New England Cancer Specialists Receives National Recognition as an Oncology Medical Home

SCARBOROUGH, Maine, June 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 27^th New England Cancer Specialists, one of the last remaining community-based, independent cancer practices in the region, received full accreditation from the Commission on Cancer (CoC) as an Oncology Medical Home.   

This recognition distinguishes NECS as one of the nation's premiere community cancer practices for meeting stringent standards including innovative patient-centered care and engagement, expanded access to advanced evidence- and team-based care and comprehensive quality improvements to deliver high quality and value to the patient. The Oncology Medical Home accreditation was given to only six practices in the country and distinguishes NECS for excellence in providing efficient and convenient access to care at lower costs to the patient and family. 

Daniel P. McKellar, MD, chairman of the Commission on Cancer, states that NECS is "part of an elite group of practices committed to providing high-quality cancer care. Their attention to improving all aspects of care makes them a true Oncology Medical Home."  

NECS offers the full spectrum of services for treating adult cancers and blood disorders. It has a strong clinical trials program to allow patients the option of new therapies and provides a survivorship program to smooth a patient's transition back to wellness.  Because NECS is physician owned, it can provide comprehensive services and advanced treatments at a lower cost than hospital-owned facilities, with the extra benefit of easier access to care.

"A cancer diagnosis is not only physically demanding and medically complex, but can also be emotionally and financially draining for the patient and their family.  We're proud to be recognized for efficient and cost-effective care, multi-disciplinary coordination, compassion, and expertise.  We help navigate our patients through every aspect of the fight," said Dr. Tracey F. Weisberg, President of NECS.  "We seek out the most advanced cancer treatments with our extensive clinical trials program and provide patients with a 'medical home' that is close to their home and an alternative to treatment in a hospital setting.  Our one goal is their best outcome."

The Commission on Cancer is a consortium of 54 professional cancer care advocacy organizations dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, which promotes cancer prevention, research, education, and monitoring of comprehensive quality care. 

New England Cancer Specialists is the largest community-based, independent cancer practice in New England.  This enables NECS to better control costs and strengthen access and availability to the most advanced cancer treatments and clinical trials. 

SOURCE New England Cancer Specialists