National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and AWAC, LLC Collaborate to Enhance Quality and Outcomes in Cancer Care

AUGUSTA, Ga., Aug. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AWAC, an inVentiv Health company and a leading provider of proprietary physician-directed, nurse supported, information technology driven medical management solutions to employers, health plans and third-party administrators, proudly announces that it has become an official licensee of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) for use of the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines™) as reference for evaluating cancer care.

The NCCN Guidelines™ – the recognized standard for clinical policy in oncology – are the most comprehensive and most frequently updated clinical practice guidelines available in any area of medicine. Covering 97% of all patients with cancer and updated on a continual basis, the NCCN Guidelines are developed through an explicit review of the evidence integrated with expert medical judgment by multidisciplinary panels from NCCN Member Institutions.

Comprehensive Oncology Care Management™, an Accountable Care Solution™ powered by AWAC, provides a clinically accountable solution focused on promoting cost-effective, safe and integrated care management for patients living with cancer.  The goal is to ensure all patients receive appropriate cancer treatment that is according to current standards of care and backed by reliable evidence. The multi-disciplinary team is led by an in-house hematologist/oncologist, consulting surgical and radiation oncologists, pharmacologist, and is supported by oncology nurses (RN, OCN), case managers (RN, CCM), social work (L-MSW) and nutrition (RD) professionals.

The Comprehensive Oncology Care Management program is honored by the NCCN Recognition Program and is in process for URAC Utilization Management accreditation.

"This collaboration with NCCN is tangible evidence of our commitment to delivering on our corporate mission, providing the best in medical management, which we define as the most appropriate care yielding the best outcomes at the best price," stated Marc Palmer, CEO of AWAC.

"AWAC is proud to be a licensee for the National Comprehensive Cancer Network," said Dr. Beverly Bell, Medical Director of Comprehensive Oncology Care Management. "This collaboration will lead to exceptional value in cancer treatment by further enhancing evidence-based therapy and reporting outcomes validating quality of care."

"The NCCN Guidelines are widely recognized as the standard for clinical practice and policy decision making," said William T. McGivney, Ph.D., NCCN's Chief Executive Officer.  "This licensing agreement with AWAC to utilize the NCCN Guidelines as a reference for ensuring quality care is an example of our collaboration with leading oncology management companies to involve the thought leadership of the NCCN for the benefit of patients with cancer."  

For more information, please visit http://www.nccn.org/healthinfotech/default.asp.

About the National Comprehensive Cancer Network

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®), a not-for-profit alliance of 21 of the world's leading cancer centers, is dedicated to improving the quality and effectiveness of care provided to patients with cancer.  Through the leadership and expertise of clinical professionals at NCCN Member Institutions, NCCN develops resources that present valuable information to the numerous stakeholders in the health care delivery system.  As the arbiter of high-quality cancer care, NCCN promotes the importance of continuous quality improvement and recognizes the significance of creating clinical practice guidelines appropriate for use by patients, clinicians and other health care decision-makers.  The primary goal of all NCCN initiatives is to improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of oncology practice so patients can live better lives.  For more information, please visit www.NCCN.org.

About AWAC

AWAC is a leading provider of physician-directed, nurse supported, proprietary information technology driven, medical management solutions to third-party administrators ("TPAs"), self-funded plans, fully insured plans, employer groups, managing general underwriters ("MGUs") and insurance carriers.  AWAC is headquartered in Augusta, Ga.  For more information, please visit www.awac.md.

About inVentiv Health

inVentiv Health, Inc. is a leading global provider of best-in-class clinical, commercial and consulting services to companies seeking to accelerate performance. inVentiv's client roster includes more than 550 pharmaceutical, biotech and life sciences companies. With 13,000 employees in 40 countries, inVentiv rapidly transforms promising ideas into commercial reality. inVentiv Health Inc. is privately owned by inVentiv Group Holdings Inc., an organization sponsored by affiliates of Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., Liberty Lane Partners and members of the inVentiv management team. For more information, visit http://www.inventivhealth.com.

SOURCE AWAC