Diablo Valley Oncology Joins John Muir Health
Agreement adds 24 providers to strengthen vision for UCSF-John Muir Health Cancer Network
John Muir Health has reached an agreement with Diablo Valley Oncology and Hematology Medical Group, which includes Pacific Urology and West Coast Surgical Associates, to join John Muir Health. The addition of 24 providers and nearly 200 staff is another significant step forward toward realizing John Muir Health’s cancer network vision with UCSF Health — to conquer cancer by improving prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care coordination for patients close to home.
“The addition of these outstanding provider groups will continue the growth, capabilities and excellence of John Muir Health’s medical oncology, radiation oncology, hematology, urology and general and specialized surgical services,” said Mike Thomas, executive vice president and chief transformation officer at John Muir Health. “They will be instrumental in the development of the UCSF-John Muir Health Cancer Network and the building of a new Cancer Center on our Walnut Creek Medical Center campus.”
With the agreement finalized, there will be a transition period before Diablo Valley Oncology (DVO) begins operations as part of John Muir Health in Q3 2021. During that transition, there will be no changes to the care or locations of services for DVO patients.
“Diablo Valley Oncology, Pacific Urology and West Coast Surgical Associates have long-standing and deep commitments to our patients, John Muir Health and the communities we serve,” said Dr. Matthew Sirott, president, chief executive officer and chairman of the Board of Directors for Diablo Valley Oncology. “This is the right affiliation for us with the right health system and at the right time as we develop a new cancer delivery system for our patients that focuses on their individualized needs and offers a comprehensive support structure.”
UCSF Health and John Muir Health are building a world-class Cancer Network to improve cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care coordination for cancer patients throughout the East Bay. The first location opened in the Berkeley Outpatient Center, which UCSF Health and John Muir Health jointly operate, in February 2020. As part of the Cancer Network, patients will benefit from the two institutions’ multidisciplinary strengths, expertise and resources to access the latest treatment advances, while remaining in their East Bay communities for their care. They will also receive extensive support through nurse navigator and survivorship programs.
A major component of the joint Cancer Network is the development of a Cancer Center at John Muir Health’s Walnut Creek Medical Center. Site work is well underway and building construction will begin this year.
“Once this facility is open in our community, it will become a destination for patients seeking cancer care,“ said Thomas. “The Cancer Center will also be a remarkable resource for John Muir Health and community providers who will have access to an expansive portfolio of care programs.”
Local oncologists will continue to have multiple avenues for collaboration with UCSF Health and John Muir Health, including:
Opportunities to further sub-specialize and participate in clinical research;
Cancer Network committee participation focused on quality, clinical integration, and research;
Access to clinical pathways, patient navigation, survivorship, care coordination resources, supportive care services and call center referrals;
Access to joint tumor boards, Grand Rounds participation and CME sessions.
Approximately 200 DVO staff will become John Muir Health or Optum employees depending on their role. Optum provides a range of support services, including information technology, analytics and revenue cycle, to John Muir Health. DVO staff will continue to support the 24 providers who are joining John Muir Health and the health system’s other critical business functions.
