Hematology Oncology Associates of Northern New Jersey Joins With the United Network of US Oncology to Protect, Expand and Enhance Quality Patient Care

MORRISTOWN, N.J. and THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Nov. 30, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Hematology Oncology Associates of Northern New Jersey, P.A. (HOANNJ), an independent physician-owned, single-specialty oncology practice with offices in Morristown and Parsippany, and US Oncology, Inc., the nation's leading integrated oncology company, today announced their new collaboration to protect, expand and enhance patient access to high-quality, evidence-based cancer care and clinical research through the United Network of US Oncology.

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"Medical oncology is a complex specialty with rapidly changing treatment opportunities. To continue to deliver the best care to our patients, we need to affiliate with a nationwide network of community oncologists who share our vision to provide the best care to patients, and who are committed to delivering that care more efficiently and cost-effectively," said Steven W. Papish, M.D., FACP, partner, HOANNJ and medical director at the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center. "In affiliating with US Oncology, we're not just joining a GPO, we're joining a comprehensive, oncology-focused, nationwide network of prestigious cancer care physicians and we're affiliating with a company that offers strategically designed, physician-led, evidence-based medicine guidelines, competitive drug pricing, research, technology and quality-focused payer solutions that will move the industry forward. We've been involved with US Oncology Research for years; now is the time to unite with the network overall to drive effective change that will protect, expand and enhance quality patient cancer care for the future."

In joining the United Network of US Oncology, HOANNJ is expanding upon their current relationship with US Oncology Research, which brings clinical trials to patients in a community setting. Through this new relationship, the two organizations will bring their shared expertise in quality patient care to cancer patients throughout the Northern New Jersey area to give cancer patients the best opportunities for positive outcomes.

"Hematology Oncology Associates of Northern New Jersey and US Oncology share a common vision: to provide the best outcomes and the best experience possible for patients battling cancer," said Roy Beveridge, M.D., executive vice president and medical director at US Oncology. "Their experienced professionals are experts in the development and implementation of treatment strategies customized to meet the needs of each individual patient. And like many of their new colleagues in the United Network of US Oncology, their renowned team of board-certified physicians hold positions with American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and American Society of Hematology (ASH). Several have also been named Best Doctors in America and have been cited by New Jersey Monthly and New Jersey Life magazines as "Top Doctors" in New Jersey. We're excited to have them join our movement to protect, expand and enhance quality patient care in local communities throughout Northern New Jersey and the nation."

The United Network of US Oncology is the nation's largest network of community-based oncology physicians. They are committed to expanding patient access to high-quality, cost-effective cancer care and to advancing the science of cancer care. Members of the United Network of US Oncology collaboratively develop and apply evidence-based medicine and shared best practices that ensure patients receive high-quality cancer care in their own communities, today and in the future. To accomplish this, they use a data-driven approach that can be tracked and measured to encourage public and private payers to recognize and reward physicians for providing high-quality, proven care.

US Oncology gains its strength from being a physician-centered organization where every physician affiliated with the United Network of US Oncology has a say in the vision and focus of the organization. This includes representation on clinical and public policy committees where members play a key role in developing evidence-based guidelines, quality initiatives and setting policy for the network.

Hematology Oncology Associates of Northern New Jersey is a 12-physician, single-specialty physician-owned practice with two locations in Morristown and Parsippany, N.J. By affiliating with US Oncology, patients treated for cancer at HOANNJ will have access to US Oncology's vast patient services including use of the Cancer Treatment Profiler on HOANNJ's website, free access to CURE Magazine, and the comfort of knowing their physician is part of a nationwide network of physicians who collaborate to bring the best care to patients in their own hometowns.

About Hematology Oncology Associates of Northern New Jersey

Hematology Oncology Associates of Northern New Jersey (HOANNJ) believes in a promise of hope and a commitment to care®. We work hand-in-hand with patients, families and primary care physicians to ensure everyone thoroughly understand the illness and latest treatment options. We make certain that referring physicians are continually updated on treatment and progress so that patients can experience the comfort and emotional support that continuity of care provides. HOANNJ is a 12-physician single-specialty cancer care practice with offices in Morristown and Parsippany. Through our affiliations, we cover virtually every facet of cancer care. We offer the very latest in traditional therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy, and we integrate complementary medicine techniques, including relaxation therapy, guided imagery, meditation, yoga, massage and other mind/body modalities. We have spent over 30 years building our outstanding reputation for delivering the highest level of treatment and care for individuals with cancer and blood disorders. For more information, visit www.hoannj.com.

About US Oncology

US Oncology, Inc. is the nation's leading integrated oncology company. By uniting the largest community-based cancer treatment and research network in America, US Oncology expands patient access to high-quality care and advances the science of cancer care. Headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, US Oncology is affiliated with 1,400 community-based oncologists, and works with patients, hospitals, payers, and the medical industry across all phases of the cancer research and delivery continuum. By promoting the use of innovative technology, clinical research, evidence-based medicine and shared best practices, US Oncology improves patient outcomes and offers a better patient experience. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.

About United Network of US Oncology

US Oncology unites the nation's largest network of community-based oncology physicians through the United Network of US Oncology. These like-minded physicians are united around a common vision of expanding patient access to high-quality cancer care in communities throughout the nation. Leveraging healthcare information technology, shared best practices, refined evidence-based medicine guidelines, and quality measurements, physician members of the United Network of US Oncology are committed to advancing the quality, safety, and science of cancer care to improve patient outcomes.

SOURCE US Oncology, Inc.