The specialty pharmacy received accreditation with zero deficiencies after a rigorous review.

FORT MYERS, Fla., Jan. 30, 2023 – The American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) in-house specialty pharmacy received re-accreditation with zero deficiencies through URAC. By receiving re-accreditation, the pharmacy has continued to demonstrate a comprehensive commitment to quality care, improved processes and better patient outcomes.

“We applaud the AON specialty pharmacy for once again achieving URAC accreditation. With this distinction, the pharmacy demonstrates excellence in quality health care delivery and their commitment to ensuring patient safety,” said URAC President and CEO Shawn Griffin, M.D.

“We are elated to have received re-accreditation status,” said AON Pharmacy Senior Director Doug Braun, CSP, PharmD, RPh. “Pharmacy accreditation shows our partners, payers and patients that our pharmacy meets the strictest standards and can assure them of the highest quality in all areas of the specialized clinical services.”

The AON specialty pharmacy serves more than 100 physicians by delivering oral cancer medications directly to patients — filling over 32,000 prescriptions in 2022 alone — and has access to most of the available oral oncolytic medications. Additionally, the pharmacy supports patients with financial assistance, insurance coordination, clinical assistance, treatment education and 24/7 patient and clinical support.

“It is our mission across the organization to meet the rigorous quality standards that have become the acceptable criterion in the industry,” said AON Chief Pharmacy and Clinical Services Officer James Gilmore. “URAC is an esteemed accrediting body that has set the benchmark for specialty pharmacies, and we are honored to have received their accrediting seal once again.”

“Pharmacies and related pharmaceutical services play a critical role in the health care delivery system now more than ever. Given the complicated nature of chronic disease, pharmacies like the AON specialty pharmacy do much more than simply fill a prescription. As trusted experts at the frontline of care delivery, they often provide targeted patient support and education to ensure proper medication management,” said Griffin.

“The pharmacy team works tirelessly to ensure we adhere to the highest standards of prescription fulfillment and delivery. It is a team effort that I am proud to recognize and celebrate,” said Braun.

The pharmacy will be eligible for re-accreditation in 2026.

For more information about AON specialty pharmacy, visit https://www.aoncology.com/pharmacy/. For more information about URAC specialty pharmacy accreditation, visit https://www.urac.org/accreditation-cert/specialty-pharmacy/.

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About American Oncology Network, LLC
The American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), an Inc. 5000-recognized company, 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 89 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 18 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. Learn more at AONcology.com.

About URAC
Founded in 1990 as a non-profit organization, URAC is the independent leader in promoting healthcare quality and patient safety through renowned accreditation programs. URAC develops its evidence-based standards in collaboration with a wide array of stakeholders and industry experts. The company’s portfolio of accreditation and certification programs spans the healthcare industry, addressing healthcare management and operations, pharmacies, telehealth, health plans, medical practices and more. URAC accreditation is a symbol of excellence for organizations to showcase their validated commitment to quality and accountability. Learn more at urac.org.

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

Laura Wood, Director of Marketing and CommunicationsURAC
lwood@urac.org

AON celebrates its Board of Managers’ appointments and retirements.

FORT MYERS, Fla., Jan. 24, 2023 – American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), a fast-growing organization supporting community-based oncology practices across the nation, announced the addition of medical oncologists Stephen “Fred” Divers, MD, and Vance M. Wright-Browne, MD, to the Board of Managers, effective January 1. Douglas Heldreth, MD, Vipul Patel, MD, and Shalin R. Shah, DO, will continue to serve as members of AON’s Board of Managers.

“We are pleased to welcome both Dr. Divers and Dr. Wright-Browne to our board,” said AON Chief Executive Officer Todd Schonherz. “With their vast knowledge and experience in oncology and their true alignment with AON’s mission and vision, they will, without a doubt, provide the guidance needed to help us continue supporting community oncology practices and growing our network.”

Dr. Divers received his medical degree from Louisiana State University, completed an internal medicine residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and then attended an oncology-hematology fellowship at the University of Alabama. Currently, he is a medical oncologist at AON’s partner practice Genesis Cancer and Blood Institute in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Dr. Divers also serves as AON’s chief medical officer and chairman of AON’s advisory board.

“I am honored to be selected to join the AON Board of Managers,” said Divers. “I am passionate about community oncology and being part of an organization such as AON that works hard to preserve community oncology is a rewarding experience.”

Dr. Wright-Browne received her medical degree from the University of West Indies, completed a residency program at the University of Connecticut and then attended an oncology-hematology fellowship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. She is Board certified in medical oncology and hematology. She practices at the Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute in Port Charlotte, Florida.

“Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to help many people through their cancer journeys,” said Wright-Browne. “I am eager to continue serving cancer patients in a new way by joining AON’s Board of Managers.”

Effective January 1, Stephen Orman, MD, and Daniel Spitz, MD, retired from their roles on the Board of Managers. Dr. Orman and Dr. Spitz had served on the Board of Managers since AON’s founding in 2018.

“We are greatly appreciative to Dr. Orman and Dr. Spitz for their dedication to helping AON grow in the early years and positioning the organization for expansion,” said Schonherz. “They have been incredibly valuable advisors, and on behalf of the organization, we thank them and wish them well.”

For more information about AON and its executive board, visit https://www.aoncology.com/ and https://www.aoncology.com/leadership/.

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About American Oncology Network, LLC
The American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), an Inc. 5000-recognized company, 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 89 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 18 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. Learn more at AONcology.com.

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

CASA GRANDE, Ariz., Jan. 9, 2023 – Cancer, Blood & Surgery Specialists of Arizona (CBSA), a partner practice of the American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), announced the relocation of its surgery clinic to 580 North Camino Mercado, Suite 5 in Casa Grande, which will be open to patients on January 9.

The clinic is the sixth location for the practice. However, unlike its other centers in Casa Grande, Flagstaff, Gilbert and Phoenix, the new clinic exclusively provides surgical services to patients.

“Removing some or all of the tumor via surgical methods can help patients respond better to their additional treatments; it can be an important part of the care plan,” said Dr. Ramon Mourelo, Board-certified general surgeon at CBSA. “As physicians, it is our job — our duty — to create a space that supports these types of procedures so that we can operate safely. Additionally, it is my hope that the dedicated space will help patients be more confident that they are in good hands when they choose us for their oncology care.”

“We operate with a patient-first mindset,” said AON Chief Executive Officer Todd Schonherz. “When we have the opportunity to improve our clinics to benefit our patients, we don’t hesitate. The new clinic gives Dr. Mourelo and his team the space to deliver care in an environment designed for cancer surgeries.”

Dr. Mourelo is the primary general surgeon at the new clinic and is supported by surgical physician assistant Jordan Creed, MMS, PA-C. He brings over 15 years of surgical experience, has a vast knowledge of oncology surgical procedures and has performed over 2,000 robotic-assisted surgeries.

For more information about AON, visit aoncology.com/. For more information about CBSA, visit cancerbloodspecialistsaz.com/.

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About American Oncology Network, LLC
The American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), an Inc. 5000-recognized company, 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 89 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 18 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. Learn more at aoncology.com. 

About Cancer & Blood Specialists of Arizona
Cancer & Blood Specialists of Arizona is a community-based medical oncology-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. Learn more at cancerbloodspecialistsaz.com/.

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

FORT MYERS, Fla., Dec. 14, 2022 – American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is pleased to announce that seven research studies co-authored by AON physicians were presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exposition, held December 10-13 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

More than 5,000 scientific abstracts are submitted each year, and those accepted for oral and poster presentations have gone through an extensive peer review process. The final abstracts featured at the ASH annual meeting represent important, novel research in the field.

The following AON physician investigators presented their research results during poster discussions and presentations at the ASH Annual Meeting & Exposition:

• Dr. Ruemu E. Birhiray of Hematology Oncology of Indiana presented and served as co-author of a study titled In-Class Transition (iCT) from Parenteral Bortezomib to Oral Ixazomib Therapy in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (NDMM) Patients from the Community-Based US MM-6 Study: Subgroup Analyses of the Fully Accrued Dataset in Patients Aged <75 and ≥75 Years (Abstract # 3255).
• Dr. Ralph V. Boccia of The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders served as co-author of several studies titled Brentuximab Vedotin in Frontline Therapy of Hodgkin Lymphoma in Patients with Significant Comorbidities Ineligible for Standard Chemotherapy (SGN35-015 Part E) (Abstract # 1598), Retrospective Assessment of Total Cost of Care in Non-Dialysis Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Receiving Parenteral Iron Therapy for Iron Deficiency Anemia (Abstract # 2185) and Phase 2 Trial to Evaluate Safety of Subcutaneous Epcoritamab Monotherapy in the Outpatient Setting Among Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Grade 1–3a Large B-Cell and Follicular Lymphoma (EPCORE NHL-6) (Abstract # 4271).
• Dr. Arvind Chaudhry of Summit Cancer Centers served as co-author of several studies titled Zanubrutinib in Acalabrutinib-Intolerant Patients (Pts) with B-Cell Malignancies (Abstract # 1587) and Genomic Characterization of Patients in a Phase 2 Study of Zanubrutinib in BTK Inhibitor–Intolerant Patients with Relapsed/Refractory B-Cell Malignancies (Abstract # 4176).
• Dr. Victor M. Priego of The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders served as co-author of a study titled A Phase 1a/b Dose Escalation Study of the BTK/FLT3 Inhibitor Luxeptinib in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory B-Cell Malignancies (Abstract # 2893).

In addition, Dr. George Negrea of Low Country Cancer Care served as co-author of a study titled Digital Ischemia Associated with Profound Anemia: A Concerning Consequence of Treatment without Transfusion to be published on the ASH abstracts site.

“Being selected to present your research is an esteemed honor,” said AON Research Committee Chairman Dr. Ralph Boccia, Board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist at The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. “With high numbers of submitted materials being considered, the abstracts selected offer premier research findings that are deemed noteworthy and important to cancer care. Congratulations to these AON physicians for sharing their studies with the medical community, and we thank them for their dedication to improving patient care.”

“The field of cancer research is constantly evolving with new and revolutionary findings that transform patient care and treatment,” said AON CEO Todd Schonherz. “It is critical for physicians, and other members of the care team, to remain dedicated to continuing their education so that patients are receiving the right care at the right time. To have five AON physicians contributing their knowledge and expertise illustrates their commitment to advancing the industry forward by leading innovative research projects that elevate cancer care across the entire healthcare landscape.”

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About American Oncology Network, LLC
The American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), an Inc. 5000-recognized company, 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 89 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 18 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. Learn more at AONcology.com.

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

Four AON physicians joined the American Cancer Society as ambassadors
to raise money for the fight against breast cancer.

FORT MYERS, Fla., Nov. 21, 2022 – The American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) wrapped up Breast Cancer Awareness month recognizing its physicians who participated in the nationwide Real Men Wear Pink campaign: Dr. Christopher McCanless from Hematology Oncology Clinic in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Drs. Stephen “Fred” Divers, Sunil Kakadia and Robert Muldoon from Genesis Cancer and Blood Institute in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

“Our continuous goal is to increase awareness for all types of cancer, promote prevention and early detection, and highlight the benefits of local homegrown oncology practices,” said AON Chief Executive Officer Todd Schonherz. “Our physicians who acted as ambassadors during this month-long campaign not only raised money for this important cause but showed their support for the millions of patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. We are grateful for their commitment to the campaign.”

The Real Men Wear Pink campaign, an initiative of the American Cancer Society, is a nationwide movement to raise money and increase awareness of breast cancer. Ambassadors commit to wearing pink throughout the month of October, raising awareness for the cause through their personal and professional networks and encouraging monetary donations to help with the fight against breast cancer.

“Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers that affect women,” said AON Chief Medical Officer and medical oncologist at Genesis Cancer and Blood Institute Dr. Stephen “Fred” Divers. “Educating the community about the disease and how critical early detection is to survivorship is a top priority for me and oncologists across the nation. Participating in this campaign is just one way I feel I can continue teaching those around me so that accurate information is available.”

“I am honored to have participated in this year’s campaign,” said Dr. McCanless. “Cancer research and treatments are constantly evolving thanks to breakthrough studies and learnings. An added bonus, my patients appreciated my pink attire throughout the month, which brought a smile to many.”

Throughout the month, the physicians collectively raised over $6,500 for breast cancer research and patient support.

“This effort was more than just being a part of an initiative and raising money,” said Dr. Muldoon. “To me, it was about showing support for my breast cancer patients and survivors.”

“While cancer survivorship is increasing as a result of the advancements in care and treatments, breast cancer remains prevalent not just among women but men as well,” said Dr. Kakadia. “We all are able to work toward reducing the number of diagnoses per year — whether that is participating in a campaign such as this and raising money to ensuring you, your family and friends are receiving the recommended cancer screenings when it is needed.”

To learn more about AON, visit https://www.aoncology.com/. To learn more about Hematology Oncology Clinic and Genesis Cancer and Blood Institute, visit https://www.hocbr.com/ and https://genesiscancerblood.com/.

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About American Oncology Network, LLC
The American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), an Inc. 5000-recognized company, 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 89 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 18 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. Learn more at AONcology.com.

About Hematology Oncology Clinic
Specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders and cancer, the Hematology/Oncology Clinic serves patients from offices in Baton Rouge, Zachary and Alexandria, Louisiana. Our Board-certified physicians include Dr. Gerald Miletello, Dr. Christopher McCanless, Dr. Michael Castine and Dr. Pavani Ellipeddi. The practice’s highly trained and experienced clinical staff consists of nurse practitioners, oncology-certified registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. Learn more at https://www.hocbr.com/.

About Genesis Cancer and Blood Institute
For 30 years, Genesis Cancer and Blood Institute has provided care to thousands of patients in Hot Springs and the surrounding communities. The center continues to focus on all aspects of treatment, encouraging positive attitudes and improving medicinal and nutritional therapies, all in a facility with an inviting and comforting atmosphere. Learn more at https://genesiscancerblood.com/.

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