Practice News
Illiniois Cancer Specialists: The New Leader in Cancer Care
Two Chicago area oncology care practices to become Illinois Cancer Specialists
More than 20 physicians unite to enhance cancer patient services in Chicago
Chicago and The Woodlands, Texas (Sept. 22, 2011) — Two well-known and highly respected oncology care practices in the Chicago area, Cancer Care and Hematology Specialists of Chicagoland (CCHSC) and Hematology Oncology Associates of Illinois (HOAI), announced today that they will merge to become Illinois Cancer Specialists (ICS). The newly integrated practice will have seven locations throughout the Chicago area and will continue as an affiliate of The US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest networks of community-based oncologists dedicated to advancing cancer care and improving the cancer patient experience.
“This is an exciting merger for Chicago area cancer patients,” said Stephanie Williams, M.D., practice president, Hematology Oncology Associates of Illinois. “The collaboration will unite the intelligence and resources of more than 20 local oncologists who will offer state-of-the-art, comprehensive cancer care and enhanced services to cancer patients and their caregivers in the comfort and convenience of a community setting.”
Illinois Cancer Specialists will provide Chicago area cancer patients with advanced, comprehensive, compassionate cancer care. The newly formed practice will integrate their clinical teams to employ the latest technologies and drug therapies to ensure patients receive high-quality care for their particular diagnosis in a collaborative, comprehensive setting. ICS treatment centers will feature outpatient treatment and diagnostic facilities including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, positron emission tomography (PET), computerized tomography (CT), stem cell transplant, clinical research, laboratory, x-ray studies and specialized pharmaceuticals.
“I am excited about the combined expertise and resources of our practices as well as the opportunities this collaboration will bring to cancer care in the Chicago community,” said David Hakimian, M.D., practice president, Cancer Care and Hematology Specialists of Chicagoland.“I look forward to growing our state-of-the-art clinical research program. This program provides patients with easy access to novel cancer therapies that have the possibility of improving the overall quality of cancer care today and in the future. For patients with those rare and tough cancers, clinical research offers hope for a longer and better quality of life.”
As an affiliate of The US Oncology Network, patients treated by ICS will have access to a variety of valuable patient services and the comfort of knowing their physician is part of a nationwide network of more than 1,000 physicians who collaborate to bring quality care to patients in local towns across America. Patients have access to clinical trials matching and proactive patient support calls from trained nurses who help them manage their disease and side effect symptoms between visits. They also can utilize the tools and resources of CURE magazine as well as the Cancer Profiler Tool on the ICS website to assist them in making informed treatment decisions. In addition, qualified patients have access to Patient Assistance Support to help them gain access to financial assistance.
“These physician practices have been affiliates of The US Oncology Network for more than a decade,” said Roy Beveridge, chief medical officer, McKesson Specialty Health. “By joining forces, they will bring a strong collaboration of expertise and a long tradition of compassionate cancer care to an even higher level.”
Illinois Cancer Specialists serves the communities in and around the Chicago area with seven locations including Arlington Heights, Elmhurst, Chicago, Niles and Morton Grove.
About Illinois Cancer Specialists
Illinois Cancer Specialists (ICS) is dedicated to providing convenient, compassionate and leading-edge cancer care to patients in Chicago and the surrounding areas. With more than 20 physicians and seven locations, ICS brings patients advanced cancer care, along with the tools, resources and support they need to help them through their cancer journey. ICS is proud to offer more: more physician collaboration, more clinical trials and more convenient locations. Find out how patients are a priority at Illinois Cancer Specialists, by visiting www.OurOnlyCareisYou.com.
Illinois Cancer Specialists is united in healing with The US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest community-based cancer treatment and research networks focused on advancing cancer care in America. As an affiliate of The US Oncology Network, ICS is united with more than 1,000 physicians and 10,000 cancer professionals nationwide. Illinois Cancer Specialists participates in clinical trials through US Oncology Research, which has helped to develop 43 FDA approved cancer therapies. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.
Media Contacts:
Claire Crye
McKesson Specialty Health
(281) 863-6783
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Christy Sullivan
Illinois Cancer Specialists
(847) 421-4919
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