Royal Philips Electronics, better known in the U.S. as Philips, is partnering with Integrated Oncology Network (ION), a practice management and consulting firm that has helped develop and operate more than 40 radiation oncology centers.
Philips will bring to the partnership its portfolio of imaging products, as well as its experience in home monitoring and unspecified "IT solutions."
Philips manufactures computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammography and PET devices. Its healthcare portfolio also includes products for acute care and patient monitoring.
ION offers expertise in group practice structuring and management, reimbursement analysis, payer contracting, compliance and other essential aspects of cancer center management. ION also provides "minority funding" for starting up cancer centers. The announcement hints that Philips may offer additional funding.
"Together with Philips' leadership and innovation in cancer diagnosis and treatment planning, this alliance will allow us to offer solutions that address the fundamental business and operational needs of 21st-century cancer centers," said Jeffrey Goffman, ION's chairman and CEO. "By giving clinicians and hospitals the support they need to align the business, financial and management aspects of cancer care, they can get back to what matters most--quality patient care."
Last month, GE, a Philips competitor, announced that it was launching a new initiative to improve cancer care. As part of that program, GE launched a contest offering $100 million for the best innovations in cancer treatment.
To learn more:
- read the press release
- see the Healthcare IT News story