Hinsdale Hematology-Oncology Associates Joins United Network of US Oncology to Expand and Enhance Cancer Patient Services in Illinois

HINSDALE, Ill. and THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Jan. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Hinsdale Hematology-Oncology Associates (HHOA), and US Oncology, Inc., a leading integrated oncology company, today announced a new collaboration in Illinois to expand patient access to high-quality, evidence-based cancer care through the United Network of US Oncology.

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Cancer is not a single diagnosis; it is a host of various diseases. Hinsdale Hematology-Oncology Associates applies the most advanced medical solutions, combined with years of professional experience, judgment, and skill to diagnose and treat patients who have cancer and blood disorders, benign and malignant, with evidence-based and compassionate care.

"We pride ourselves on the quality, personalized care we deliver to each and every patient at Hinsdale Hematology-Oncology Associates," said Donald L. Sweet, M.D., F.A.C.P., president, HHOA and director of Adventist Hinsdale Hospital's cancer center. "In uniting with US Oncology and joining the eleven hundred other physicians affiliated with the United Network of US Oncology, we are not only lending our expertise to the prestigious nationwide network, but we are also joining the movement to use scientifically proven guidelines, technology and clinical research to improve the quality and cost of cancer care while simultaneously improving the overall patient experience."

The United Network of US Oncology is one of the nation's largest networks 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.

"Hinsdale Hematology-Oncology Associates is a natural fit for the United Network of US Oncology," said Roy Beveridge, M.D., executive vice president and medical director at US Oncology. "Their physicians and staff are dedicated to providing patients with personalized care that offers each patient the best chance for an optimal outcome. We're honored to have them affiliate with us in the movement for enhanced quality care through the use of physician-led evidence-based guidelines and scientifically proven quality care."

Each professional recruited for HHOA's team - physicians, certified oncology nurses, laboratory, technical, and administrative staff - is committed to offering the best available support to each of the patients and families they serve, based not only on diagnosis and disease-state, but also on each patient's unique and personal needs.

"By design, HHOA operates small, personal practices in local Illinois towns so we can be close-at-hand when patients need us," said Dr. Sweet. "We work hard to ensure our facilities are comfortable so each patient can retain individuality and dignity while receiving treatment in a clinical setting. We pride ourselves on delivering personalized, quality care. In Joining the United Network of US Oncology, we will be able to continue to provide these luxuries for our patients while helping to bring these qualities to other towns throughout the nation. It's a win for all parties involved."

In affiliating with the United Network of US Oncology, cancer patients treated at HHOA will have access to US Oncology's vast patient services including use of the Cancer Treatment Profiler on HHOA'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 possible care to patients in the towns where they live.

About Hinsdale Hematology-Oncology Associates

Hinsdale Hematology-Oncology Associates is a medical specialty group of doctors and allied healthcare professionals concentrating on the care of patients with cancer or disorders of the blood. The physicians in this practice are on the staff of Adventist Hinsdale and Adventist Bolingbrook Hospitals. In addition, all participate in several national research consortiums - the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) and the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP). Through these and other affiliations, HHOA is able to offer state of the art medical care and special services such as experimental chemotherapy, immunologic and biologic modifier therapy, and cancer genetic risk assessment. For more information, visit www.hhoaltd.com.

About US Oncology

US Oncology, Inc., a division of McKesson Corporation, is a leading integrated oncology company. By uniting one of the largest community-based cancer treatment and research networks 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 one of the nation's largest networks 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.