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<\/a><\/a>\nAcross four community oncology practices within The Network, implementation of APP\u2011led new consult models resulted in substantial reductions in time to first appointment, and increased physician capacity. APPs assumed a growing share of new consult visits, helping streamline care delivery and optimize clinical resources while supporting continuity of care for patients with benign hematologic conditions.<\/p>
\n\u201cEnsuring more patients can access the right care, closer to home, is at the heart of community oncology,\u201d said Leslie Busby, MD, chief medical officer, The Network. \u201cThis research shows what's possible when practices leverage the expertise of nurse practitioners and physician assistants alongside their physicians \u2014 patients get faster access to care without compromising the coordinated model that practices have built.\u201d<\/p>
\nThose implications extend beyond clinical outcomes to how care teams are structured in practice.<\/p>
\n\u201cThis research reinforces that access challenges across oncology reflect underlying operational and capacity dynamics within community practices,\u201d said Eileen Vella, director, Advanced Practice Provider Services, The Network. \u201cAPP\u2011led consult models offer a scalable, oncology-wide solution that enables practices to expand access, optimize team design and build sustainable care models that meet growing patient demand.\u201d<\/p>
\nStudy Methodology<\/b><\/p>
\nThe retrospective, multi-site analysis<\/a> across four community oncology practices within The US Oncology Network evaluated APP-led new consult models in benign hematology clinics over implementation periods ranging from approximately one to four years. Across the four sites, the analysis captured data from more than 160 advanced practice providers \u2014 including nurse practitioners and physician assistants \u2014 and encompassed more than 12,500 new patient visits at the largest participating practice alone. Operational and clinical impact were measured using key performance indicators, including new consult volume, APP participation, time to first appointment, percentage of APP visits, and APP engagement, using internal scheduling systems, productivity dashboards, and operational reports. Pre- and post-implementation comparisons assessed changes in access and throughput, with structured patient and physician feedback providing qualitative context on perceived benefits, challenges, and evaluating scalability across diverse practice settings.<\/p> \nOther Research and Activities at ASCO 2026<\/b><\/p> \nNotably, The Network\u2019s researchers are also contributing to the conversation around value-based care delivery. In a poster presentation<\/a>, \u201cRethinking cancer attribution in oncology VBC models: E&M vs treatment-based approach,\u201d researchers examined the complexities of cancer attribution in oncology value\u2011based care models, comparing episode attribution based on evaluation and management visits with attribution based on treatment initiation. Using Enhancing Oncology Model (EOM) performance period data (July 2023\u2013June 2025) from participating practices across The Network, the analysis found that attribution challenges were more common in episodes initiated with oral therapies, underscoring the importance of continued evaluation of attribution methodologies as treatment patterns evolve.<\/p> \nPhysicians across The Network are affiliated with more than 30 studies being presented at ASCO 2026 that highlight clinical and operational findings on a broad spectrum of topics. Additionally, Dr. Debra Patt, president of the Community Oncology Alliance (COA) and executive vice president, oncologist, and breast cancer specialist with Texas Oncology, a practice in The Network, will serve as a discussant during the ASCO Clinical Science Symposium, \u201cOncology 2.0: How Artificial Intelligence Is Closing the Information Gap\u2014Or Is It?\u201d<\/p> \nThe Network is a part of McKesson<\/a>, which has a broad portfolio of oncology and multispecialty solutions and partners that provide research, insights, technologies and services that help to address barriers and improve cancer and multispecialty care. At ASCO, McKesson-supported businesses including The Network, Ontada<\/a>, and Sarah Cannon Research Institute<\/a> (SCRI), are part of approximately 171 accepted abstracts and presentations. These are inclusive of oral and poster presentations, educational sessions, late-breaking studies and early-phase studies. Learn more about SCRI-affiliated studies<\/a> and presentations and Ontada-affiliated abstracts<\/a>.<\/p> \nExpert Panel on Community Oncology During ASCO 2026<\/b><\/p> \nAdditionally, McKesson will be participating in a thought leadership panel hosted by Endpoints News on June 3, 2026, at 12 p.m. ET, titled, \u201cDelivering Excellence, Close to Home.\u201d Panelists include Jason Hammonds, president of Oncology & Multispecialty for McKesson, John Schuler MD, medical director and radiation oncologist with Compass Oncology, and Dr. Patt. Register<\/a> and join the panelists as they share their insights and perspectives on what is working today\u2014and what needs to evolve\u2014to support and strengthen community oncology as a foundational component of the cancer care ecosystem.<\/p> \nAbout The US Oncology Network<\/b><\/p> \nThe US Oncology Network<\/a> (The Network) brings together independent oncology providers to deliver connected care in local communities. The Network empowers practices to remain independent while benefiting from shared expertise, coordinated resources and the support of McKesson. By enhancing operational efficiency, The Network enables providers to focus on what matters most: their patients. From clinical trials and precision medicine to business support and practice growth, The Network equips practices with the tools they need to thrive in today\u2019s complex healthcare landscape. Together, we\u2019re supporting providers in delivering excellence in cancer care \u2014 all while driving innovation, expanding access and improving outcomes.<\/p> \nAbout McKesson Oncology & Multispecialty<\/b><\/p> \nOur Oncology & Multispecialty segment delivers a portfolio of integrated solutions that support patient care by accelerating drug development, expanding access to high-quality care close to home and ensuring life-saving therapies reach the patients who need them most. We provide practice management, technology solutions, specialty drug distribution, clinical trial and group purchasing services, along with pharmacy solutions for community-based oncology practices and multispecialty providers in retina and ophthalmology. We partner behind the scenes with healthcare providers in local communities, supporting their operations so that they can stay focused on who matters most \u2014 patients.<\/p> \nMedia Contacts<\/b>