ION Solutions Launches Precision Medicine Testing Recommendations at Inaugural Precision Medicine Summit

Charlotte, NC. – ION Solutions, a part of AmerisourceBergen and the largest physician service organization and group purchasing organization (GPO) specializing in community oncology, today announced the launch of its new Precision Medicine Testing Recommendations. These recommendations, which were unveiled today during ION Solutions’ inaugural Precision Medicine Summit, include physician-developed guidelines for genetic and genomic testing.

The Precision Medicine Testing Recommendations provide ION Solutions’ network of more than 5,300 community oncologists and researchers with the critical guidance and tools needed to navigate the evolving landscape of genetic testing. Practices will now be able to better determine when and how to test appropriately, manage the challenges of payer reimbursement for testing and, ultimately, connect patients with the most effective personalized treatments. ION Solutions members can access these resources in the new Precision Medicine Center, a web-based access point for real-time industry updates, later this month. To access it, members will be able to click on the Precision Medicine Center button on the homepage of www.iononline.com.

“Researchers anticipate that more than fifty percent of oncology therapies on the market will require testing by 2025. Having access to top operational and educational resources on when and how to offer genetic and genomic tests is imperative for community oncology practices,” said Barry Fortner, Ph.D., Senior Vice President & President of Specialty Physician Services at AmerisourceBergen. “Bringing our network together to discuss precision medicine advancements and these recommendations further demonstrates our dedication to ensuring our providers have all of the necessary resources for providing the most effective and optimal care.”

To develop the recommendations, ION Solutions convened an expert Precision Medicine Advisory Panel – made up of oncologists, pharmacists, nurses and administrative staff – to bring forth their years of experience, perspective and industry knowledge to better inform members of genomic and genetic testing. Panel members walked attendees through the recommendations and Precision Medicine Center during the Precision Medicine Summit. Throughout the two-day conference, providers and patient support staff can attend sessions on the clinical advancements of cancer treatments, evolving payer considerations, and helping patients understand the impact of testing in relation to treatment.

“These recommendations are vital in helping community oncologists stay abreast of the latest updates in precision medicine and the growing number of genomic and genetic tests that can impact care,” said Dr. William N. Harwin, MD, Founder and President of Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute and Chairman of ION Solutions’ Precision Medicine Advisory Panel. “Providers across the country have requested this information and now, with the support of ION Solutions, they will have access to clinical and operational recommendations for six disease states – a game changer for practices looking to provide personalized care to patients.”

ION Solutions is also hosting its second Immuno-Oncology (I-O) Conference on September 7th and 8th in Charlotte. This conference will bring together community oncology physicians, nurses, pharmacists and practice administrators with leading manufacturers to share the latest research and clinical advancements in I-O. The Precision Medicine Summit and I-O Conference are a part of ION Solutions’ ongoing educational conference series. These events are designed to facilitate peer-to-peer learning and networking, as well as strengthen the community of independent physicians dedicated to oncology.

About ION Solutions
ION Solutions, a part of AmerisourceBergen Corporation, is the largest physician service organization and GPO specializing in the support of community oncology. ION provides GPO procurement services, technologies, advocacy resources and expertise to more than half of the community-based oncology practices in the nation to help improve their clinical and operational management. For more information, go to www.iononline.com.

About AmerisourceBergen
AmerisourceBergen provides pharmaceutical products, value-driving services and business solutions that improve access to care. Tens of thousands of healthcare providers, veterinary practices and livestock producers trust us as their partner in the pharmaceutical supply chain. Global manufacturers depend on us for services that drive commercial success for their products. Through our daily work — and powered by our 21,000 associates — we are united in our responsibility to create healthier futures. AmerisourceBergen is ranked #12 on the Fortune 500, with more than $150 billion in annual revenue. The company is headquartered in Valley Forge, Pa. and has a presence in 50+ countries. Learn more at amerisourcebergen.com.