For community-based oncology practices, delivering exceptional patient care hinges on several factors, with timely and accurate diagnostics being paramount. American Oncology Partners (AOP), established in 2017 and managed by the American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), recognized this critical need and developed a sophisticated in-house pathology laboratory. This strategic initiative significantly benefits community oncology patients by ensuring precision in diagnosis and streamlining treatment planning.
In the era of personalized cancer care, the role of pathology is more crucial than ever. The AOP Pathology Laboratory stands as a cornerstone, providing oncologists within the network with the detailed insights required to formulate effective, individualized treatment strategies. Beyond pathology, AOP’s centralized lab services encompass clinical chemistry, tumor markers, and advanced immunochemistry testing, offering a comprehensive diagnostic suite under one umbrella.
Brad Prechtl, MBA, CEO of AON, emphasizes the advantage this brings to their network: “Our in-house pathology lab empowers community oncology practices nationwide with access to unparalleled diagnostic accuracy. Our team of expert surgical and hematopathologists utilizes cutting-edge technologies to not only classify cancers but also pinpoint specific genetic drivers of tumor growth.” This level of detail is indispensable for targeted therapies and precision medicine approaches.
Claudia French, MBA, MT(ASCP), AON Vice President of Laboratory Services and Operational Excellence, further elaborates on the scope of their accredited facilities: “Our labs are fully accredited and equipped to deliver a comprehensive spectrum of pathology services. This includes advanced techniques such as bone marrow flow cytometry, peripheral blood flow analysis, cytogenetics, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and detailed histology.” She also highlights their capability to perform specialized tests like the PAM-50 test for breast cancer prognostication and the imminent addition of next-generation sequencing (NGS) to their molecular testing repertoire.
Dr. Ryan Olson, Medical Co-Director of Laboratory Services, sheds light on the integrated and patient-centric nature of AOP’s lab services: “Our primary goal is to provide streamlined, integrated laboratory services to our AOP physicians. What sets us apart is the direct integration of our pathologists into patient care. We consider ourselves part of the patient’s physician team, working in close collaboration with their oncologists.” This direct interaction facilitates efficient test ordering and remarkably fast turnaround times for results, minimizing patient wait times and accelerating the initiation of treatment.
A key differentiator of AOP’s approach is proactive pathologist involvement. Unlike reference labs or academic medical centers, AOP pathologists take ownership of the diagnostic process. “Whenever an AOP pathologist encounters a new diagnosis, they proactively order all necessary and appropriate tests,” Dr. Olson explains. “By assuming this responsibility, we ensure comprehensive testing while eliminating redundant or unnecessary procedures. This not only accelerates turnaround times but also contributes to cost-effectiveness.”
Looking ahead, American Oncology Partners is committed to continually enhancing its service offerings. The planned integration of next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a testament to this commitment. NGS technology, known for its speed and cost-efficiency in DNA sequencing, promises to further revolutionize genomic research and testing within the AOP network, paving the way for even more precise and personalized cancer treatments for patients in community settings.
About American Oncology Network, LLC:
Founded in 2017, American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) and American Oncology Partners, PA (AOP) represent a collaborative alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders dedicated to ensuring the sustained success of community oncology practices. With decades of collective experience in oncology practice management, AON’s leadership team empowers physicians to concentrate on their core mission: delivering the highest caliber of patient care. AON provides comprehensive protocols for administrative management and enhances essential ancillary services for its affiliated practices. By aggregating volume and leveraging economies of scale, AON guides its AOP member physicians and practices through the evolving landscape of value-based reimbursement models. This approach enhances the patient experience and contributes to reducing the overall cost of cancer care.
AON’s model is unique in its physician-led, community-based approach to oncology management. Through services like AOP’s centralized specialty pharmacy, advanced diagnostics, pathology, integrated electronic medical records, a dedicated Care Management Team, and various patient financial assistance programs, an alliance with AON ensures that patients receive cancer care that stands at the forefront of current medical advancements.
