates. AON is able to aggregate volume and attain economies of scale, as it guides its member physicians and practices through the transition to value-based reimbursement models that improve the patient experience and help to reduce the per-capita cost of cancer care.

AON also provides a unique model of physician led, community-based oncology management. With services such as a centralized specialty pharmacy, diagnostics, pathology, fully integrated electronic medical records, a care management team and a variety of financial assistance programs, an alliance with AON ensures that patients’ experiences will be at the very pinnacle of cancer care today.

For More Information, Contact:
American Oncology Network, LLC
Caroline Hewitt, Vice President of  Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com

Low Country Cancer Care Joins Forces with Memorial Health Meadows Hospital to Expand Cancer Services

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New cancer center will provide advanced, comprehensive and convenient care for patients in Vidalia.

Vidalia, Ga., May 4, 2022 – Low Country Cancer Care (LCCC), a leading community oncology and hematology practice, is pleased to announce the opening of its new cancer care facility on the Memorial Health Meadows Hospital campus to enhance services and provide improved conveniences for patients in Vidalia and surrounding communities.

LCCC is a partner practice within the American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), a high-growth medical oncology provider with a focus on supporting the long-term viability of cancer treatment in community-based settings. With AON integration support and centralized ancillary services, LCCC will provide Vidalia patients expanded access to advanced medical oncology and hematology care.

The new cancer center is located at the Tommy & Shirley Strickland Cancer Center at 1 Meadows Parkway, Suite B and will include eight exam rooms and 13 chemotherapy chairs. The clinic will offer infusion therapy, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy, in-house laboratory performing all routine blood work on-site, in-house specialty pharmacy, care management support, and financial counseling. Medical oncologists Asit Jha, MD and Sreekanth Reddy, MD and Patricia Williams, APRN will be practicing at this new site.

“The Tommy and Shirley Strickland Cancer Center is truly extraordinary. We are excited to open our new cancer clinic within the center and we thank the families and the community for their support throughout the years,” said Brad Prechtl, MBA, AON President & Chief Development Officer.

AON Chief Executive Officer Todd Schonherz stated, “Our physicians are committed to working in collaboration with the local team and physicians at Memorial Health Meadows Hospital. Our goal is to ensure patients continue to receive the same great care they are accustomed to receiving with advances in therapies, 24/7 pharmacy assistance and care management support.”

“The Memorial Health Meadows Hospital’s Tommy & Shirley Strickland Cancer Center is pleased to welcome the physicians and staff of Low County Cancer Care to our campus,” said Matt Hasbrouck, CEO. “This will give our patients convenient access to safe, high-quality medical oncology care.”

LCCC is committed to providing the community with the highest quality care that is based on research, evidence-based medicine and focused on the whole person. This new clinic is the seventh LCCC location. Cancer patients in Vidalia will now have access to a diverse range of services for diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, patient support and amenities under one roof, giving them unparalleled access to comprehensive, integrated cancer care, close to home.

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About Low Country Cancer Care: (LCCCSav.com)
Low Country Cancer Care has seven locations, including an office in Savannah, Vidalia and Waycross and four satellite offices in Hinesville, Statesboro and Pooler, Georgia and Bluffton, South Carolina. The team includes six medical oncologists and six advanced practice providers who provide a comprehensive range of treatment for patients diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders.

About American Oncology Network, LLC: (AONcology.com)
American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success of community oncology. Launched in 2018, the rapidly expanding AON network represents 107 physicians and 85 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 16 states. The executive management team of AON encompasses more than three decades of oncology practice management experience, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest quality care for patients.

The organization provides unique and comprehensive protocols for managing administrative procedures and enhancing ancillary services for its affiliates. AON is able to aggregate volume and attain economies of scale, as it guides its member physicians and practices through the transition to value-based reimbursement models that improve the patient experience and help to reduce the per-capita cost of cancer care.

AON also provides a unique model of physician led, community-based oncology management. With services such as a centralized specialty pharmacy, diagnostics, pathology, fully integrated electronic medical records, a care management team and a variety of financial assistance programs, an alliance with AON ensures that patients’ experiences will be at the very pinnacle of cancer care today.

For More Information, Contact:
American Oncology Network, LLC
Caroline Hewitt, Vice President of  Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com

Pinal Cancer & Surgery Center Joins Forces with Cancer & Blood Specialists of Arizona to Expand Services and Better Serve Patients

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Providing Central and Northern Arizona cancer care on a higher level.

Casa Grande, Ariz., May 2, 2022 – Pinal Cancer & Surgery Center, serving Casa Grande and surrounding areas in medical oncology, hematology, radiation oncology and general surgery, recently rebranded the practice name to Cancer & Blood Specialists of Arizona (CBSA).

As partner practices within the same network – American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) – and state, joining forces is the best way forward to have a greater impact on those who need care in Central and Northern Arizona.

CBSA has numerous locations across the state providing care to patients in central and north Phoenix and Scottsdale, Gilbert, as well as Flagstaff, the surrounding Indian Reservations, Northern Arizona and now Casa Grande. The growing practice now consists of seventeen providers including six medical oncologists, two gynecologic oncologists, a radiation oncologist, a general surgeon and seven nurse practitioners.

“The physicians and staff at Cancer & Blood Specialists of Arizona have pledged to serve patients within the communities in which we live,” said CBSA Medical Oncologist Dr. Tania Cortas. “Deeply committed to community minded care, we are focused on expanding our footprint throughout Arizona to provide patients with exceptional care, close to home.”

Medical Oncologist Dr. Carlos Arce-Lara added, “We are constantly striving to enhance services and provide conveniences for our patients in the communities we serve. By joining forces with Cancer & Blood Specialists of Arizona, our practice will be part of a larger collaborative team providing care on a higher level than ever before.”

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About Cancer & Blood Specialists of Arizona: (CancerBloodSpecialistsAZ.com)
Cancer & Blood Specialists of Arizona is a community-based Medical Oncology and Hematology, Gynecologic Oncology, Radiation Oncology and General Surgery practice providing treatment for patients diagnosed with all types of cancer and blood disorders. We are experienced physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and clinical support staff providing compassionate, patient-centered care in Phoenix, Flagstaff and Casa Grande, Arizona, and surrounding areas. Our physicians have deep roots in the communities we serve delivering the highest quality cancer treatment that is based on cutting-edge research.

About American Oncology Network, LLC: (AONcology.com)
American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success of community oncology. Launched in 2018, the rapidly expanding AON network represents 107 physicians and 85 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 16 states. The executive management team of AON encompasses more than three decades of oncology practice management experience, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest quality care for patients.

The organization provides unique and comprehensive protocols for managing administrative procedures and enhancing ancillary services for its affiliates. AON is able to aggregate volume and attain economies of scale, as it guides its member physicians and practices through the transition to value-based reimbursement models that improve the patient experience and help to reduce the per-capita cost of cancer care.

AON also provides a unique model of physician led, community-based oncology management. With services such as a centralized specialty pharmacy, diagnostics, pathology, fully integrated electronic medical records, a care management team and a variety of financial assistance programs, an alliance with AON ensures that patients’ experiences will be at the very pinnacle of cancer care today.

For More Information, Contact:
American Oncology Network, LLC
Caroline Hewitt, Vice President of  Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com

American Oncology Network (AON) Partners With Annexus Health to Help Patients Get the Financial Assistance They Need to Afford Lifesaving Treatment

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AON has selected Adparo®, a tech-enabled solution from Annexus Health, to optimize its patient financial assistance workflow process

Sewickley, Pa., Apr. 19, 2022 – Annexus Health, Inc., the leading healthcare technology company that is revolutionizing the patient access journey through its innovative solutions, today announced a partnership with American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), a high-growth medical oncology provider with a focus on supporting the long-term viability of oncology treatment in community-based settings. Through this partnership, the Adparo® team of experienced financial counselors—leveraging the Annexus Health workflow platform, AssistPoint®—will support AON practices to enhance their patient financial assistance workflow process and secure more financial assistance for more patients.

“The financial toxicity faced by cancer patients has dramatically increased over the years,” said AON Chief Executive Officer Todd Schonherz. “At AON, we’re committed to minimizing the financial impact of cancer on families. This partnership with Annexus Health will help to overcome these financial barriers and reduce these burdens.”

Adparo® will provide trained, experienced staff with in-depth knowledge of revenue cycle and access service complexities to assist AON practices by:

  • Proactively working up each patient prior to treatment to assess financial assistance needs
  • Conducting eligibility verification and benefit investigation for patients on treatment
  • Managing patient assistance and free drug programs through AssistPoint®
  • Providing financial cost estimates for treatment
  • Billing, posting payment, and transferring the final balance to the patient “

Annexus Health is in hyper-growth mode, and we’re excited to partner with AON for an incredible expansion of efforts to generationally disrupt how the patient access journey is managed,” said Annexus Health Co-Founder and CEO Joe Baffone. “Our Adparo® services division will utilize our market-leading technology platform, AssistPoint®, to manage the entire cycle of important financial assistance and other access services for AON’s rapidly growing membership in order to help patients get the care they deserve.”

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About American Oncology Network, LLC: AONcology.com
American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success of community oncology. Launched in 2018, the rapidly expanding AON network currently represents 107 physicians and 85 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 16 states. The executive management team of AON encompasses more than three decades of oncology practice management experience, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most—providing the highest quality care for patients.

The organization provides unique and comprehensive protocols for managing administrative procedures and enhancing ancillary services for its affiliates. AON is able to aggregate volume and attain economies of scale, as it guides its member physicians and practices through the transition to value-based reimbursement models that improve the patient experience and help to reduce the per capita cost of cancer care.

AON also provides a unique model of physician-led, community-based oncology management. With services such as a centralized specialty pharmacy, diagnostics, pathology, fully integrated electronic medical records, a care management team and a variety of financial assistance programs, an alliance with AON ensures that patients’ experiences will be at the very pinnacle of cancer care today. 

About Annexus Health
Annexus Health is the leading healthcare technology company that is revolutionizing the patient access journey by delivering innovative solutions, including tech-enabled services, that reduce financial and administrative burdens to improve access, speed, and adherence to critical care. Learn more at annexushealth.com.

American Oncology Network Vice President of Pharmacy Operations Melody Chang Co-Authors Study Examining Cost of Care in Hospital Outpatient Versus Community Oncology Among Commercially Insured Patients with Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

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Study reveals total cost of care is 29% lower in community oncology settings.

Fort Myers, Fla., Apr. 11, 2022 – American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) Vice President of Pharmacy Operations Melody Chang, RPh, MBA, BCOP is co-author of a study that examined the total cost of care among commercially insured patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer receiving NCCN® Category 1 preferred regimens in hospital outpatient versus community oncology settings. Results from the research study were presented at the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) 2022 annual meeting recently held in Chicago March 29 – April 1, 2022.

Research shows that cancer treatment costs among commercially insured patients vary depending on where patients receive care. There is limited research evaluating cost of care for commercial patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer receiving NCCN® Category 1 preferred regimens.

The study’s analysis indicates that across all regimens, mean total cost of care was 29% lower in community oncology centers than in hospital outpatient settings. This difference in cost was most pronounced for patients receiving 1L FOLFIRINOX and least for patients receiving 1L gemcitabine monotherapy. Chang and her fellow co-authors concluded: “Mean total cost of care is lower for patients receiving treatment with the same regimens at community oncology centers compared to hospital outpatient settings.”

To read the complete research poster, visit: https://www.jmcp.org/doi/pdf/10.18553/jmcp.2022.28.3-a.s1 page 15.

American Oncology Network and Low Country Cancer Care Expand to Waycross Georgia Opening New Office

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Fort Myers, Fla., April 5, 2022 – American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) and its partner, Low Country Cancer Care (LCCC), are pleased to announce the opening of their sixth cancer center located at 1206 Alice Street in Waycross, Ga. Medical oncologist and hematologist Dr. Asit Jha will be joining LCCC and practicing at this new site.

Dr. Jha obtained his medical education from Grant Medical College, University of Bombay in India. He is Board certified in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology.

Other LCCC locations are in Savannah, Hinesville, Statesboro and Pooler, Ga., and Bluffton, S.C. Including Dr. Jha, the team now consists of five medical oncologists. LCCC offers a comprehensive range of treatments for patients diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders.

Dr. Jha of the LCCC Waycross office said, “This clinic will offer patients advanced treatment and care, close to where they live. Patients will not only have access to clinical research and innovative therapies, but they’ll also benefit from 24/7 pharmacy assistance and in-house pathology, laboratory and specialty pharmacy services.”

AON President & Chief Development Officer Brad Prechtl, MBA said, “Dr. Jha moved to Waycross so he could provide high quality cancer care to patients living in rural areas where medical resources are scarce which is the foundation of Low Country Cancer Care and AON—making him a perfect fit to join our team.”

AON Chief Executive Officer Todd Schonherz added, “The addition of Dr. Jha and the expansion into the sixth clinic in Georgia will help ensure our patients have access to the latest advancements and affordable cancer care where they live.”

LCCC is committed to providing the community with innovative cancer care that is based on research, evidence-based medicine and focused on the whole person. Cancer patients will now have access to a diverse range of services for diagnosis, treatment, clinical trials, survivorship and patient support, giving them unparalleled access to comprehensive, integrated cancer care, close to home.

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About Low Country Cancer Care: (LCCCSav.com)
Low Country Cancer Care has six locations, including an office in Savannah and Waycross and four satellite offices in Hinesville, Statesboro and Pooler, Georgia and Bluffton, South Carolina. The team includes five medical oncologists and five advanced practice providers who provide a comprehensive range of treatment for patients diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders.

About American Oncology Network, LLC: (AONcology.com)
American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success of community oncology. Launched in 2018, the rapidly expanding AON network represents 107 physicians and 85 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 16 states. The executive management team of AON encompasses more than three decades of oncology practice management experience, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest quality care for patients.

The organization provides unique and comprehensive protocols for managing administrative procedures and enhancing ancillary services for its affiliates. AON is able to aggregate volume and attain economies of scale, as it guides its member physicians and practices through the transition to value-based reimbursement models that improve the patient experience and help to reduce the per-capita cost of cancer care.

AON also provides a unique model of physician led, community-based oncology management. With services such as a centralized specialty pharmacy, diagnostics, pathology, fully integrated electronic medical records, a care management team and a variety of financial assistance programs, an alliance with AON ensures that patients’ experiences will be at the very pinnacle of cancer care today.

For More Information, Contact:
American Oncology Network, LLC
Caroline Hewitt, Vice President of  Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com

American Oncology Network Remains Committed to Closing the Gap in Cancer Care

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Fort Myers, Fla., Mar. 16, 2022 – Overshadowed in recent years by the pandemic, cancer remains the leading cause of death in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.8 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer each year and 600,000 die from the disease. Out of those 1.8 million Americans, many continue to face barriers to receiving care.

Despite the rapid advances in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment, long-standing health inequities such as access to care caused by geographical location and income are just a few of the factors that can negatively impact cancer care.

Community oncology practices, where most Americans battling cancer receive treatment, are key to this effort in closing the gap in cancer care. Research has shown that having easy and convenient access to expert physician care and a comprehensive range of treatments and support services close to home is vital to a cancer patient’s well-being. In addition to providing a comfortable, more personalized environment, community oncology practices provide innovative therapies including immunotherapy, precision medicine and access to research, all at a lower cost to patients and payers.

American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), a high-growth medical oncology provider with a focus on supporting the long-term viability of oncology treatment in community-based settings remains committed to closing the gap in cancer care ensuring every patient has access to the care needed to help fight their cancer.

Just over three years since its inception, the AON network has expanded to include more than 190 physicians and advanced practice providers in over 70 clinics across 16 states. With practices in some of the most densely populated cities to more rural areas where medical resources are scarce, AON’s mission is to provide the best cancer care that is affordable and close to where patients live.

“We have made great strides in just three years,” noted AON Chief Executive Officer Todd Schonherz. “Close to 160,000 patients have received treatment at AON clinics across the country and we’ve welcomed over 70,000 new patients. Our in-house laboratory has processed over 7.7 million clinical lab tests and almost 6,100 pathology specimens. And our specialty pharmacy has delivered over 63,540 scripts.”

While diagnostic and therapeutic advances have led to increased cancer survival and remission rates, as well as a higher quality of life, these advances can too often result in exorbitant treatment costs, particularly when delivered by a hospital system. According to data by Health 2018, 62% of cancer patients report being in debt due to their treatment, 55% accrue at least $10,000 in debt, while 3% file for bankruptcy. In fact, each year cancer costs in America exceed $80 billion.

AON practices are focused on providing the best oncology care while also responsibly controlling cancer costs for patients and associated insurance plans. This combination ensures the best possible outcomes while reducing financial burdens. Through strategic partnerships, AON and its practices continue to help patients with rising out-of-pocket costs. In 2021 alone, as patients endured even greater financial difficulties resulting from the pandemic, AON sourced over $26 million in free medications and $22 million in financial assistance for patients.

“As the Oncology Care Model terms this year with no clear replacement in sight and as pharmacy benefit managers continue their extortion of oncology pharmacies, I am thankful to be part of a larger team such as AON with the resources and talent to navigate these waters,” said Genesis Cancer and Blood Institute Medical Oncologist Dr. Stephen “Fred” Divers. “AON’s visionary drivers are founded on helping community oncology practices thrive ensuring patients have access to exceptional cancer care close to home.” Dr. Divers also serves on the Board of Directors for the Community Oncology Alliance dedicated to advocating for community oncology practices and the patients they serve and is Chairman of the AON Advisory Board.

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About American Oncology Network, LLC: (AONcology.com)
American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success of community oncology. Launched in 2018, the rapidly growing AON network represents 107 physicians and 85 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 17 states. The executive management team of AON brings more than three decades of oncology practice management experience, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest quality care for patients.

The organization provides unique and comprehensive protocols for managing administrative procedures and enhancing ancillary services for its affiliates. AON is able to aggregate volume and attain economies of scale, as it guides its member physicians and practices through the transition to value-based reimbursement models that improve the patient experience and help to reduce the per-capita cost of cancer care.

AON also provides a unique model of physician led, community-based oncology management. With services such as a centralized specialty pharmacy, diagnostics, pathology, fully integrated electronic medical records, a care management team and a variety of financial assistance programs, an alliance with AON ensures that patients’ experiences will be at the very pinnacle of cancer care today.

Contact:
American Oncology Network, LLC
Caroline Hewitt, Vice President of Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com