US Oncology Applauds Senator Baucus's Healthcare Reform 'Call to Action' for 2009, Supports Collaborative Measures to Enhance Cancer Patients' Access to Care While Improving Quality ...( Senate Finance Committee Chairman...),Health

Senate Finance Committee Chairman's White Paper Outlines Plans to Improve Healthcare Coverage While Launching New Initiatives to Improve Care Quality and Value

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- US Oncology, which supports one of the nation's largest cancer treatment and research networks representing approximately 1,200 oncologists nationwide, commended Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus's (D-MT) "Call to Action: Health Reform 2009," a 104-page blueprint for enhancing healthcare coverage for Americans. US Oncology supports Chairman Baucus's goals to address critical system issues such as improving care quality and value; refocusing on preventive care and wellness; and, creating more sustainable financing methods that will benefit patients, healthcare providers and taxpayers.

"As a dedicated member of the cancer care delivery community, we applaud Senator Baucus's early and aggressive steps in developing a comprehensive reform plan for 2009 and look forward to playing a constructive role in his efforts," said Roy Beveridge, MD, Chairman of the US Oncology Public Policy Steering Committee. "As the plan notes, a key issue facing our nation is our need to strengthen funding and access for Americans' healthcare services. Nowhere is this need greater than covering the costs of care for patients living with cancer. On behalf of US Oncology's caregivers and patients, we look forward to working closely with Sen. Baucus, his colleagues in Congress and the Obama Administration on comprehensive healthcare reform while protecting the integrity of our cancer care delivery system and improving access and delivery of quality cancer care."

A major component of the Baucus plan is to increase focus on prevention and wellness through a greater emphasis on primary care, chronic care management and the use of electronic medical records. US Oncology has already begun to revolutionize cancer care treatment through the use of health informa
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