Chilton Hospital Engages Aptium Oncology for Cancer Service Line Expansion and Physician Alignment

LOS ANGELES, March 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Chilton Hospital, a 260-bed, acute care community hospital in New Jersey, has signed a three-year agreement with Aptium Oncology to develop and grow its cancer service line.

The move is a critical component of Chilton's strategic vision to enhance its oncology program and become the leading provider of cancer services in its market.  Like many other communities across the country, Chilton anticipates an increase in demand for cancer services. This trend is being driven by demographic shifts and wider access to screening which has resulted in earlier diagnosis and greater treatment options for patients. Aptium Oncology will partner with Chilton to help develop the hospital's cancer program, as well as provide expertise and guidance on physician alignment, clinical program development, strategic investment in clinical modalities, program marketing and satellite development.

"As the pioneer in developing comprehensive outpatient cancer programs, Aptium Oncology has the extensive expertise required to help us develop a market-leading cancer program in our community," said Deborah K. Zastocki, DNP, RN, president and chief executive officer of Chilton Hospital. "Aptium will work with us to navigate the complexities of regulation, technological advances, physician alignment and reimbursement so that we can achieve our strategic objectives rapidly and successfully. We look forward to a productive collaboration."

Stephen Bordelon, executive vice president of business development at Aptium Oncology, lauds the opportunity to work with a hospital known for its focus on quality care. "We are excited to work with a highly regarded hospital like Chilton, which has demonstrated its commitment to serving the needs of its community by developing leading clinical programs. The cancer program will bring together the most current treatment modalities, with a strong focus on providing patient-centered care."  

Located about 25 miles west of New York City, Chilton Hospital serves residents from 33 communities.

It has more than 600 physicians representing 60 different specialties, and features some of the most sophisticated diagnostic and therapeutic equipment available. In addition, it has earned numerous accreditations and awards for its quality of care.

About Chilton Hospital

Chilton Hospital is a fully accredited, 260-bed, acute-care, community hospital Chilton Hospital providing innovative health services in a compassionate and healing environment focused on personalized care.  It is a four-time recipient of the HealthGrades Specialty Excellence Award in Stroke, and Five Star Rated for Stroke Care, the highest possible, for six years in a row. Chilton's many services include minimally invasive and robot-assisted surgery, a state-of-the-art Emergency Department, a Pain Management center, the Sleep Health Institute, the Comprehensive Wound Healing/Hyperbaric Center, the Chilton Cancer Center, the Mother/Baby Center, an American Diabetes Association-recognized diabetes education program and a weight loss surgery program. Chilton has recently embarked on a $24 million modernization project, which includes the Cardiovascular Interventional Lab, the Comprehensive Breast Center and the Total Joint Center. The hospital is located at 97 West Parkway in Pompton Plains, NJ 07444. For more information about Chilton's facilities and services, or to find a doctor by name, specialty, or location, please visit www.chiltonhealth.org or call 1-888-CHILTON.

About Aptium Oncology

Aptium Oncology, Inc. is the premier solution for hospitals and physician practices seeking to develop or enhance their oncology programs.  With more than 25 years of experience in cancer program development, the Los Angeles-based company offers market-leading oncology consulting and management expertise to premier institutions around the country, including NCI-designated programs, academic medical centers and community providers. For more information, visit www.aptiumoncology.com.

SOURCE Aptium Oncology