Varian and McKesson Specialty Health Announce Strategic Agreement for Advanced Radiotherapy Equipment and Software

PALO ALTO, Calif., and THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Oct. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Varian Medical Systems (NYSE: VAR) and McKesson Specialty Health today announced a strategic agreement for the deployment and servicing of Varian advanced radiotherapy equipment and software over a three-year period across The US Oncology Network and Vantage Oncology affiliated sites of care. This multiyear agreement delivers significant value to oncology providers in The US Oncology Network, which now operates the largest system of radiotherapy facilities in the U.S. following the acquisition of Vantage Oncology earlier this year.

Over the next two years, seven Varian TrueBeam^™ and five VitalBeam^™ medical linear accelerators will be installed in The US Oncology Network and Vantage Oncology affiliated cancer centers across the U.S. In addition, McKesson and Varian will collaborate to establish interoperability between McKesson Specialty Health's iKnowMed^SM electronic health record (EHR) system and Varian's ARIA^® oncology information system. The interoperability aims to deliver direct value to all physicians using these information systems in managing patient care. 

"McKesson Specialty Health and The US Oncology Network offer robust, comprehensive practice management capabilities, value-based care expertise, and state-of-the-art technology solutions to its affiliated practices, providing support as they navigate today's challenging healthcare landscape," said Kirk Kaminsky, president of The US Oncology Network and Practice Management for McKesson Specialty Health. "Combined, Vantage Oncology and The US Oncology Network support more than 1,300 affiliated physicians and approximately 400 affiliated sites of care. Bringing them together earlier this year and now executing this strategic agreement with Varian will help our affiliated practices simultaneously enhance clinical capabilities, workflow for physicians, and the quality of patient care while improving the cost-effectiveness of their operations. The specialized hardware, service offerings and roadmap for interoperability with iKnowMed gives clinicians greater efficiency and increased quality of patient care benefits."

"We are honored by the long-term commitment McKesson Specialty Health is making in Varian equipment and technology as part of this agreement," said Kolleen Kennedy, president of Varian's Oncology Systems business. "Our companies share a common goal to develop and deliver the highest level of care. Through this strategic agreement, we are increasing the ability of patients to access the most advanced treatments in their fight against cancer."

About Varian Medical Systems
Varian Medical Systems, Inc., of Palo Alto, California, focuses energy on saving lives by equipping the world with advanced technology for fighting cancer and for X-ray imaging.  The company is the world's leading manufacturer of medical devices and software for treating cancer and other medical conditions with radiation. The company provides comprehensive solutions for radiotherapy, radiosurgery, proton therapy and brachytherapy. The company supplies informatics software for managing comprehensive cancer clinics, radiotherapy centers and medical oncology practices. Varian is also a premier supplier of X-ray imaging components, including tubes, digital detectors, cables and connectors as well as image processing software and workstations for use in medical and industrial settings, as well as for security and non-destructive testing.  Varian Medical Systems employs approximately 7,700 people who are located at manufacturing sites in North America, Europe, and China and sales and support offices around the world.  For more information, visit http://www.varian.com or follow us on Twitter.

About McKesson Specialty Health
McKesson Specialty Health, a division of McKesson Corporation, empowers the community patient care delivery system by helping community practices advance the science, technology and quality of care. Through innovative clinical research, business and operational solutions, facilitated by integrated technology systems, we focus on improving the financial health of our customers so they may provide the best care to their patients. For more information, visit www.mckessonspecialtyhealth.com.

About The US Oncology Network
The US Oncology Network is one of the nation's largest networks of integrated, community-based oncology practices dedicated to advancing high-quality, evidence-based cancer care. A physician-led organization, The US Oncology Network unites like-minded physicians and clinicians around a common vision of improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Leveraging healthcare information technology, shared best practices, evidence-based guidelines and quality measurements, physicians within The US Oncology Network are pioneering new ways to achieve this vision. This includes participation in initiatives that are leading the way toward value-based care such as the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) Oncology Care Model (OCM). The US Oncology Network is committed to strengthening patient access to integrated care in local communities across the nation, including collaboration with a variety of payers, hospitals and academic institutions. The US Oncology Network is supported by McKesson Specialty Health, a division of McKesson Corporation focused on empowering a vibrant and sustainable community patient care delivery system. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.

Media Contacts
Mark Plungy
Varian Medical Systems
+1 (650) 424-5630
[email protected]

Claire Crye
McKesson Specialty Health
+1 (281) 825-9927
[email protected]

SOURCE Varian Medical Systems

Related Links

http://www.varian.com