This session included two case studies on Physician Practices.
Case Study: New Mexico Oncology Hematology Consultants, Ltd.
This case study was presented by Barbara L. McAneny, M.D., Chief Executive Officer, New Mexico Oncology Hematology Consultants, Ltd. One of the goals of New Mexico Oncology is to provide cancer care by making our practice indispensable to the local structure of health care delivery. It is necessary, but not sufficient, that the patients demand access, so our major focus is on providing patients with everything they want as well as need. We must also provide a diversity of services so that we are not as vulnerable to changes in payment. Our newest challenge is to preserve the economic viability of our referral sources.
Case Study: The West Clinic
This case study was presented by Lee S. Schwartzberg, M.D., FACP, Medical Director, The West Clinic. The West Clinic is a multi-specialty group focusing on oncology, hematology, and other advanced medical care. The programmatic vision has always been to provide comprehensive state-of-the-art treatment in a patient-focused environment. Innovations supporting that vision include CT radiology beginning in 1989, MRI and PET scanning beginning in 2001, and a full array of interventional radiology services. Locally, the clinic coordinated innovative hospital-practice arrangements for specialized services such as genetic counseling and high-dose chemotherapy/stem cell transplantation. Commitment to research has always been a focus for the West Clinic as a flagship of ACORN, a national research network of over 30 practices conducting pharmaceutical Phase I-IV research utilizing a centralized model. Recently, the West Clinic merged with a leading cardiology group, in order to optimize imaging efficiencies and office space. Further, in 2006, the West Clinic opened its first international clinic, West Clinic Singapore. West Clinic Shanghai opens in October 2007. Our international operations strive to bring comprehensive Western oncology expertise to the emerging Asian market.