Research Presented by The US Oncology Network Demonstrates How Community Practices Are Expanding Patient Access Through APP‑Led Models at ASCO 2026

THE WOODLANDS, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting by The US Oncology Network (The Network), an organization dedicated to advancing cancer care in the community and supported by McKesson, found that new patient consult models in benign hematology led by advanced practice providers (APP) can accelerate access to care and increase capacity across diverse community oncology settings.

Across four community oncology practices within The Network, implementation of APP‑led 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.

“Ensuring more patients can access the right care, closer to home, is at the heart of community oncology,” said Leslie Busby, MD, chief medical officer, The Network. “This research shows what's possible when practices leverage the expertise of nurse practitioners and physician assistants alongside their physicians — patients get faster access to care without compromising the coordinated model that practices have built.”

Those implications extend beyond clinical outcomes to how care teams are structured in practice.

“This research reinforces that access challenges across oncology reflect underlying operational and capacity dynamics within community practices,” said Eileen Vella, director, Advanced Practice Provider Services, The Network. “APP‑led 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.”

Study Methodology

The retrospective, multi-site analysis 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 — including nurse practitioners and physician assistants — 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.

Other Research and Activities at ASCO 2026

Notably, The Network’s researchers are also contributing to the conversation around value-based care delivery. In a poster presentation, “Rethinking cancer attribution in oncology VBC models: E&M vs treatment-based approach,” researchers examined the complexities of cancer attribution in oncology value‑based 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–June 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.

Physicians 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, “Oncology 2.0: How Artificial Intelligence Is Closing the Information Gap—Or Is It?”

The Network is a part of McKesson, 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, and Sarah Cannon Research Institute (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 and presentations and Ontada-affiliated abstracts.

Expert Panel on Community Oncology During ASCO 2026

Additionally, McKesson will be participating in a thought leadership panel hosted by Endpoints News on June 3, 2026, at 12 p.m. ET, titled, “Delivering Excellence, Close to Home.” 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 and join the panelists as they share their insights and perspectives on what is working today—and what needs to evolve—to support and strengthen community oncology as a foundational component of the cancer care ecosystem.

About The US Oncology Network

The US Oncology Network (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’s complex healthcare landscape. Together, we’re supporting providers in delivering excellence in cancer care — all while driving innovation, expanding access and improving outcomes.

About McKesson Oncology & Multispecialty

Our 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 — patients.