Arlene Forastiere, MD, Joins ITA Partners.

Medical risk management company ensures delivery of evidence-based treatment; reduces cost burden in critical illnesses such as cancer and advanced renal disease 

PHILADELPHIA -- ITA Partners, Inc.([R]), announced today that Arlene A. Forastiere, MD, an internationally recognized expert in cancers of the head, neck, larynx and esophagus, starts Aug. 3 as Senior Vice President, Medical Affairs.

Dr. Forastiere, Professor of Oncology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, has led ITA's Medical Advisory Board since 2004. This 12-member board includes leading U.S. oncologists whose work helps set standards in cancer treatment.

Currently specializing in oncology and end-stage renal disease, ITA improves medical outcomes for patients and thus delivers quantifiable cost savings for them and for payers. ITA's medical professionals and patent-pending health information support system ensure treatment meets latest standards; patients receive correct, timely, ongoing care; and patients and their families are prepared to make informed healthcare decisions.

"Payers, patients, and physicians alike value ITA's ability to validate that treatment protocols for patients with cancer and renal disease meet national guidelines, and they value our ability to provide collaborative, personalized support," said Eduardo Beruff, ITA President. "We are delighted to have Dr. Forastiere's leadership and experience as we work aggressively to reduce healthcare costs while dramatically improving patient care and medical outcomes."

"I greatly respect Dr. Forastiere as a clinical researcher committed to delivering quality care," said ITA Chairman Robert L. Comis, MD, who also chairs the Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups. "Her leadership will help ITA expand the impact of its services in filling costly gaps in care that burden our healthcare system."

As Senior Vice President, Medical Affairs, Dr. Forastiere will provide leadership, direction, and guidance to ITA's medical staff, ensure the clinical integrity of ITA services in all of its medical divisions, and increase the scalability of ITA services through its health information technology platform.

"With healthcare reform and swiftly evolving, yet costly advancements in technology and treatment, America must help patients and their doctors access the most appropriate treatments and services," Dr. Forastiere said. "ITA Partners has a ground-breaking model that collaboratively joins patients, physicians, and payers in the push for quality care."

Dr. Forastiere's leadership roles within the oncology community include:

* Directing the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Clinical Trials Research Group at Johns Hopkins;

* Chairing the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Head and Neck Cancer Guidelines Panel;

* Chairing the National Cancer Institute Head and Neck Cancer Clinical Trials Steering Committee;

* Formerly chairing the Medical Oncology Committee of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and the Head and Neck Committee of ECOG; and

* Formerly serving on the Board of Directors of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Dr. Forastiere will continue her work one day a week in the translational research programs in head and neck cancer and esophageal cancer at Johns Hopkins as well as providing leadership in cancer clinical trials at a national level.

ITA Partners, Inc.[R], implements proprietary risk management strategies to improve medical and financial outcomes in critical illnesses. Contracting with insurers, employers, pharmaceutical companies, and patients themselves, ITA focuses on treatment alignment with national standards, patient education and support, and insurance resolution. With an internationally regarded Medical Advisory Board ensuring the company is standards-driven and evidence-based, ITA links patients, physicians, and insurers in the drive for superior treatment results and cost efficiency. ITA operates independently -- it's not a network, specialty vendor, insurer or pharmaceutical company. OncoIQ, ITA's patent-pending medical risk management platform, drives decision support and intervention to improve outcomes and reduce exposure. Visit www.itapartners.com.