NGOC to share expertise with United Network of US Oncology

Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers (NGOC), a medical practice dedicated to delivering high quality, cost-effective oncology and hematology services to patients in Northwest Georgia, and US Oncology, Inc., the nation's leading integrated oncology company, announced today that NGOC has joined the United Network of US Oncology. The practice, which remains independently owned by its physicians, now has expanded resources from a nationwide network of physicians and clinicians who collaborate to enhance the science and delivery of cancer care.

NGOC is proud to share its expertise with the United Network of US Oncology, which connects more than 1,000 oncologists who share ideas and best practices and collaborate on tough patient cases. The network practices work together to share expertise in all areas of community-based oncology including operational excellence, clinical research and evidence-based medicine.

Cancer care is one of the most complex specialties in medicine. Patients diagnosed with cancer want access to state-of-the-art care and treatments that provide them with the best chance at survival. "We are excited to join in on the collaboration and shared knowledge of a national network of leading oncologists," said Bruce Gould, M.D., president and medical director of NGOC. "By joining the United Network of US Oncology, we can expand our clinical informatics and research offerings so that more patients will have greater access to cutting-edge therapies. This union is a win for our patients."

"We're honored to have Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers join the United Network of US Oncology," said Roy Beveridge, M.D., executive vice president & medical director of US Oncology. "Their physicians are known for their high-quality and compassionate care. We believe they will make an excellent addition to our network."

"US Oncology is not just another GPO," said Scott Parker, executive director of NGOC. "It's a comprehensive, oncology-focused solution that offers competitive drug pricing, dependable distribution, innovative payer programs, and technology solutions that will help us maintain our viability in these challenging times. We're excited to be a part of the United Network of US Oncology."

Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers has 20 medical oncologists who work in 11 medical oncology locations and five local area hospital systems – which helps patients access cancer treatment services. NGOC physicians and staff provide state-of-the-art care through consultation services, comprehensive office infusion services, patient education, and coordination of ancillary care. Under this new relationship, patients treated for cancer at NGOC will have access to US Oncology's vast patient services including CURE Magazine and the Cancer Profiler on NGOC's website. NGOC patients will have the added comfort of knowing their local physician is part of a nationwide network of cancer experts who work together to ensure all patients receive the highest quality care.

In addition, Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers can take advantage of US Oncology's valuable drug management solutions, clinical support and shared best practices, as well as benefit from payer relationships that recognize and reward the network for providing high-quality, evidence-based care.

"With this new partnership, we can enhance our practice and our patient care locally while helping develop the United Network of US Oncology," said Dr. Gould.