US Oncology Launches New Services Division: Innoven...( Practice-Centric Programs to Help P...),Health

Practice-Centric Programs to Help Payers and Providers Contain Costs and

Improve Patient Outcomes Together

HOUSTON, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- US Oncology, Inc. today announced the launch of Innovent Oncology, a service division that offers a first-time opportunity for oncologists and health plans to work together through integrated programs designed specifically for the complexity of cancer care. With a unique focus on supporting the entire patient cancer care continuum, Innovent Oncology offers payers and oncologists solutions that combine evidence-based treatment guidelines, patient support services and advance care planning to improve clinical outcomes while addressing costs.

"We all want the same thing -- the most effective, compassionate care possible for cancer patients and their families as they go through what can be a very frightening experience," says Michael A. Kolodziej, MD, medical director for US Oncology and medical oncologist with New York Oncology Hematology. "This comprehensive approach helps providers and payers work together to focus on patient services in a way that will improve patient care and manage costs at the same time."

The need to contain cancer costs while continuing to advance clinical science and care is growing more urgent every year. Cancer treatment costs are expected to exceed $100 billion by 2010 with absenteeism, lost productivity and other costs expected to exceed $300 billion in that same year(1). Every year 1.5 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer. Each of the 300 different cancer types requires its own approach to diagnosis and treatment, while a host of emerging therapies are creating even more treatment options. The associated costs are nearing a breaking point that threatens patient access to care.

Innovent Oncology offers an integrated solution that is the only comprehensive program addressing the primary cancer care cost drivers including: the wide va
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