American Oncology Network partners with Thyme Care to provide cancer care support and navigation to patients.

FORT MYERS, Fla., July 26, 2023 – American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), one of the nation’s fastest-growing networks of community oncology practices, announced its participation in the Enhancing Oncology Model (EOM), a new value-based cancer care framework launched by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI), to improve health outcomes and reduce total costs of care.

Cancer is one of the biggest drivers of healthcare spending, costing the United States more than $200B per year. Although patient navigation services are proven to lower cancer care costs, scaling these interventions has been difficult, if not impossible, in today’s fee-for-service environment. To address the rising costs of cancer and improve care quality, CMMI launched the EOM on July 1st, 2023, a five-year voluntary program for oncology practices.

Built on the successes of and lessons learned from its predecessor, the Oncology Care Model (OCM), EOM is indicative of an industry paradigm shift towards value-based cancer care. EOM continues to focus on improving the alignment of quality, access and cost through payment incentives for care quality, 24/7 patient-focused care navigation services and addressing health equity.

“Oncology is facing an inflection point as the industry moves toward value-based care. AON is proud to be participating in the EOM,” said AON Chief Medical Officer Stephen “Fred” Divers, MD. “We look forward to realizing the goals of EOM as a network and leading the charge toward value-based cancer care.”

AON will partner with Thyme Care to reduce the total cost and improve the quality of care for AON patients. Thyme Care is a leading value-based cancer care partner, providing comprehensive cancer care support and navigation beyond the clinic for AON patients. As part of the partnership, Thyme Care will facilitate AON’s cancer clinics located across the country to participate in the EOM.

“Thyme Care’s platform of analytics and nurse navigation will provide data-driven solutions for our team of providers to ensure that patients treated in our network will maintain access to the highest standards of oncology care in a cost-effective manner while closing gaps in the care continuum and addressing any health equity disparities,” said Divers.

The Thyme Care team serves as an extension of AON practices and offers their patients a dedicated team of nurse practitioners, oncology nurses and on-demand resource specialists who can help them navigate the clinical, emotional, psychological and social barriers to care. AON oncologists will continue to lead clinical decision-making, while Thyme Care will provide these navigation services and staff.

Additional resources and support services for transportation, housing, food, behavioral health, financial assistance and more are provided to patients and their caregivers to help reduce any barriers to care. Thyme Care’s robust data and analytics capabilities will provide continual performance monitoring insights that drive practice transformation and enable AON to make data-driven decisions when selecting their preferred risk arrangement as part of their participation in the EOM. The collaboration enables both teams to provide more efficient care, proactively identify barriers to treatment and deliver clinical interventions before a patient ends up in the emergency department.

“We’re thrilled to partner with AON’s organization of community oncologists who are at the heart of delivering cancer care and therapies in their communities. It’s an honor to work alongside them to ensure all cancer patients have access to the support and resources they deserve,” said Bobby Green, MD, co-founder, president and chief medical officer of Thyme Care. “Together with AON, we can accelerate EOM to achieve a better patient experience, better outcomes and lower costs of cancer care.”

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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 106 physicians and 86 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 19 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

About Thyme Care
Thyme Care is the leading value-based cancer care partner, collaborating with payers and providers to transform the experience and outcomes for individuals living with cancer. The company partners with health plans, employers and risk-bearing providers to assume accountability for enhanced care quality, improved health outcomes, and reduced total cost of care. Thyme Care’s approach combines a technology-enabled Care Team and seamless integration with providers, creating a hybrid collaborative care delivery model that guides and supports the entire patient journey. Thyme Care empowers over 300 oncologists nationwide through purpose-built tech, advanced data analytics, and virtual patient engagement, driving better care and outcomes in value-based arrangements. Thyme Care is a founding member of CancerX, and is backed by leading investors. To learn more about how Thyme Care is enabling the shift to value-based care in oncology, visit www.thymecare.com.

Thyme Care Contact
Kimberly Dreisinger
Thyme Care Communications
kimberly@thymecare.com

Rahman joins AON with 15 years of experience in healthcare and oncology.

FORT MYERS, Fla., July 18, 2023 – American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), a fast-growing network of community-based oncology practices, announced this past week that Alti Rahman has joined AON as the company’s chief strategy and innovation officer, effective July 3.  

“AON’s extensive growth over the past four years and success within the community oncology space highlighted the need for a role dedicated solely to driving the company’s business strategy and other key strategic initiatives so that we can continue achieving our goals within our current markets and expand into new ones across the nation,” said AON Chief Executive Officer Todd Schonherz. “Mr. Rahman brings extensive experience in healthcare, serving in oncology for 15 years. His enthusiasm for community oncology and improving cancer care is contagious. He brings great value to our organization, and his experience will no doubt help us expand and grow, positively impacting more patients.” 

Rahman holds a dual master’s degree in business and healthcare administration from the University of Houston and is a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt. Prior to joining AON, Rahman served as the practice administrator at Oncology Consultants in Houston, Texas, a community oncology practice focused on value-based care and continuous operational, cost and quality improvements. 

“My career in healthcare began when I was a mental health case worker,” said Rahman. “The experiences I had led me to pursue a career in healthcare administration, a place where I felt I could not only make a difference but work toward filling the gap between medical interventions and public health goals. AON is breaking down the barriers that hinder many patients from receiving the necessary care and treatments for their diagnoses. The network is vast with healthcare leaders, and I am eager to join the company and be a contributing member to elevating cancer care and closing the cancer care gap.” 

In his role, Rahman will lead the formulation, communication and execution of AON’s business strategy including establishing strategic frameworks for AON to move into new markets and areas. Additionally, he will oversee payer strategy; AON advocacy programs; diversity, equity and inclusion programs; service line development; and practice quality and efficiency initiatives.

“On behalf of the AON Board of Managers, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to Mr. Rahman,” said AON Board of Managers Chairman Shalin R. Shah, DO. “Mr. Rahman has had great success in his previous roles, and his experience is well-suited for elevating AON to the next level and creating a stronger nationwide presence for the company. I look forward to his contributions to AON.”

For more information about AON, visit aoncology.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 106 physicians and 86 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 19 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

Board-certified medical oncologist Dr. Ahmad Fora joins the care team and is accepting new patients.

OLYMPIA, Wash., July 10, 2023 – Vista Oncology, a partner practice of American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), announced the expansion of the care team with a new physician, Ahmad Fora, MD. Dr. Fora is a Board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist, and he is now accepting patients.

Dr. Fora has been caring for cancer patients for more than 10 years and is experienced in treating various cancer types. He received his medical degree from the Jordan University of Science and Technology in Irbid, Jordan. He completed an internal medicine residency at the University of Buffalo in Buffalo, New York, and an oncology-hematology fellowship at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo.

“I have been very impressed with the team at Vista Oncology and their holistic and patient-first care approach,” said Dr. Fora. “The practice of oncology is much more than strictly treating the tumor. It involves establishing a shared decision-making environment where personalized evidence-based care can occur that not only welcomes but incorporates the patient’s values and care preferences. As a physician, I approach patient care with the mindset of treating patients as I would like to be treated. I am eager to work alongside my fellow physicians and care team at the practice and contribute to the community oncology presence.”

“We are elated to welcome Dr. Fora to the practice,” said Dr. Joseph Ye, medical oncologist at Vista Oncology. “Our patients will greatly benefit from his experience and expertise. Our goal has always been to provide continuous care and treatment options for cancer patients in a community setting. With Dr. Fora joining our team of physicians, we will be able to keep our promise and deliver the quality of care our patients deserve.”

Vista Oncology joined AON in late 2019. As a partner practice of AON, the practice receives a wide variety of resources and support to ensure patient care remains the top priority. Such resources and support include the in-house specialty pharmacy and home delivery of oral oncolytic medications, centralized laboratory and pathology, a dedicated care management team and patient financial counseling services.

“AON’s mission is to ensure the viability of community oncology and ensuring local access to cancer care and treatments remains available to all patients, no matter where they live,” said Dr. Stephen “Fred” Divers, chief medical officer at AON. “Without physicians who are dedicated to practicing in a community setting, most Americans would have to travel long distances for their appointments and care. We are excited to welcome Dr. Fora to the network and look forward to supporting him and Vista Oncology.”

For more information about AON, visit aoncology.com/. For more information about Vista Oncology, visit vista-oncology.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 106 physicians and 86 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 Vista Oncology
Vista Oncology was formed in 2008 by our physicians as a privately owned clinic. Our physicians and nursing staff maintain a holistic approach toward our patients and their families in order to provide them with the highest level of care and compassion. Vista’s partners and care teams are leaders in scientific discovery for the prevention, treatment, and curing of cancer. They include UW Medicine, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, and Virginia Mason Medical Center. Our partners and care teams offer cutting-edge care options and nationally recognized research teams. Learn more at vista-oncology.com/.

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

Low Country Cancer Care physician presented findings on desmoplastic melanoma.

SAVANNAH, Ga., June 19, 2023 – Local medical oncologist of Low Country Cancer Care (LCCC), a partner practice of American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), Dr. George Negrea co-authored a research paper that was selected and presented at the 2023 American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting, which was held on April 14 through the 19.

The paper titled “High Response Rate with Single Agent Anti-PD-1 in Patients with Metastatic Desmoplastic Melanoma” was a collaboration between 25 physicians. The research explored the response rate of patients with desmoplastic melanoma who were being treated with the drug pembrolizumab, an immune inhibitor designed to keep cancer cells from suppressing the immune system. The findings reported that patients respond well to the single-agent PD-1 blockade with this specific drug.

To view the research and findings, visit abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/10828/presentation/10250.

“With an overall incidence rate of two cases per one million individuals, desmoplastic melanoma accounts for less than 4% of all primary cutaneous melanomas,” said Negrea. “Its clinical behavior differs from other subtypes of melanoma in that it is frequently amelanotic and usually found in highly sun exposed areas. Pathologic characteristics include high tumor burden and absence of BRAF and NRAS hotspot mutations. The SWOG S 1512, which I co-authored, demonstrated that patients with metastatic desmoplastic melanomas are exceptional responders to single agent anti-PD–1 therapy. The study showed an 89% partial and complete response to single agent immune checkpoint inhibitor. Based on this data, the pathologic subtype of desmoplastic melanoma can be used as a predictive biomarker for response to single agent pembrolizumab.”

“Participating in research studies is crucial in advancing cancer care and providing excellent patient care that every individual deserve,” said Katie Goodman, AON’s vice president of clinical research. “I encourage AON’s physicians to take part in the investigation of cancer treatments, thereby making AON a top institution and contributor in cancer research.”

LCCC is a partner practice of AON, one of the fastest-growing networks of community oncology practices that work to deliver local access to quality and affordable cancer care. The practice joined the network in late 2020. As a partner, LCCC has access to multiple resources, support and services, such as an in-house specialty pharmacy and financial aid assistance for patients, so that physicians can focus on patient care.

For more information about AON, visit aoncology.com/. For more information about LLC, visit lcccsav.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 106 physicians and 86 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 Low Country Cancer Care
The physicians of Low Country Cancer Care are specialists in the treatment and prevention of cancer and blood disorders. Low Country Cancer Care is devoted to the care of our patients as well as the prevention and eradication of these types of diseases. Low Country Cancer Care is constantly striving to provide advanced treatment and world-class medicine in a warm, compassionate, and personalized environment. The experienced and highly trained team is dedicated to providing the highest-quality diagnosis, treatment, care and trust for their patients. Their goal is to provide unsurpassed care with a human touch. Learn more at lcccsav.com/.

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

AON physicians and leaders share their latest cancer findings with fellow thought leaders at the annual conference.

FORT MYERS, Fla., June 6, 2023 – American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) announced that six research papers, co-authored by AON physicians and the vice president of pharmacy operations, were accepted and presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2023 Annual Meeting, which was held on June 2 and ended on June 6.

The following abstracts were selected either for poster discussions or presentations during the conference:

• Ralph V. Boccia, MD, FACP, of The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, co-authored a study on advanced colorectal cancer:
  • Randomized phase 2 study of DKN-01 plus FOLFIRI/FOLFOX and bevacizumab versus FOLFIRI/FOLFOX and bevacizumab as second-line treatment of advanced colorectal cancer (DeFianCe) (Abstract TPS275). 
• Arvind Chaudhry, MD, PhD, of Summit Cancer Centers, co-authored four studies:
  • Preliminary results of a phase 1/2, first-in-human, open-label, dose escalation study of ZL-1211 (anti-Claudin 18.2 mAb) in patients with unresectable or metastatic solid tumors (Abstract 2537). 
  • BELLWAVE-003: A phase 2 dose escalation, confirmation, and cohort expansion study of nemtabrutinib in hematologic malignancies (Abstract TPS7593). 
  • XMT-1660: A phase 1b trial of a B7-H4 targeted antibody drug conjugate (ADC) in breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers (Abstract TPS3154).
  • waveLINE-006: A phase 2 study of the safety and efficacy of zilovertamab vedotin as monotherapy or in combination in patients (pts) with aggressive and indolent B-cell malignancies (Abstract TPS7595).
• Melody Chang, RPh, MBA, BCOP, AON’s vice president of pharmacy operations, co-authored a study on biosimilar uptake:
  • Biosimilar uptake and cost savings analysis before and after implementation of a pharmacist-driven substitution program within a National Community Oncology Network: One-year follow-up (Abstract 6516).

“I am proud that our abstract has been selected for discussion at this year’s ASCO annual meeting,” said Chang. “It is important for a community oncology practice to have a strategy in adopting biosimilars so that we can stay competitive and be able to deliver quality care at the same time as controlling costs. Our study results demonstrate that AON’s Pharmacist-Driven Biosimilar Substitution Program has not only increased the adoption of biosimilars but has also significantly reduced costs for patients, payers and providers.”

“I am extremely proud to represent the AON network at ASCO with four accepted abstracts,” said Chaudhry. “I strongly feel that clinical trials need to be available for our patients in the community setting. This fits with the broader AON mission.”

“Our physicians and leaders are at the forefront of cancer care, committed to discovering new findings that improve treatments for not only their patients but the millions of Americans facing cancer diagnoses,” said AON Chief Executive Officer Todd Schonherz. “Congratulations to Dr. Boccia, Dr. Chaudhry and Ms. Chang. To have their studies featured at the ASCO Annual Meeting is an honor not only for them but for all of AON.”

The ASCO Annual Meeting brings together today’s top leaders in healthcare. Over the course of several days, attendees can attend over 200 sessions that support the year’s theme of Partnering with Patients: The Cornerstone of Cancer Care and Research created by Dr. Eric Winer, president of ASCO.

“Cancer is constantly evolving and that creates challenges for physicians who are working to develop the most effective therapy regime for their patients,” said AON Research Committee Chairman Dr. Boccia, Board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist at The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. “It is our duty to remain vigilant in research and education so that we can provide patients with quality care and treatments. The physicians within our network are dedicated to closing the cancer care gap, which starts by researching and then sharing the latest findings in cancer.”

Several of AON’s practices are research sites, including four that are strategic research sites for the Sarah Cannon Research Institute and six additional practices offering diverse clinical trials to their patients. AON practices actively enroll patients in more than 150 clinical trials. These services are offered at a community level and close to where patients live, which has been beneficial to patients’ overall cancer journey.

“At AON, our goal is to bring high-quality cancer care and treatments to all communities and that includes cancer research and clinical trials,” said Boccia. “When these resources and support are available in the communities where patients live, we can continue to serve patients with the best care possible.”

For more information about AON, visit aoncology.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 106 physicians and 86 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 17 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