Allegheny Health Network (AHN) www.ahn.org, a provider of innovative cancer care and Highmark Health www.hithmarkhealth.org an integrated healthcare delivery and financing network, are going to invest more than $200 million to provide more access to oncology services in Western Pennsylvania and other markets in Central Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia.
Plans include constructing a new state-of-the-art academic cancer institute facility on the campus of Allegheny General Hospital, provide additional community cancer treatment centers across western parts of Pennsylvania, make major investments in new technologies, and expand Highmark’s and AHN’s relationship with Johns Hopkins Medicine www.hopkinsmedicine.org.
As part of the expanded relationship with Johns Hopkins Medicine, AHN cancer patients will have information on clinical trials being led by the Hopkins team, including some trials that will be offered in Western Pennsylvania. The combined effort with the two cancer programs will conduct more than 600 active clinical trials.
The collaboration between AHN and Johns Hopkins will also include:
- Remote consultations and second opinions at Johns Hopkins Medicine with streamlined access to enable AHN patients gain access to Johns Hopkins Medicine
- Peer-to-peer consultations on general clinical issues and treatment options
- Development of technological innovations to treat cancer and provide patients with access to technologies and treatments at Johns Hopkins Medicine for rare and complex adult and pediatric cancers
- Advanced molecular testing provided by Johns Hopkins Medicine to guide more personalized and effective treatments for AHN patients diagnosed with late-stage malignancies
- A new referral collaboration with Johns Hopkins Medicine for patients requiring lung and pediatric bone marrow transplantation
This agreement also establishes Johns Hopkins Medicine as a Preferred Referral Partner for Highmark patients with rare and complex adult and pediatric cancers. The partnership will include a concierge program to help members understand their benefits and if needed, coordinate and streamline care at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore at the best possible value.
“Collaboration among doctors and institutions is essential to winning the war against this formidable disease,” said David Parda, M.D., Chair, AHN Cancer Institute. “The partnership is an excellent example of how like-minded organizations can come together, share knowledge and resources, and develop new paradigms for care and coverage that will advance our capabilities.”