Hematology Oncology Clinic Expands Patient Access to Community-based Clinical Research

Baton Rouge, La., June 24, 2020 Hematology/Oncology Clinic (HOC), a partner practice of American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), will expand opportunities for patients to participate in cutting-edge cancer research, as a strategic research site for Sarah Cannon Research Institute, a global leader in offering community-based clinical trials.

Clinical trials will be offered as a part of HOC’s oncology services at its newly constructed 17,000 square-foot oncology facility in Baton Rouge, La., which includes 20 exam rooms and 37 chemotherapy chairs. HOC offers in-house laboratory, pathology and oral pharmacy services all under one roof so that patients can receive the care they need in one location. Research has shown that having easy and convenient access to expert physician care and a comprehensive range of treatments and support services close to home is vital to a patient’s well-being. By collaborating with Sarah Cannon, HOC is expanding opportunities for patients to participate in cutting-edge cancer research, while reducing the need to drive long distances or travel out of state for care.

Dr. Michael Castine, III

Medical Oncologist Dr. Michael Castine, III, spoke on behalf of the HOC physicians. “My colleagues and I are committed to providing our patients access to the most advanced treatments close to home,” he said. “By bringing both cancer care and research under one roof, we’re able to provide our patients with convenient access to a robust set of treatment options that can be personalized to their individual needs.”

HOC medical oncologists serving patients in Baton Rouge are Dr. Gerald Miletello, Dr. Christopher McCanless, Dr. Michael Castine, III, Dr. Pavani Ellipeddi, Dr. Lauren Juneja and Dr. Sanjay Juneja. HOC provides personalized cancer care in three convenient community locations. The practice also offers 24/7 care management to patients through their affiliation with AON.

AON is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders that provides a unique array of enhanced services to its affiliated community-based oncology practices. It consistently strives to find innovative ways to connect with patients. AON’s community oncology model allows physicians to focus on what matters most — their patients. 

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About Hematology/Oncology Clinic: (HOCBR.com)
Specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders and cancer, the Hematology/Oncology Clinic (HOC) serves patients from offices in Baton Rouge, Hammond and Zachary, Louisiana. Hematology/Oncology Clinic is the practice of Dr. Gerald Miletello, Dr. Christopher McCanless, Dr. Michael Castine, III, Dr. Pavani Ellipeddi, Dr. Lauren Juneja, and Dr. Sanjay Juneja. The practice’s highly trained and experienced clinical staff consists of Nurse Practitioners, Oncology Certified Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses.

For over 30 years HOC’s has provided exceptional quality care including access to innovative clinical trials, home delivery of oral cancer medications from a specialty, in-house pharmacy, timely labs and pathology reports, and on-site infusion therapy. The practice also offers comprehensive supportive care such as 24/7 access to Care Management, nutrition counseling, and much more.

About American Oncology Network, LLC: (AONcology.com)
American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success of community oncology. Launched in 2018, the rapidly growing AON network represents 77 physicians and 46 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 12 states. The executive management team of AON brings more than three decades of oncology practice management experience, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest quality care for patients.

The organization provides unique and comprehensive protocols for managing administrative procedures and enhancing ancillary services for its affiliates. AON is able to aggregate volume and attain economies of scale, as it guides its member physicians and practices through the transition to value-based reimbursement models that improve the patient experience and help to reduce the per-capita cost of cancer care.

AON also provides a unique model of physician led, community-based oncology management. With services such as a centralized specialty pharmacy, diagnostics, pathology, fully integrated electronic medical records, a care management team and a variety of financial assistance programs, an alliance with AON ensures that patients’ experiences will be at the very pinnacle of cancer care today.

About Sarah Cannon Research Institute
Sarah Cannon Research Institute is the research arm of HCA Healthcare’s global cancer institute, Sarah Cannon. Focused on advancing therapies for patients, it is one of the world’s leading clinical research organizations conducting community-based clinical trials throughout the United States and United Kingdom. Sarah Cannon’s network of strategic sites includes hundreds of physicians who engage in research. The organization has led more than 400 first-in-man clinical trials since its inception in 1993, and has been a clinical trial leader in the majority of approved cancer therapies over the last 10 years. Additionally, Sarah Cannon offers management, regulatory, and other research support services for drug development and industry sponsors as well as strategic investigator sites through its contract research organization (CRO), Sarah Cannon Development Innovations. For more information, visit sarahcannon.com.

For More Information, Contact:
American Oncology Network, LLC
Caroline Hewitt
Director of Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com
239.789.2341