Fairfax Northern Virginia Hematology Oncology Changes its Name to Virginia Cancer Specialists

FAIRFAX, Va., Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Fairfax Northern Virginia Hematology Oncology, P.C. (FNVHO), a 30-physician practice that has contributed to the campaign against cancer and diseases of the blood for more than three decades, has announced that it has changed its name to Virginia Cancer Specialists, P.C. (VCS). VCS is an affiliate of the United Network of US Oncology, the nation's largest network of community-based oncologists dedicated to advancing cancer care and improving the cancer patient experience.

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"The new name more accurately reflects who we are with expanded service from Arlington to Winchester and puts a stronger emphasis on our quality patient care," said Linda Anderson, executive director, VCS. "The name Virginia Cancer Specialists is an outward sign that we are seeing tremendous enhancement in the quality of care and customer service for our patients as well as growth in our research program and clinical trials."

Virginia Cancer Specialists offers a full range of oncology and hematology services, including clinical research and the use of evidence-based medicine and proactive patient support services. These provide patients with the best opportunity for a positive outcome and help to provide an overall better patient experience. As part of the US Oncology Research Network, Virginia Cancer Specialists participates in innovative clinical trials. The network has also played a role in the development of 42 cancer therapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In only three and a half years, patients enrolled in clinical trials at VCS more than doubled, and this number is continuing to grow.

"In 2007, we enrolled 74 cancer patients into clinical trials," said Anderson. "We aren't even in the fourth quarter of 2010, and we've already enrolled 166 patients. To add to that, VCS is the only site in Northern Virginia to offer the new drug Provenge, the first vaccine and latest immunotherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer. This is a huge testament of our commitment to bring cutting-edge research to our community."

Virginia Cancer Specialists serves the communities in the Northern Virginia area with nine locations located in Alexandria, Arlington (two locations), Fair Oaks, Fairfax, Gainesville, Loudoun, Winchester and Woodbridge.

"The main focus of physicians and staff at Virginia Cancer Specialists is caring for our patients in the best way possible," said Dr. Arthur Kales, practice president, VCS. "The name change represents a renewed commitment to improving cancer care and the overall patient experience. We don't want to only treat the cancer; we want to care for the whole patient, emotionally and physically. That's why we've launched the VCS new World Class Customer Service initiative that focuses on our new patient services campaign, A New Way of Caring.

Virginia Cancer Specialists has always had a stellar reputation for high quality cancer care and now has a new vision to take patient satisfaction to a higher level. Everything from improved signage around the office to fine tuning plans for a new patient portal that will give patients greater access to their medical team and records, A New Way of Caring emphasizes that at Virginia Cancer Specialists, the patient comes first.

"We are extremely excited about our new initiative and where VCS is headed," said Dr. Kales. "Caring for patients is our specialty, and we are always looking for ways to enhance that care."

The VCS new World Class Customer Service initiative will improve practice processes to be more convenient and accommodating for their patients both clinically and administratively. In line with the US Oncology Practice Quality and Efficiency (PQE) model, VCS is enhancing the patient experience. The PQE model, developed by US Oncology, uses elements of Lean Six Sigma to increase office efficiencies, mobilize change and make overall customer service improvements that result in better patient care - including shorter patient wait times and easy appointment scheduling.

Virginia Cancer Specialists is United in Healing with US Oncology. Patients treated through VCS have access to US Oncology's vast patient services including clinical trials matching, Patient Assistance Support to help qualified patients gain access to financial assistance, proactive patient support calls from trained nurses who check on patients between physician visits, use of the Cancer Treatment Tool on the VCS website, access to the tools and resources of CURE Magazine, and the comfort of knowing their physician is part of a nationwide network of physicians who collaborate on tough cases to bring the best care to patients in their own hometown.

"Our new patient initiatives combined with US Oncology's patient services and our shared commitment to personalized and evidence-based medicine will catapult the cancer care Virginia Cancer Specialists gives to patients to a higher level than ever before," said Kales. "Caring for patients is our passion. We are excited to improve our service at VCS and provide our patients and their families with a better experience."

About Virginia Cancer Specialists

For more than 30 years, Virginia Cancer Specialists (VCS) has contributed to the campaign against cancer and diseases of the blood. VCS has nine locations throughout Northern Virginia staffed by highly-skilled physicians, each promising exceptional care. This care consists of advancements in early detection, treatment, and clinical trials. Offering emotional as well as physical support, VCS is home to the world's most advanced cancer treatment capabilities. By illustrating the outpatient emphasis of cancer treatment, VCS allows physicians and patients to create an individual plan in a familiar setting.

Virginia Cancer Specialists is United in Healing with US Oncology, Inc., the leading integrated oncology company. US Oncology unites the nation's largest community-based cancer treatment and research network to expand patient access to high-quality care and advance the science of cancer care. As a member of the United Network of US Oncology, physicians and clinicians at Virginia Cancer Specialists are united with more than 1,000 physicians and 10,000 cancer professionals from across the country. Through its affiliation with US Oncology and the US Oncology Research network, Virginia Cancer Specialists participates in innovative clinical trials. The network has also played a role in the development of 42 cancer therapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more information, visit www.usoncology.com or www.virginiacancerspecialists.com.

SOURCE Virginia Cancer Specialists