US Oncology(R) to Demonstrate iKnowMed(TM) in the EHR Lab at the 2010 ASCO Annual Meeting

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, May 26 /PRNewswire/ -- iKnowMed™, the US Oncology electronic health record (EHR) system, is one of eleven EHR vendors selected to participate in the fourth American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) EHR Lab to be held June 5-7 at the 2010 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago.  US Oncology, the leading integrated oncology company uniting the nation's largest network of community-based oncologists, will feature this state-of-the-art EHR system to show oncologists how this cancer-specific, oncologist-designed solution can meet the special needs of community-based oncology practices.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100517/DA06089LOGO)

"US Oncology recognizes that proper documentation is an essential aspect of top-quality patient care," says Bruce Broussard, Chairman and CEO of US Oncology.  "Having secure patient records and the appropriate oncology decision support tools easily available can ensure patients get the right medication, can help keep cancer care teams focused on the patient rather than on paperwork, and can help further the science of medicine.  We are eager to participate in the ASCO EHR Lab."

The ASCO EHR Lab experience is highly valued by both ASCO members and vendors as a unique opportunity for oncology providers and their practice staff to familiarize themselves with products available for implementation today. One of the strengths of the ASCO EHR Lab is that it is designed to provide a common basis of comparison across different EHR products for ASCO members and other ASCO Annual Meeting attendees, while also offering the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the latest EHR technology. To learn more about the EHR Lab, visit www.asco.org/ehrlab.

"The use of EHRs in oncology has the ability to revolutionize the way that doctors treat patients with cancer," said Cynthia Chavez, vice president of iKnowMed. "ASCO has identified electronic health record systems as an important vehicle for advancing quality care and recognizes that the software's success depends on whether they meet the needs of the practices that will be using them on a daily basis. We are thrilled by the opportunity to participate in the EHR Lab at the 2010 ASCO Annual Meeting to demonstrate first-hand what our system offers to the oncology community."

The US Oncology iKnowMed EHR system is customized exclusively for the unique requirements of cancer care. iKnowMed can present a list of appropriate regimens including US Oncology's Level I Pathways based on the physician's diagnosis and provide safety alerts when patients reach maximum dosing levels or when there are specific drug counter-indications. Additionally, iKnowMed can help to assess patient eligibility for open clinical trials at the practice based on the detailed patient-specific data in the EHR system. This ensures that patients will be considered for the most advanced cancer care available.

About ASCO

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is the world's leading professional organization representing physicians who care for people with cancer. With more than 27,000 members, ASCO is committed to improving cancer care through scientific meetings, educational programs and peer-reviewed journals. For ASCO information and resources, visit www.asco.org.  Patient-oriented cancer information is available at www.cancer.net.

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 more than 1,300 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 iKnowMed™

US Oncology leverages the innovation of iKnowMed, a Web-based oncology-specific electronic health record (EHR) system designed by oncologists to enhance the patient experience and advance the science of cancer care. Developed in 1996 and acquired by US Oncology in 2004, iKnowMed goes beyond delivering standard EHR features by leveraging technology that helps physicians focus on clinical excellence and cost-effectiveness in community cancer care. With more than 1.6 million patient records and 900 oncology users, the system provides insight into quality patient care, and serves as a decision support tool at the point of care by providing staging and diagnosis suggestions according to criteria from the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC). The system also allows access to US Oncology's Level I Pathways -- evidence-based medicine -- and screens new patients for potential clinical trial eligibility for open trials available at the practice. For more information call (866) 216-5053 or visit www.iKnowMed.com.

For more information about US Oncology, visit www.usoncology.com.

SOURCE US Oncology