UnitedHealthcare and Cancer Treatment Centers of America announced a multiyear agreement that will improve access and options for many cancer patients at all four CTCA hospitals.

The agreement was signed July 1, 2009. It gives UnitedHealthcare Options PPO customers the ability to access more than 330 physicians at four CTCA-affiliated cancer treatment facilities. Patients with complex cancer are served by CTCA at hospitals in Philadelphia, Tulsa, suburban Chicago, and Phoenix.

“This is a welcome choice for cancer patients,”Kimberly Perrin, Washington, D.C., who is being treated by CTCA, said that she is a participant in UnitedHealthcare. “Cancer patients need increased access to quality cancer care and more options when it comes to choosing a hospital that is right for each of us.”

To verify that they have access, UnitedHealthcare Options PPO members can call the number at the back of their UnitedHealthcare member ID card. To verify access, cancer patients can also call 888-3537687 to speak to a CTCA information specialist.

“This is very good news for consumers across the nation,”Tom Wiffler, President and CEO of UnitedHealthcare of Illinois. “The addition of CTCA to UnitedHealthcare’s broad national network gives our customers increased choice, and access to affordable, quality health care.”

This agreement is consistent in UnitedHealthcare’s commitment to encourage evidence-based decision making and benefits both employers and employees by encouraging consistent, high-quality healthcare.

“Our new agreement with UnitedHealthcare will enable more patients to access our fully integrated, individualized model of cancer care,”Steve Bonner is the president and CEO at CTCA. “At CTCA, we strive to empower patients as advocates and decision-makers. Giving patients and their families more cancer care options extends that commitment to patient empowerment.”

“Cancer patients deserve choice, access and quality when it comes to medical decisions; among the most important decisions they’ll make in their lives,”Dr. Edgar D. Staren is the senior vice president for clinical affairs at CTCA and chief medical officer.

Visit Cancer Treatment Centers of America to find out more. www.cancercenter.com.