The Role of Oncology in Accountable Care Organizations Free Educational Webinar

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, May 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Community oncologists, practice administrators and clinical staff interested in learning more about Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) and their impact on community-based oncology practices are invited to attend a free webinar at 1 p.m. EDT (10 a.m. PDT) on Wednesday, June 8, 2011. To register, visit http://www.myoncologyservices.com/. Registration is free, but space is limited.

"Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has taken initial steps in the definition of the Medicare Shared Savings Program and its Accountable Care Organization framework through the issuance of its proposed rule," said Matt Brow, vice president, Communications, Government Relations & Public Policy, McKesson Specialty Care Solutions | US Oncology. "For many stakeholders, the proposed rule has offered more questions than answers, but CMS is committed to making substantive changes on the basis of the comments it receives over the coming weeks. We remain focused on working with Congress and CMS to create a sustainable value-based reimbursement approach for the care of Medicare beneficiaries fighting cancer to benefit patients, Medicare and community oncology."

Join Brow as he shares the latest about the Medicare Shared Savings Program, Accountable Care Organizations, and the opportunities and challenges facing community oncology under this Medicare pilot program. Topics include the provisions of the Medicare Shared Savings Program proposed rule issued by CMS, implications of the proposed rule for oncologists, and considerations for oncologists when determining whether to join an ACO.

After the presentation, Brow will hold an open discussion to address questions.

McKesson Specialty Care Solutions | US Oncology continues to invest in key areas including technology and quality programs to ensure that community-based practices prepare for initiatives like ACOs.

About McKesson Specialty Care Solutions | US Oncology

McKesson Specialty Care Solutions | US Oncology, a division of McKesson Corporation, empowers the community patient care delivery system to advance the science, technology and quality of care. Through innovative clinical, research, business and operational solutions, facilitated by integrated technology systems, we improve the financial health of our customers and help them provide quality care for patients. For more information, visit www.mckesson.com/specialty and www.usoncology.com.

About McKesson

McKesson Corporation, currently ranked 15th on the FORTUNE 500, is a healthcare services and information technology company dedicated to making the business of healthcare run better. We partner with payers, hospitals, physician offices, pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies and others across the spectrum of care to build healthier organizations that deliver better care to patients in every setting. McKesson helps its customers improve their financial, operational, and clinical performance with solutions that include pharmaceutical and medical-surgical supply management, healthcare information technology, and business and clinical services. For more information, visit www.mckesson.com.

SOURCE US Oncology