RESPONSE ONCOLOGY INC
10-K, 1998-03-31
SPECIALTY OUTPATIENT FACILITIES, NEC
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<PAGE>   1
                                     
                UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                   FORM 10 - K


(Mark One)

  [X]       Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of Securities Exchange
            Act of 1934 [No Fee Required] For the fiscal year ended December 
            31, 1997

  [ ]       Transaction Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
            Exchange Act of 1934 [No Fee Required]
            For the Transaction Period: ___________________
            Commission File Number: _______________________

                             Response Oncology, Inc.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

            Tennessee                                       62-1212264
- --------------------------------                   ----------------------------
     (State of incorporation)                         (I.R.S. Employer ID No.)

 1775 Moriah Woods Blvd., Memphis, TN                            38117
- ------------------------------------------                  ------------------
 (Address of principal executive offices)                      (Zip Code)

       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (901) 761-7000
           Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


                                                           Name of each exchange
Title of each class                                        on which registered
- ----------------------                                    ----------------------
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share....................NASDAQ National Market

           Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

                                      NONE

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
by section 13 of 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the
preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the
past 90 days. Yes  X  No
                  ---    ----
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated in Part III of this Form 10-K or any Amendment to this form 
10-K ___

As of March 25, 1998, 12,021,828 shares of Common Stock of Response Oncology,
Inc. were outstanding and the aggregate market value of such Common Stock held
by non affiliates was $95,619,000 based on the closing sale price of $9.44 as of
that date.

Portions of Registrant's Proxy Statement for use in connection with the Annual
Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 11, 1998 are incorporated by
reference into Part III of this report, to the extent set forth therein, if such
Proxy Statement is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or
before April 30, 1998. If such Proxy Statement is not filed by such date, the
information required to be presented in Part III will be filed as an amendment
to this report under cover of a Form 8. The exhibits for this Form 10-K are
listed on Page 19.


<PAGE>   2


PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

THE COMPANY

Response Oncology, Inc. ("The Company") is a comprehensive cancer management
company. The Company provides advanced cancer treatment services through
outpatient facilities known as IMPACT(R) Centers under the direction of
practicing oncologists; owns the assets of and manages the nonmedical aspects of
oncology practices; and conducts outcomes research on behalf of pharmaceutical
manufacturers. Approximately 400 medical oncologists are associated with the
Company through these programs.

IMPACT(R) Services The Company presently operates 49 IMPACT(R) Centers in 25
states which provide high dose chemotherapy with stem cell support to cancer
patients on an outpatient basis. Through its IMPACT(R) Centers, the Company has
developed extensive medical information systems and databases containing
clinical and patient information, analysis of treatment results and side effects
and clinical care pathways. These systems and databases support the Company's
clinical trials program, which involves carefully planned, uniform treatment
regimens administered to a significant group of patients together with the
monitoring of outcomes and side effects of these treatments. The clinical trials
program allows the Company to develop a rational means of improving future
treatment regimens by predicting which patients are most likely to benefit from
different treatments.

Each IMPACT(R) Center is staffed by, and makes extensive use of, experienced
oncology nurses, pharmacists, laboratory technologists, and other support
personnel to deliver outpatient services under the direction of independent
medical oncologists. IMPACT(R) Center services include preparation and
collection of stem cells, administration of high dose chemotherapy, reinfusion
of stem cells and delivery of broad-based supportive care. IMPACT(R) Center
personnel extend the support mechanism into the patient's home, further reducing
the dependence on hospitalization. The advantages of this system to the
physician and patient include (i) convenience of the local treatment facility;
(ii) specialized on-site laboratory and pharmacy services, including home
pharmacy support; (iii) access to the Company's clinical trials program to
provide ongoing evaluation of current cancer treatment; (iv) specially trained
medical and technical staff; (v) patient education and support materials through
computer, video and staff consultation; and (vi) reimbursement assistance.

High dose chemotherapy is most appropriate for patients with lymphoma, acute
leukemia, multiple myeloma and breast and ovarian cancer. Patients referred to
the Company by the treating oncologist are placed on a treatment protocol
developed from the cumulative analysis of the Company's approximately 3,500
high-dose cases. Protocols conducted at the IMPACT(R) Center begin with a drug
regimen which allows for the collection and cryopreservation of stem cells. A
stem cell is a cell which originates in the bone marrow and is a precursor to
white blood cells. At the appropriate time, stem cells capable of restoring
immune system and bone marrow functions are harvested over a two to three day
period. The harvested stem cells are then frozen and stored at the IMPACT(R)
Center, and following confirmation of response to treatment and a satisfactory
stem cell harvest, patients receive high dose chemotherapy followed by
reinfusion of stem cells. Most patients are then admitted to an affiliated
hospital for approximately 10-14 days. After discharge, the patient is monitored
in the oncologist's office. The Company believes that the proprietary databases
and the information gathering techniques developed from the foregoing programs
enable practicing oncologists to cost effectively manage cancer cases while
ensuring quality. Clinical research conducted by the Company focuses on (i)
improving cancer survival rates; (ii) enhancing the cancer patient's quality of
life; (iii) reducing the costs of cancer care; and (iv) developing new
approaches to cancer diagnosis, treatment and post-treatment monitoring.


Since 1989, the Company has conducted a clinical trials program pursuant to
which carefully planned, uniform treatments administered to a substantial number
of patients have been monitored and studied, with the results being collected in
a database and utilized to predict outcomes and determine utilization of high
dose chemotherapy as a treatment. In addition, the Company has recorded outcomes
from over 3,500 cases in which


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3

high dose chemotherapy was utilized as a treatment and has developed and
continues to refine treatment pathways, which forecast the best outcome with the
lowest possible cost. Pursuant to agreements between the Company and the
oncologists who supervise their patients' treatment in IMPACT(R) Centers, such
oncologists are obligated to record and monitor outcomes, collect information
and report such information to the Company, for which the oncologists are paid a
fee for their time spend on such activities.

Oncology Practice Management Services During 1996, the Company adopted a
strategy of diversification into physician practice management and since then
has consummated affiliations with 11 medical oncology practices, including 43
medical oncologists in Florida and Tennessee. Through these affiliations, the
Company believes that it has successfully achieved deep geographic penetration
in those markets, believing that significant market share is crucial to
achieving efficiencies, revenue enhancements, and marketing of complete cancer
services to diverse payors including managed care. Pursuant to management
service agreements ("Service Agreements"), the Company provides management
services that extend to all nonmedical aspects of the operations of the
affiliated practices.

Pursuant to the Service Agreements, the Company is the sole and exclusive
manager and administrator of all day-to-day business functions connected with
the medical practice of an affiliated physician group. The Company is
responsible for providing facilities, equipment, supplies, support personnel,
and management and financial advisory services. Under the terms of the Service
Agreements, the Company (among other things): (i) prepares annual capital and
operating budgets; (ii) prepares financial statements; (iii) orders and
purchases medical and office inventory and supplies; (iv) bills patients and
third party payors as agent for the affiliated practices; (v) maintains
accounting, billing, medical, and collection records; (vi) negotiates and
administers managed care contracts; (vii) arranges for legal and accounting
services related to practice operations; (viii) recruits, hires and appoints an
executive director to manage and administer all of the day-to-day business
functions of each practice; and (ix) manages all non-physician professional
support and administrative personnel, clerical, secretarial, bookkeeping and
collection personnel. The Company seeks to combine the purchasing power of
numerous physicians to obtain favorable pricing and terms for equipment,
pharmaceuticals and supplies and to obtain favorable contracts with suppliers.

In addition, the Company provides its outcomes database, treatment protocols and
pathways to affiliated oncologists, permitting these physicians to more
effectively manage cancer cases. The Company utilizes its management expertise
to conduct utilization review and quality assurance programs and establish
well-defined medical policies for its affiliated physicians.

In return for its management services and expertise, the Company receives a
service fee based on net revenue or net operating income of the practice.
Pursuant to each Service Agreement, the physicians and the practice agree not to
compete with the Company and the practice. Each Service Agreement has an initial
term of 40 years and, after the initial term, will be automatically extended for
additional five year terms unless either party delivers written notice to the
other party, 180 days prior to the expiration of the preceding term. The Service
Agreement may only be terminated for cause. If the Company terminates the
Service Agreement for cause, the practice is typically obligated to purchase
assets (which typically include intangible assets) and pay liquidated damages,
which obligations are guaranteed by individual physicians for a period of time.
Each Service Agreement provides for the creation of an oversight committee, a
majority of the members of which are designated by the practice. The oversight
committee is responsible for developing management and administrative policies
for the overall operation of each clinic.

Cancer Research Services The Company also utilizes its database to provide
various types of data to pharmaceutical companies regarding the use of their
products. The IMPACT(R) Center network and the Company's medical information
systems make the Company ideally suited to this process. The Company is
currently participating in several projects with leading pharmaceutical
manufacturers to furnish data in connection with FDA applications and post-FDA
approval marketing studies. Revenue from these contracts helps to underwrite the
Company's clinical trials expenses. Such relationships with pharmaceutical
companies allow patients and physicians earlier access to drugs and therapies
and ensure access to clinical trials under managed care, which guarantee the
Company's role as a leader in oncological developments.


                                      -3-

<PAGE>   4


COMPETITION

As a result of growing interest among oncologists and the more widely recognized
efficacy of high-dose chemotherapy treatments, the competitive environment in
the field is starting to heighten. Most community hospitals with a commitment to
cancer treatment are evaluating their need to provide high dose treatments, and
other entities are competing with the Company in providing high-dose services
similar to those offered by the Company. Such competition has long been
contemplated by the Company, and is indicative of the evolution of this field.
While the Company believes that the demand for high dose chemotherapy services
is sufficiently large to support several significant providers of these
services, the Company is subject to increasing competitive risks from these
entities.

In addition, the Company is aware of at least two competitors specializing in
the management of oncology practices and two other physician management
companies that manage at least one oncology practice. Several health care
companies with established operating histories and significantly greater
resources than the Company are also providing at least some management services
to oncologists. There are certain other companies, including hospitals, large
group practices, and outpatient care centers, that are expanding their presence
in the oncology market and may have access to greater resources than the
Company. Furthermore, organizations specializing in home and ambulatory infusion
care, radiation therapy, and group practice management compete in the oncology
market.

The Company's revenue depends on the continued success of its affiliated
physician groups. These physician groups face competition from several sources,
including sole practitioners, single and multi-specialty groups, hospitals and
managed care organizations.

GOVERNMENT REGULATION

The delivery of healthcare items and services has become one of the most highly
regulated of professional and business endeavors in the United States. Both the
federal government and the individual state governments are responsible for
overseeing the activities of individuals and businesses engaged in the delivery
of healthcare services. Federal law and regulations are based primarily upon the
Medicare program and the Medicaid program, each of which is financed, at least
in part, with federal money. State jurisdiction is based upon the state's
authority to license certain categories of healthcare professionals and
providers, and the state's interest in regulating the quality of healthcare in
the state, regardless of the source of payment and the state's relevant
participation in and funding of its Medicaid program.

The Company believes it is in material compliance with applicable laws. The
Company has engaged health law counsel to evaluate compliance with applicable
laws, but has not received the results of such review. However, the laws
applicable to the Company are subject to evolving interpretations and therefore,
there can be no assurance that a review of the Company's or the affiliated
physicians' practices by a court or law enforcement or regulatory authority will
not result in a determination that could adversely affect the operations of the
Company or the affiliated physicians. Furthermore, there can be no assurance
that the laws applicable to the Company will not be amended in a manner that
could adversely affect the Company.

FEDERAL LAW

The federal healthcare laws apply in any case in which the Company is providing
an item or service that is reimbursable under Medicare, Medicaid or other
federally-funded programs ("Federal Reimbursement Programs") or is claiming
reimbursement from Federal Reimbursement Programs on behalf of physicians with
whom the Company has a Service Agreement. The principal federal laws include
those that prohibit the filing of false or improper claims with the Federal
Reimbursement Programs, those that prohibit unlawful inducements for the
referral of business reimbursable under Federal Reimbursement Programs and those
that prohibit the


                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5

provision of certain services by a provider to a patient if the patient was
referred by a physician with which the provider has certain types of financial
relationships.

False and Other Improper Claims The federal government is authorized to impose
criminal, civil and administrative penalties on any person or entity that files
a false claim for reimbursement from Federal Reimbursement Programs. Criminal
penalties are also available in the case of claims filed with private insurers
if the government can show that the claims constitute mail fraud or wire fraud
or violate state false claims prohibitions. While the criminal statutes are
generally reserved for instances involving fraudulent intent, the civil and
administrative penalty statutes are being applied by the government in an
increasingly broader range of circumstances. For example, the government takes
the position that a pattern of claiming reimbursement for unnecessary services
violates these statutes if the claimant should have known that the services were
unnecessary. The government also takes the position that claiming reimbursement
for services that are substandard is a violation of these statutes if the
claimant should have known that the care was substandard. Severe sanctions under
these statutes, including exclusion from Federal Reimbursement programs, have
been levied even in situations not resulting in criminal convictions. The
Company believes that its billing activities on behalf of affiliated practices
through Service Agreements are in material compliance with such laws, but there
can be no assurance that the Company's activities will not be challenged or
scrutinized by governmental authorities. A determination that the Company or any
affiliated practice has violated such laws could have a material adverse effect
on the Company.

Anti-Kickback Law Federal law commonly known as the "Anti-kickback Amendments"
prohibits the knowing or willful offer, solicitation, payment or receipt of
anything of value (direct or indirect, overt or covert, in cash or in kind)
which is intended to induce the referral of patients covered by Federal
Reimbursement Programs, or the ordering of items or services reimbursable under
those programs. The law also prohibits remuneration that is intended to induce
the recommendation of, or the arranging for, the provision of items or services
reimbursable under Federal Reimbursement Programs. The law has been broadly
interpreted by a number of courts to prohibit remuneration which is offered or
paid for otherwise legitimate purposes if the circumstances show that one
purpose of the arrangement is to induce referrals. Even bona fide investment
interests in a healthcare provider may be questioned under the Anti-kickback
Amendments if the government concludes that the opportunity to invest was
offered as an inducement for referrals. The penalties for violations of this law
include criminal sanctions and exclusion from the federal healthcare program.

In part to address concerns regarding the implementation of the Anti-kickback
Amendments, the federal government in 1991 published regulations that provide
exceptions, or "safe harbors," for certain transactions that will not be deemed
to violate the Anti-kickback Amendments. Among the safe harbors included in the
regulations were provisions relating to the sale of physician practices,
management and personal services agreements and employee relationships.
Subsequently, regulations were published offering safe harbor protection to
additional activities, including referrals within group practices consisting of
active investors. Proposed amendments to the Anti-kickback Amendments were
published in 1994 which, if ultimately adopted, would result in substantive
changes to existing regulations. The failure to qualify under a safe harbor
provision, while potentially subjecting the activity to greater regulatory
scrutiny, does not render the activity illegal per se.

There are several aspects of the Company's relationships with physicians to
which the anti-kickback law may be relevant. In some instances, the Company
itself may become a provider of services for which it will claim reimbursement
from Federal Reimbursement Programs, and physicians who are investors in the
Company may refer patients to the Company for those services. Furthermore, the
government may construe some of the marketing and managed care contracting
activities of the Company as arranging for the referral of patients to the
physicians with whom the Company has a Service Agreement. Finally, at the
request of a physician or medical practice with which the Company has a Service
Agreement, the Company will manage in the physician's office the provision of
ancillary services which the physician desires to make available to his
patients. At the present time, the services provided by the Company in its
IMPACT(R) Centers are generally not reimbursable by Federal Reimbursement
Programs.

Although neither the investments in the Company by physicians nor the Service
Agreements between the Company and physicians qualify for protection under the
safe harbor regulations, the Company does not believe


                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6

that these activities fall within the type of activities the Anti-kickback
Amendments were intended to prohibit. A determination that the Company had
violated the Anti-kickback Amendments would have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business.

The Stark Self-Referral Law The Stark Self-Referral Law ("Stark Law") prohibits
a physician from referring a patient to a healthcare provider for certain
designated health services reimbursable by Medicare or Medicaid if the physician
has a financial relationship with that provider, including an investment
interest, a loan or debt relationship or a compensation relationship. The
designated services covered by the law include radiology services, infusion
therapy, radiation therapy, outpatient prescription drugs and hospital services,
among others. In addition to the conduct directly prohibited by the law, the
statute also prohibits "circumvention schemes," that are designed to obtain
referrals indirectly that cannot be made directly. The penalties for violating
the law include (i) a refund of any Medicare or Medicaid payments for services
that resulted from an unlawful referral; (ii) civil fines; and (iii) exclusion
from the Medicare and Medicaid programs. The Stark Law contains a number of
exceptions potentially applicable to the Company's operations. These include
exceptions for a physician's ownership of certain publicly traded securities for
certain in-office ancillary services and for certain personal services
arrangements.

On January 9, 1998, the Health Care Financing Administration (the "HCFA") issued
proposed rules (the "Proposed Regulations") regarding the Stark Law as it
relates to designated health services other than clinical laboratory services.
The Proposed Regulations contemplate that designated health services may be
provided by a physician's practice or by any other corporation, including an
entity that owns the operation. A corporation that merely owns the components of
a health services operation, such as the building that houses the facility or
the medical equipment used at the facility, would not be deemed to own the
operation. It is not clear, however, whether and to what extent the additional
provision of services by the Company to affiliated practices and the receipt of
a service fee based on net revenue or net operating income would cause the
Company to be deemed to own such operation. In addition, the Proposed
Regulations would apply to an entity that does not bill under its own Medicare
number but receives payment for services from the billing entity as part of a
so-called "under arrangements" agreement (the term of art under the Proposed
Regulations relating to certain hospital arrangements) or similar agreements. It
is not clear whether the term "similar agreements" would apply to the Service
Agreements. If the Company is deemed to "own the operation" or to be engaged in
an arrangement similar to an "under arrangements" agreement, it would be deemed
a provider of the services addressed by the Proposed Regulations.

The Company believes that it is not currently a provider of any designated
health service under the Stark Law for which the Company claims reimbursement
from Medicare or Medicaid. The Company intends to assure that any designated
health services provided by physicians with whom the Company has a Service
Agreement will qualify under the applicable exception in the Stark Law for
in-office services. However, because the Company will provide management
services related to those designated health services, there can be no certainty
that the Company will not be considered as the provider for those services. In
that event, the referrals from the physicians will be permissible only if (i)
the Company qualifies for the exception for publicly-traded corporations and
(ii) the Service Agreement meets the exception in the Stark Law for payments by
physicians to a health care entity. To qualify for such exception, such payments
must be set at a fair market value. The Company intends to structure its
arrangements so as to qualify for applicable exceptions under the Stark Law,
however, there can be no assurance that a review by courts or regulatory
authorities would not result in a contrary determination.

The Stark Law contains an exception for investment interests by physicians in a
health care provider where the health care provider is a company whose
securities are traded on a national securities market and which, as of the end
of the most recently completed fiscal year, had stockholders' equity exceeding
$75 million. The Company's stockholders' equity currently is less than $75
million, thus such exception is not available to physicians who own the
Company's securities.


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STATE LAW

State Anti-Kickback Laws Many states have laws that prohibit the payment of
kickbacks in return for the referral of patients. Some of these laws apply only
to services reimbursable under the state Medicaid program. However, a number of
these laws apply to all healthcare services in the state, regardless of the
source of payment for the service. The Company pays oncologists who supervise
their patients' treatment at the IMPACT(R) Centers fees for collecting and
monitoring treatment and outcomes data and reporting such data to the Company.
The Company believes such fees reflect the fair market value of the services
rendered by such physicians to the Company. However, the laws in most states
regarding kickbacks have been subjected to limited judicial and regulatory
interpretation and, therefore, no assurances can be given that the Company's
activities will be found to be in compliance. Noncompliance with such laws could
have an adverse effect upon the Company and subject it and such physicians to
penalties and sanctions.

State Self-Referral Laws A number of states have enacted self-referral laws that
are similar in purpose to the Stark Self-Referral Law. However, each state law
is unique. For example, some states only prohibit referrals where the
physician's financial relationship with a healthcare provider is based upon an
investment interest. Other state laws apply only to a limited number of
designated health services. Finally, some states do not prohibit referrals, but
merely require that a patient be informed of the financial relationship before
the referral is made. The Company believes that it is in compliance with the
self-referral law of any state in which the Company has a financial relationship
with a physician. The Company has engaged health law counsel to evaluate
compliance with applicable laws, but has not received the results of such
review.

Fee-Splitting Laws Many states prohibit a physician from splitting with a
referral source the fees generated from physician services. Other states have a
broader prohibition against any splitting of a physician's fees, regardless of
whether the other party is a referral source. In most cases, it is not
considered to be fee-splitting when the payment made by the physician is
reasonable reimbursement for services rendered on the physician's behalf.

The Company will be reimbursed by physicians on whose behalf the Company
provides management services. The Company intends to structure the reimbursement
provisions of its management contracts with physicians in order to comply with
applicable state laws relating to fee-splitting. However, there can be no
certainty that, if challenged, the Company and its affiliated physicians will be
found to be in compliance with each state's fee-splitting laws.

The Florida Board of Medicine recently ruled in a declaratory statement that
payments of 30% of a physician group's net income to a practice management
company in return for a number of services, including expansion of the practice
by increasing patient referrals through the creation of provider networks,
affiliation with other networks, and the negotiation of managed care contracts,
constituted fee-splitting arrangements in violation of the Florida law
prohibiting fee-splitting and could subject the physicians engaged in such
arrangements to disciplinary action. This order only applies to the physician
practice management company and the individual physicians whose fact situation
was presented to the Florida Board of Medicine for a declaratory statement. The
Florida Board of Medicine has agreed to stay implementation of the order pending
appeal of the decision to the Florida court by the affected physician practice
management company. While the Company believes that its Service Agreements are
substantially different from the management services agreement that the Florida
Board of Medicine ruled on, there is a risk that an adverse decision by the
Florida courts on the case presented could have an adverse precedential impact
on the Company's Service Agreements with Florida affiliated practices. The
Company's Service Agreements contain provisions requiring modification of the
Service Agreements in such event in a manner that preserves the economic value
of the Service Agreement, but there can be no assurance that Florida courts
would specifically enforce such contractual provisions. Such adverse
determinations could have a material adverse effect on the Company.



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<PAGE>   8

Corporate Practice of Medicine Most states prohibit corporations from engaging
in the practice of medicine. Many of these state doctrines prohibit a business
corporation from employing a physician. However, states differ with respect to
the extent to which a licensed physician can affiliate with corporate entities
for the delivery of medical services. Some states interpret the "practice of
medicine" broadly to include decisions that have an impact on the practice of
medicine, even where the physician is not an employee of the corporation and the
corporation exercises no discretion with respect to the diagnosis or treatment
of a particular patient.

The Company's standard practice under its Service Agreements is to avoid the
exercise of any responsibility on behalf of its physicians that could be
construed as affecting the practice of medicine. Accordingly, the Company
believes that it is not in violation of applicable state laws relating to the
corporate practice of medicine. However, because such laws and legal doctrines
have been subjected to only limited judicial and regulatory interpretation,
there can be no assurance that, if challenged, the Company will be adjudicated
to be in compliance with all such laws and doctrines.

Insurance Laws Laws in all states regulate the business of insurance and the
operation of HMOs. Many states also regulate the establishment and operation of
networks of health care providers. While these laws do not generally apply to
companies that provide management services to networks of physicians, there can
be no assurance that regulatory authorities of the states in which the Company
operates would not apply these laws to require licensure of the Company's
operations as an insurer, as an HMO or as a provider network. The Company
believes that it is in compliance with these laws in the states in which it does
business, but there can be no assurance that future interpretations of insurance
and health care network laws by regulatory authorities in these states or in the
states into which the Company may expand will not require licensure or a
restructuring of some or all of the Company's operations.

State Licensing The Company's laboratories operated in conjunction with certain
IMPACT(R) Centers are registered with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and
are certified pursuant to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of
1988. In addition, the Company maintains pharmacy licenses for all IMPACT(R)
Centers having self-contained pharmacies, and state health care facility
licenses, where required.

REIMBURSEMENT AND COST CONTAINMENT

Approximately 50% of the net revenue of the Company's practice management
division and less than 5% percent of the revenue of the Company's IMPACT(R)
division are derived from payments made by government sponsored health care
programs (principally, Medicare and Medicaid). As a result, any change in
reimbursement regulations, policies, practices, interpretations or statutes
could adversely affect the operations of the Company. In recent years, the
federal government has sought to constrain the growth of spending in the
Medicare and Medicaid programs. Through the Medicare program, the federal
government has implemented a resource-based relative value scale ("RBRVS")
payment methodology for physician services. RBRVS is a fee schedule that, except
for certain geographical and other adjustments, pays similarly situated
physicians the same amount for the same services. The RBRVS is adjusted each
year and is subject to increases or decreases at the discretion of Congress. To
date, the implementation of RBRVS has reduced in payment rates for certain of
the procedures historically provided by physicians who have Service Agreements
with the Company. RBRVS-type payment systems have also been adopted by certain
private third party payors and may become a predominant payment methodology. A
broader implementation of such programs would reduce payments by private third
party payors and could indirectly reduce the Company's operating margins to the
extent that the cost of providing management services related to such procedures
could not be proportionately reduced. To the extent the Company's costs
increase, the Company may not be able to recover such cost increases from
government reimbursement programs. In addition, because of cost containment
measures and market changes in non governmental insurance plans, the Company may
not be able to shift cost increases to non governmental payors. The Company
expects a reduction from historical levels in per patient Medicare revenue
received by certain of the physician groups with which the Company contracts;
however, the Company does not believe such reductions would, if implemented,
result in a material adverse effect on the Company.

Rates paid by private third party payors, including those that provide Medicare
supplemental insurance, are based on established physician, clinic and hospital
charges and are generally higher than Medicare payment


                                      -8-
<PAGE>   9

rates. Changes in the mix of the Company's patients among the non-governmental
payors and government sponsored health care programs, and among different types
of non-government payor sources, could have a material adverse effect on the
Company.

EMPLOYEES

As of March 1, 1998, the Company employed approximately 550 persons,
approximately 425 of whom were full-time employees. Under the terms of the
Service Agreements with the affiliated physician groups, the Company is
responsible for the practice compensation and benefits of the groups' non
physician medical personnel. No employee of the Company or of any affiliated
physician group is a member of a labor union or subject to a collective
bargaining agreement. The Company believes that its labor relations are good.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

As of March 1, 1998 the Company leased 36,500 square feet of space at 1775
Moriah Woods Boulevard, in Memphis, Tennessee, where the Company's headquarters
are located. The lease expires in 2002. The Company also leases all facilities
housing the Company's operating facilities. Management believes that the
Company's properties are well maintained and suitable for its business
operations. The Company may lease additional space in connection with the
development of future treatment facilities or practice affiliations.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

No material litigation is currently pending against the Company, and the Company
is not aware of any outstanding claims against any affiliated physician group
that would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition
or results of operations. The Company expects its affiliated physician groups to
be involved in legal proceedings incident to their business, most of which are
expected to involve claims related to the alleged medical malpractice of its
affiliated oncologists.

ITEM 4. MATTERS SUBMITTED TO STOCKHOLDERS' VOTE

Not applicable.



                                      -9-

<PAGE>   10


                                     PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET INFORMATION AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The Company's common stock is quoted on The NASDAQ Stock Market's National
Market under the symbol "ROIX." As of March 4, 1998 the Company's common stock
was held by approximately 2,250 shareholders of record.

The Company has not paid any cash dividends on the common stock since its
inception. The Board of Directors does not intend to pay cash dividends on the
common stock in the foreseeable future, but intends to retain all earnings, if
any, for use in the Company's business.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

       Year Ended December 31, 1996                  Year Ended December 31, 1997
- ----------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------

                     High        Low                              High       Low
                     ----        ---                              ----       ---
<S>                  <C>         <C>            <C>               <C>        <C>
First Quarter        16 1/2      12             First Quarter     10 1/4     6 3/4
Second Quarter       21          12 1/2         Second Quarter    7  1/2     5 1/2
Third Quarter        17          12 1/2         Third Quarter     10 9/16    5 1/4
Fourth Quarter       14 7/8       9 1/4         Fourth Quarter    11         7 1/4
</TABLE>


RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES

Securities Issued in Connection with Physician Practice Affiliations

During the Registrant's 1996 fiscal year, the Registrant issued shares of its
Common Stock, warrants to purchase the Registrant's Common Stock, and unsecured
and subordinated promissory notes ("PIK Notes") payable at the option of holders
in shares of Common Stock (collectively, the "Unregistered Securities") in ten
separate acquisition transactions pursuant to which the Registrant acquired the
operating assets or stock of ten medical oncology practices from the physician
owners ("Physician Owners") thereof or the professional association owned by
such Physician Owners ("P.A."). In each case, the Unregistered Securities were
issued in exchange for either 100% of the outstanding stock or other equity
interests owned by the Physician Owners of the practices or, in one case,
certain of the assets of the P.A. The Unregistered Securities were offered and
issued to the Physician Owners or, in one instance, the P.A., in reliance upon
the exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of
1933. Each of the Physician Owners was an accredited investor, as that term is
defined in Rule 501 under Regulation D, and each of the Physician Owners was
represented by competent transactional counsel. The affiliation transactions and
Unregistered Securities issued in connection with the affiliations are as
follows:

         In January 1996, the Registrant issued to Physician Owners a single 9%
PIK Note in the principal amount of $5,959,972 that matures in 2011, with
principal and interest payable on an amortized basis. Any payment of principal
and interest may be paid, at the option of the holder of the PIK Note, in shares
of Common Stock at a conversion price of $14.00 per share.

         In April 1996, the Registrant issued to Physician Owners 80,000
warrants to purchase Common Stock at a price of $11.75. In addition, the
Registrant issued a 5% PIK Note to a Physician Owner in the principal amount of
$150,000 maturing in 1997, payment of which may be made, at the option of the
holder, in shares of 


                                      -10-
<PAGE>   11

Common Stock at a conversion price of $11.75 per share. This note was repaid in
cash by the Company in 1997.

         In June 1996, the Registrant issued to a Physician Owner 196,154 shares
of Common Stock. In addition, the Registrant issued to the Physician Owner a
$5.1 million 4% PIK Note maturing in December 1998, payment of which may be
made, at the option of the holder, in shares of Common Stock at a conversion
price of $15.60 per share.

         In July 1996, the Registrant issued to Physician Owners an aggregate of
117,600 shares of Common Stock.

         In August 1996, the Registrant issued to Physician Owners 5% PIK Notes
in the aggregate principal amount of $1,900,000 maturing August 1, 2001, payment
of which may be made, at the option of the holders, in shares of Common Stock at
a conversion price of $13.75.

         In October 1996, the Registrant issued to Physician Owners an aggregate
of 326,170 shares of Common Stock. In addition, the Registrant issued 4% and 5%
PIK Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $5,636,625 maturing through 2001,
payment of which may be made, at the option of the holders, in shares of Common
Stock at conversion prices ranging from $12.73 to $18.00 (approximately $4
million of which has a conversion price of $12.73).

         In November 1996, the Registrant issued 47,836 shares of Common Stock.
In addition, the Registrant issued to Physician Owners 5.6% PIK Notes in the
aggregate principal amount of $772,500, payment of which may be made, at the
option of the holders, in shares of Common Stock at a conversion price of
$14.20.

Securities Issued to Controlling Shareholder

         In April 1996, the Registrant issued an unsecured, $10 million
convertible note to Seafield Capital Corporation ("Seafield"), who at the time
was the Registrant's controlling shareholder, bearing interest at a rate of
prime plus 1%, which after August 1, 1996, became convertible at the election of
Seafield into shares of the Company's Common Stock. Proceeds of the loan were
used to finance a practice management affiliation. The note was exchanged for
909,090 shares of Common Stock during August 1996.

         In October 1996, the Registrant obtained a $23.5 million credit
facility from Seafield to be used to finance practice affiliations and for
working capital. The facility was evidenced by a convertible note payable upon
the earlier of the closing of an equity offering, or August 1, 1998. The note
provided for interest at a rate of 8% escalating at certain points during the
term of the note, was unsecured, and was convertible at the election of Seafield
Capital Corporation into shares of the Company's Common Stock at a conversion
price equal to the market price of the Common Stock at the date of conversion;
provided, however, that after December 31, 1996, the conversion price would be
the lower of market or $11.00 per share. In February 1997, the $23.5 million
credit facility and accrued interest thereon was converted into 3,020,536 shares
of the Company's Common Stock at a rate of $8 per share.


                                      -11-

<PAGE>   12


ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
         (in thousands except per share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                               Year Ended December 31,
                                                -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   1997             1996            1995             1994             1993
                                                 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>              <C>               <C>             <C>              <C>
Net revenue                                      $101,920         $ 67,353          $44,298         $38,471          $37,885

Net earnings (loss)                                 4,202              910            2,314          (2,346)             700

Net earning (loss) to common stockholders           4,199              907            2,310          (2,349)             697

Total assets                                      151,693          142,950           24,765          21,037           25,877

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations       35,443           62,230               15              29              185

Earnings (loss) per common share (1):
    Basic                                           $0.36            $0.11            $0.33          ($0.34)           $0.10
                                                 ========         ========          =======         =======          =======
    Diluted                                         $0.36            $0.11            $0.32          ($0.34)           $0.10
                                                 ========         ========          =======         =======          =======
</TABLE>


(1)      On November 2, 1995, the Company effected a one-for-five reverse split
         of its common stock. Earnings (loss) per common share computations have
         been restated to retroactively reflect the reverse split.



                                      -12-
<PAGE>   13


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS 
        OF OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

The Company is a comprehensive cancer management company. The Company provides
advanced cancer treatment services through outpatient facilities known as
IMPACT(R) Centers under the direction of practicing oncologists; owns the assets
of and manages the nonmedical aspects of oncology practices; and conducts
outcomes research on behalf of pharmaceutical manufacturers. Approximately 400
medical oncologists are associated with the Company through these programs.

In 1990 the Company began development of a network of specialized IMPACT(R)
Centers to provide complex outpatient chemotherapy services under the direction
of practicing oncologists. The majority of the therapies provided at the
IMPACT(R) Centers entail the administration of high dose chemotherapy coupled
with peripheral blood stem cell support of the patient's immune system. At
December 31, 1997, the Company's network consisted of 49 IMPACT(R) Centers,
including 26 wholly-owned, 12 managed programs, and 11 owned and operated in
joint venture with a host hospital. Prior to January 1997, the Company derived
substantially all of its revenues from outpatient cancer treatment services
through reimbursements from third party payors on a fee-for-service or
discounted fee-for-service basis. During 1997, the Company began concentrating
its efforts on contracting on a "case rate" basis where the Company contracts
with the appropriate third-party payor to receive a single payment that covers
the patient's entire course of treatment at the center.

During 1996 the Company executed a strategy of diversification into physician
practice management and subsequently has affiliated with 43 physicians in 11
medical oncology practices in Florida and Tennessee. Through these affiliations,
the Company believes that it has successfully achieved deep geographic
penetration in those markets, believing that significant market share is crucial
to achieving efficiencies, revenue enhancements, and marketing of complete
cancer services to diverse payors including managed care. Pursuant to Service
Agreements, the Company provides management services that extend to all
nonmedical aspects of the operations of the affiliated practices. The Company is
responsible for providing facilities, equipment, supplies, support personnel,
and management and financial advisory services.

In its practice management relationships, the Company has predominantly used two
models of Service Agreements: (i) an "adjusted net revenue" model; and (ii) a
"net operating income" model. Service Agreements utilizing the adjusted net
revenue model provide for the payment by the physician group out of practice net
revenue, in the following order of payment (A) physician retainage (i.e.
physician compensation, benefits, and prerequisites, including malpractice
insurance) of between 24% and 34.7% of net revenue ("Physician Expense"); (B) a
clinic expense portion of the management fee (the "Clinic Expense Portion")
equal to the aggregate actual practice operating expenses exclusive of Physician
Expense; and (C) a base service fee portion (the "Base Fee") of between 8.7% and
24% of net revenue. In the event that net revenue is insufficient to pay all of
the foregoing in full, then the Base Fee is first reduced, followed by the
Clinic Expense Portion of the management fee, and finally, physician retainage,
therefore effectively shifting all operating risk to the Company. In each
Service Agreement utilizing the adjusted net revenue model, the Company is
entitled to a Performance Fee generally equal to 50% of Annual Surplus, defined
as the excess of practice revenue over the sum of Physician Retainage, the
clinic Expense Portion, and the Base Fee.

Service Agreements utilizing the net operating income model provide for a
management fee equal to the sum of a Clinic Expense Portion (see preceding
paragraph) plus a percentage (the "Percentage Portion"), ranging from 15% to
40%, of the net operating income of the practice (defined as net revenue minus
practice operating expenses). Practice operating expenses do not include
Physician Expense In those practice management relationships utilizing the net
operating income model Service Agreement, the Company and the physician 


                                      -13-
<PAGE>   14

group share the risk of expense increases and revenue declines, but likewise
share the benefits of expense savings, economies of scale and practice
enhancements.

Each Service Agreement contains a liquidated damages provision binding the
physician practice and the principals thereof in the event the Service Agreement
is terminated "for cause" by the Company. The liquidated damages are a declining
amount, equal in the first year to the purchase price paid by the Company for
practice assets and declining over a period of between 5 and 17.5 years.
Principals are relieved of their individual obligations for liquidated damages
only in the event of death, disability, or retirement at a predetermined age.
Each Service Agreement provides for the creation of an oversight committee, a
majority of whom are designated by the practice. The oversight committee is
responsible for developing management and administrative policies for the
overall operation of each clinic. However, under each Service Agreement, the
affiliated practice remains obligated to repurchase practice assets, including
intangible assets, in the event the Company terminates the Service Agreement for
cause.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

1997 Compared to 1996

Net revenue increased 51% to $101.9 million for the year ended December 31,
1997, compared to $67.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1996. Practice
management service fees from affiliations were $46.5 million compared to $19.3
million for a 141% increase. Additionally, pharmaceutical sales to physicians
increased $4.8 million or 36% from $13.5 million in 1996 to $18.3 million in
1997.

EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization)
increased $7.6 million or 110% to $14.6 million for the year ended December 31,
1997 in comparison to $7.0 million for the year ended December 31, 1996. The
increase is primarily due to the increase in revenues related to the Service
Agreements with affiliated physicians. The Company's net earnings, however,
reflect significant non-cash expenses related to the amortization of the costs
of the Service Agreements.

Salaries and benefits costs increased $4.5 million, or 28%, from $16.3 million
in 1996 to $20.8 million in 1997. The increase is related to salaries and
benefits at the affiliated physician practices that were not included in the
Company's operating results for the full year of 1996, as well as the addition
of operational management personnel and general increases in salaries and
benefits. Salaries and benefits expense as a percentage of net revenue were 20%
and 24% in 1997 and 1996, respectively. The decrease as a percentage of net
revenue is due to the significant increase in the revenue base from practice
management service fees.

Supplies and pharmaceuticals expense increased $19.2 million, or 64%, from 1996
to 1997. The increase is primarily related to pharmacy expenses at the
affiliated physician practices that were not included in the Company's operating
results for the full year of 1996. Supplies and pharmaceuticals expense as a
percentage of net revenue was 48% and 44% for the years ended 1997 and 1996,
respectively. The increase as a percentage of net revenue is due to the higher
pharmaceutical costs associated with the increased practice management service
fees and pharmaceutical sales to physicians.

Other operating expenses increased $3.1 million, or 40%, from $7.8 million in
1996 to $11.0 million in 1997. Other operating expenses consist primarily of
medical director fees, rent expense, and other operational costs. The increase
is primarily due to 1997 being the first full year of operations of the
Company's practice management division.

Depreciation and amortization increased $1.2 million from $3.5 million in 1996
to $4.7 million in 1997. The increase is primarily attributable to the first
full year of amortization of the Service Agreements purchased in practice
management affiliations consummated during 1996.


                                      -14-

<PAGE>   15

1996 Compared to 1995

Net revenue increased $23.1 million or 52% to $67.4 million for the year ended
December 31, 1996 compared to $44.3 million for the year ended December 31,
1995. Practice management service fees from affiliations accounted for $19.3
million or 84% of the increase. Additionally, pharmaceutical sales to physicians
increased $3.7 million or 38% from $9.8 million in 1995 to $13.5 million in
1996.

EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization)
increased $3.0 million or 75% to $7.0 million for the year ended December 31,
1996 in comparison to $4.0 million for the year ended December 31, 1995. The
increase is primarily due to the increase in revenues related to the Service
Agreements with affiliated physicians.

Salaries and benefits costs increased $5.3 million, or 48%, to $16.3 million in
1996 from $11.0 million in 1995. The increase is primarily due to the addition
of operational management personnel for the practice management division and
general increases in salaries and benefits. Salaries and benefits expense as a
percentage of net revenue was 24% and 25% in 1996 and 1995, respectively.

Supplies and pharmaceuticals expense, which represents the largest component of
operating expenses, increased $11.3 million, or 61%, from 1995 to 1996. The
increase is primarily related to pharmacy expenses at the affiliated physician
practices added in 1996. Supplies and pharmaceuticals expense as a percentage of
net revenue were 45% and 42% for the years ended 1996 and 1995, respectively.
The increase as a percentage of net revenue is due to the lower margins realized
on increased practice management service fees and pharmaceutical sales to
physicians.

Other operating expenses increased $2.6 million, or 40%, from $5.2 million in
1995 to $7.8 million in 1996. Other operating expenses consist primarily of
medical director fees, rent expense, and other operational costs and increased
due to the practice management affiliations consummated during 1996.

Depreciation and amortization increased $1.8 million from $1.7 million in 1995
to $3.5 million in 1996. The increase is primarily attributable to the
amortization of the Service Agreements purchased in practice management
affiliations during 1996.

Interest expense was $2.6 million in 1996 related to borrowings under the
Company's Credit Facility and debt assumed and/or issued in connection with
practice management affiliations.

The provision for doubtful accounts decreased $.5 million from $2.1 million in
1995 to $1.6 million in 1996. The provision as a percentage of net revenue from
patient services was 5% and 6% for 1996 and 1995, respectively. The decrease is
attributable to a higher proportion of contracted patient accounts. The
Company's collection experience in 1996 and 1995 may not be indicative of future
periods.

Minority owners' share of net earnings increased from $2,000 in 1995 to $.4
million in 1996 related to the Company's agreements to open new IMPACT Centers
owned and operated in joint venture with host hospitals.

Tax net operating loss carryforwards were utilized to fully offset 1996 taxable
income. As of December 31, 1996, the Company had available net operating loss
carryforwards totaling approximately $4.5 million, all of which is subject to
certain annual limitations due to a change in ownership for tax purposes in
1990. The use of net operating loss carryforwards is also dependent upon future
taxable income. See Note G to the consolidated financial statements.



                                      -15-
<PAGE>   16

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

At December 31, 1997, the Company's working capital was $18.4 million with
current assets of $41.1 million and current liabilities of $22.7 million. Cash
and cash equivalents represented $2.4 million of the Company's current assets.
The remaining increase in current assets is related to growth in practice
management service fees and pharmaceutical sales to physicians. Current
liabilities increased for amounts payable for operating expenses of practices
under management and liabilities assumed as consideration in the practice
management affiliations.

Cash provided by operating activities was $6.9 million in 1997 as compared to
cash used in operating activities of $3.7 million in 1996. The increase in
operating cash flow is primarily due to growth in the Company's practice
management division.

Cash used in investing activities was $1.8 million and $53.4 million in 1997 and
1996, respectively. The outflow in 1996 primarily represents funds used to
acquire the nonmedical assets of the physician practices. Cash used in financing
activities was $3.1 million in 1997 and provided by financing activities was
$53.3 million in 1996. The cash provided by financing activities in 1996
primarily represents proceeds from borrowings under the Company's Acquisition
Facility and from Seafield Capital Corporation ("Seafield") to finance practice
management affiliations.

In April 1996, the Company obtained an unsecured $10 million loan (the "Seafield
Note") from Seafield bearing interest at the rate of prime plus 1%, which after
August 1, 1996, became convertible at the election of Seafield into shares of
the Company's common stock. Proceeds of the loan were used to finance a practice
management affiliation. The loan was exchanged for 909,090 shares of common
stock during August, 1996.

The Company has a $45.0 million Credit Facility to fund the Company's
acquisition and working capital needs. The Credit Facility, comprised of a $35.0
million Acquisition Facility and a $10.0 million Working Capital Facility, is
collateralized by the common stock of the Company's subsidiaries. The Credit
Facility bears interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus a spread between
1.5% and 2.125%, depending upon borrowing levels. At December 31, 1997, $29.6
million aggregate principal was outstanding under the Credit Facility with a
current interest rate of approximately 8.2%. The Credit Facility contains
affirmative and negative covenants which, among other things, require that the
Company maintain certain financial ratios, including minimum fixed charges
coverage, funded debt to EBITDA, net worth and current ratio. On March 31, 1998,
the Credit Facility was modified and amended, effective April 21, 1997, to
provide for redefinitions of certain restrictive covenants.

In May 1997, the Company entered into a LIBOR based interest rate swap agreement
("Swap Agreement") with an affiliate of the Company's primary lender as required
by the terms of the Credit Facility. Amounts hedged under the Swap Agreement
accrue interest at the difference between 6.42% and the thirty day LIBOR rate
and are settled monthly. As of December 31, 1997, approximately 51% of the
Company's outstanding principal balance under the Credit Facility was hedged
under the Swap Agreement. The Swap Agreement matures in March 1999 and is
cancelable at the lender's option after July 1998.

Additionally, long-term unsecured amortizing promissory notes bearing interest
at rates from 4% to 9% were issued as partial consideration for the practice
management affiliations consumated in 1996. Principal and interest under the
long-term notes may, at the election of the holders, be paid in shares of common
stock of the Company based upon conversion rates ranging from $13.75 to $17.50.
The unpaid principal amount of the long-term notes was $14.2 million at December
31, 1997.

In October 1996, the Company procured a $23.5 million credit facility from
Seafield (the "Seafield Facility") to finance acquisitions and for working
capital. At December 31, 1996, $22.5 million was outstanding under the


                                      -16-
<PAGE>   17

Seafield Facility at an interest rate of 8%. On February 26, 1997, the $23.5
million loan and accrued interest of $.6 million was converted into 3,020,536
shares of the Company's common stock at a rate of $8 per share.

Capital expenditures of $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 were
primarily associated with the expansion of the Company's network of IMPACT(R)
Centers and practice management affiliations.

The Company is committed to future minimum lease payments under operating leases
of $24.1 million for administrative and operational facilities.

The Company has a commitment to lease machinery in 1998 under 54 month operating
leases. Annual rentals under this commitment approximate $560,000.

IMPACT OF YEAR 2000

The year 2000 issue is the result of computer programs being written using two
digits rather than four to define the applicable year. Any computer program that
has date sensitive software may recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900
rather than as the year 2000. This could result in a system failure or
miscalculations causing disruptions of operations, including, among other
things, a temporary inability to process transactions, send invoices, or engage
in similar normal business activities.

The Company has recently assessed its internal computer systems and believes
that the current systems used will properly utilize dates beyond December 31,
1999. The Company has been informed that their outside software vendors are in
the process of studying the year 2000 issue. Upon completion of the vendors'
studies which are expected in late 1998, the Company will determine the extent
to which it is vulnerable to the third parties' failure to remediate their own
year 2000 issues and the costs associated with resolving this issue.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Effective December 31, 1997, the Company adopted SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per
Share." SFAS No. 128 establishes standards for computing and presenting earnings
per share. Basic net income per share is based on net income available to common
shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during
each year. Diluted net income per share reflects the potential dilution that
could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were
exercised or converted into common stock that then shared in the Company's
earnings. The dilutive effect of securities and contracts potentially
convertible to common stock is calculated using the treasury stock method. Prior
periods have been restated to conform to the new presentation.

In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 130. "Reporting Comprehensive Income."
This statement establishes standards for reporting comprehensive income and its
components in a full set of general-purpose financial statements. SFAS No. 130
requires that all items that are required to be recognized under accounting
standards as components of comprehensive income be reported in a financial
statement displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements. The
statement requires that the Company classify items of other comprehensive income
by their nature and display the accumulated balance of other comprehensive
income separately from retained earnings and additional paid-in capital in the
equity section of the Balance Sheet. SFAS No. 130 is effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1997. The adoption of this statement will not have
a material impact on the financial statements.

In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS No. 131 requires that the Company
report financial and descriptive information about its reportable segments.
Financial information is required to be reported on the basis that is used
internally for evaluating segment performance and deciding how to allocate
resources to segments. This statement also


                                      -17-
<PAGE>   18
 requires that the Company report descriptive information about the way the
operating segments were determined, the products and services provided by the
operating segments, differences between the measurements used in reporting
segment information and those used in the Company's financial statements, and
changes in the measurement of segment amounts from period to period. SFAS No.
131 is effective for financial statements for periods beginning after December
15, 1997. The adoption of this statement will provide additional disclosures in
the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1998.


ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

This item is submitted in a separate section of this report (see pages 23
through 41).

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND 
        FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.




                                      -18-
<PAGE>   19


                                    PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The information required by this item with respect to the executive officers and
directors of the Company is incorporated herein by reference to the sections
entitled "Executive Officers" and "Nominees for Election as Directors" in the
Company's definitive proxy statement for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to
be held June 11, 1998.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this item with respect to executive compensation is
incorporated herein by reference to the section entitled "Executive
Compensation" in the Company's definitive proxy statement for its Annual Meeting
of Shareholders to be held June 11, 1998.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The information required by this item with respect to executive compensation is
incorporated herein by reference to the section entitled "Security Ownership of
Certain Beneficial Owners, Directors and Management" in the Company's definitive
proxy statement for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held June 11, 1998.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the
section entitled "Certain Transactions" in the Company's definitive proxy
statement for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held June 11, 1998.

                                     PART IV

ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(A)(1) and (2) -- The response to this portion of Item 14 is submitted as a
separate section of this report (A)(3) LISTING OF EXHIBITS

2(a)             Stock Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and
          stockholders of Oncology Hematology Group of South Florida (filed as
          Exhibit 10(m) to Registrant's Form 8-K filed January 17, 1996 (File
          No. 0-15416) and incorporated herein by reference)
2(b)             Purchase and Sale Agreement between the Registrant, Knoxville
          Hematology Oncology Associates and Partners of Knoxville Hematology
          Oncology Associates (filed as Exhibit 10(q) to Registrant's Form 8-K
          filed April 15, 1996 (File No. 0-15416) and incorporated herein by
          reference)
2(c)             Stock Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and 
          stockholders of Jeffrey L. Paonessa, M.D., P.A. (filed as Exhibit
          10(s) to Registrant's Form 8-K filed July 5, 1996 (File No. 0-15416)
          and incorporated herein by reference)
2(d)             Stock Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and
          stockholders of Southeast Florida Hematology Oncology Group, P.A.
          (filed as Exhibit 2(d) to Registrant's Form 8-K filed July 15, 1996
          (File No. 0-15416) and incorporated herein by reference)
2(e)             Asset Purchase Agreement by and among the Registrant, 
          stockholders of The Center for Hematology-Oncology, P.A. and the
          Registrant's Form 8-K filed October 21, 1996 (File No. 1-09922) and
          incorporated herein by reference



                                      -19-
<PAGE>   20

2(f)             Stock Purchase Agreement by and among the Registrant, 
          stockholders of Hematology Oncology Associates of the Treasure Coast,
          P.A., and Hematology Oncology Associates of the Treasure Coast, P.A.
          (filed as Exhibit 10(z) to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed November 5,
          1996 (File No 1-09922) and incorporated herein by reference)
3(a)      Charter (1)
3(b)      Bylaws (2)
4         Trust Indenture, Deed of Trust and Security Agreement dated April 3,
          1990 (3)
10(a)     Registrant's 1985 Stock Option Plan, as amended (4)
10(b)*           Registrant's 1990 Non-Qualified Stock  Option Plan, as 
          amended** (6)(8)
10(c)*           Employment agreement between the Registrant and William H. 
          West, M.D. dated January 1, 1995*
10(d)*           Employment agreement between the Registrant and Joseph T. Clark
          dated July 1, 1995**(7)
10(e)            Service Agreement between the Registrant and stockholders of 
          Oncology Hematology Group of South Florida (filed as Exhibit 10(n) to
          Registrant's Form 8-K filed January 17, 1996 (File No. 0-15416) and
          incorporated herein by reference)
10(f)**   Amendment to 1990 Registrant's Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan adopted
          April 20, 1995 (7)
10(g)*           Employment agreement between the Registrant and Charles H. 
          Weaver, M.D. dated July 1, 1995**(7)
10(h)            Service Agreement between Response Oncology, Inc., Knoxville 
          Hematology Oncology Associates, P.L.L.C. and Members of Knoxville
          Hematology Oncology Associates, P.L.L.C. dated April 12, 1996 (filed
          as Exhibit 10(r) to Registrant's Form 8-K filed April 30,1 996 (File
          No. 0-15416) and incorporated herein by reference
10(i)            Service Agreement between the Registrant and stockholders of
          Jeffrey L. Paonessa, M.D., P.A. (filed as Exhibit 10(t) to
          Registrant's Form 8-K filed July 5, 1996 (File No. 0-15416) and
          incorporated herein by reference)
10(j)            Service Agreement between the Registrant and stockholders of 
          Southeast Florida Hematology Oncology Group, P.A. (filed as Exhibit
          10(u) to Registrant's Form 8-K filed July 15, 1996 (File No 0-15416)
          and incorporated herein by reference)
10(k)**   Amendment No. 3 to 1990 Registrant's Non-qualified Stock Option Plan 
          adopted December 16, 1995 (8)
10(l)            Service Agreement between the Registrant, Rosenberg & Kalman,
          M.D., P.A., and stockholders of R&K, M.D., P.A. (filed as Exhibit
          10(x) to Registrant's Form 8-K filed September 18, 1996 (File No.
          1-09922) and incorporated herein by reference)
10(m)            First Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated April 21, 1997
          between Registrant, NationsBank of Tennessee,  N.A., AmSouth Bank of
          Tennessee and Union Planters National Bank
11               Statement regarding  Computation of Per Share Earnings
13               Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31,
          1997 -- to be filed
21        List of Subsidiaries
23               Consent of Independent Auditors
27               Financial Data Schedule (for SEC use only)
99(a)            Definitive Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Shareholders
          to be held June 11, 1998 -- to be filed
- ------------------------

*    These documents may be obtained by stockholders of Registrant upon written
     request to: Response Oncology, Inc., 1775 Moriah Woods Blvd., Memphis,
     Tennessee 38117
**   Management Compensatory Plan 
(1)  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's 1989 10-K, dated July 31, 
     1989 
(2)  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on 
     Form S-1 under the Securities Act of 1933 (File No. 33-5016) effective 
     April 21, 1986


                                      -20-
<PAGE>   21

(3)  Incorporated by reference in the initial filing of the Registrants' 1990 
     10-K, dated July 18, 1990, filed July 20, 1990 and amended on September 
     19, 1990
(4)  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
     Form S-8 under the Securities Act of 1933 (File No. 33-21333) effective
     April 26, 1988
(5)  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's 1991 10-K, dated July 26,
     1991
(6)  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
     Form S-8 under the Securities Act of 1933 (File No. 33-45616) effective
     February 11, 1992
(7)  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's 1995 10-K, dated March 29, 
     1996
(8)  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
     Form S-8 under the Securities Act of 1933 (File No. 333-14371) effective
     October 11, 1996

(B)  Reports on Form 8-K filed in the fourth quarter of 1996
(C)  Exhibits - The response to this portion of Item 14 is submitted as a 
     separate section of this report
(D)  Financial Statement Schedules - The response to this portion of Item 14 is
     submitted as a separate section of this report


                                      -21-

<PAGE>   22


                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, Response Oncology, Inc. has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

RESPONSE ONCOLOGY, INC.
                                          By: /s/Joseph T. Clark
                                              ---------------------------------
                                              Joseph T. Clark
                                              President, Chief Executive
                                              Officer, and Director

                                              Date: March 31, 1998

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Company and in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.

    By: /s/Frank M. Bumstead               By: /s/Dena L. Mullen
        -----------------------------          -------------------------------
        Frank M. Bumstead                       Dena L. Mullen
        Vice-Chairman of the Board              Director of Finance

        Date: March 31, 1998                    Date: March 31, 1998

    By: /s/Joseph T. Clark                  By: /s/James R. Seward
        -----------------------------           ------------------------------
        Joseph T. Clark                         James R. Seward
        President, Chief Executive              Director
        Officer, and Director

        Date: March 31, 1998                    Date: March 31, 1998

    By: /s/Mary E. Clements                 By: /s/Peter A. Stark
        -----------------------------           ------------------------------
        Mary E. Clements                        Peter A. Stark
        Chief Financial Officer                 Controller

        Date: March 31, 1998                    Date: March 31, 1998

    By: /s/P. Anthony Jacobs                By: /s/William H. West, M.D.
        -----------------------------           ------------------------------
        P. Anthony Jacobs                       William H. West, M.D.
        Director                                Chairman of the Board

        Date: March 31, 1998                    Date: March 31, 1998



                                      -22-

<PAGE>   23


Independent Auditors' Report
The Board of Directors
Response Oncology, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Response
Oncology, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the
related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash
flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997. In
connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we have
also audited the accompanying financial statement schedule, "Schedule II --
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts." These consolidated financial statements and
financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial
statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Response Oncology,
Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when
considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a
whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth
therein.



                                                 KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
Memphis, Tennessee
February 26, 1998, except as to the last 
sentence of the second paragraph of Note E,
which is as of March 31, 1998




                                      -23-
<PAGE>   24


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1:  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
         RESPONSE ONCOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
         CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
         (Dollar amounts in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                               December 31,
                                                                                   -----------------------------------
                                                                                       1997                    1996
                                                                                    ---------              -----------
<S>                                                                                  <C>                     <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
    Cash and cash equivalents                                                        $  2,425                $     415
    Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts
         of $3,130 and $1,774                                                          16,910                   14,297
    Supplies and pharmaceuticals                                                        2,772                    2,415
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets                                           4,219                    2,168
    Due from affiliated physician groups                                               14,823                   12,423
                                                                                     --------                ---------
         TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                                                          41,149                   31,718


    Property and equipment, net                                                         3,555                    5,406

    Deferred charges, less accumulated amortization of $513 and $232                      386                      490
    Management service agreements, less accumulated amortization of $4,016
           and $1,345                                                                 103,054                  101,963
    Deferred income taxes                                                               2,618                    3,267
    Other assets                                                                          931                      106
                                                                                     --------                ---------
         TOTAL ASSETS                                                                $151,693                $ 142,950
                                                                                     ========                =========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
    Accounts payable                                                                   $9,751                   $4,863
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities                                              4,370                    4,268
    Current portion of notes payable                                                    8,537                    7,847
    Current portion of capital lease obligations                                           45                       74
                                                                                     --------                ---------
         TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES                                                     22,703                   17,052

    Capital lease obligations, less current portion                                        44                      124
    Notes payable, less current portion                                                35,399                   62,106
    Deferred income taxes                                                              26,162                   25,127
    Minority interest                                                                   1,037                      374

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
    Series A convertible preferred stock, $1.00 par value, authorized 3,000,000
         shares; issued and outstanding 27,233 shares at each period end,
         liquidating preference $11.00 per share                                           27                       27
    Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued and
          outstanding 11,972,358 and 8,947,018 shares, respectively                       120                       89
    Paid-in capital                                                                   101,402                   77,454
    Accumulated deficit                                                               (35,201)                 (39,403)
                                                                                     --------                ---------
                                                                                       66,348                   38,167
                                                                                     ========                =========
         TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                  $151,693                $ 142,950
                                                                                     ========                =========
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



                                      -24-
<PAGE>   25


RESPONSE ONCOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollar amounts in thousands except for share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                        Years Ended December 31,
                                                       -----------------------------------------------------
                                                           1997                 1996                 1995
                                                        ----------           -----------         -----------
<S>                                                     <C>                  <C>                  <C>
NET REVENUE                                             $   101,920          $   67,353           $   44,298

COSTS AND EXPENSES
     Salaries and benefits                                   20,828              16,288               10,950
     Pharmaceuticals and supplies                            49,132              29,929               18,572
     Other operating costs                                   10,955               7,806                5,245
     General and administrative                               4,278               4,394                3,356
     Depreciation and amortization                            4,704               3,485                1,736
     Interest                                                 3,125               2,574                   17
     Provision for doubtful accounts                          1,529               1,594                2,106
                                                        -----------          ----------           ----------
                                                             94,551              66,070               41,982
                                                        -----------          ----------           ----------

EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND                              7,369               1,283                2,316
MINORITY INTEREST
     Minority owners' share of net earnings                    (591)               (373)                  (2)
                                                        -----------          ----------           ----------

EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES                                  6,778                 910                2,314
     Provision for income taxes                               2,576                  --                   --
                                                        -----------          ----------           ----------

NET EARNINGS                                                  4,202                 910                2,314
Common stock dividend to preferred stockholders                  (3)                 (3)                  (4)
                                                        -----------          ----------           ----------
NET EARNINGS TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS                     $     4,199           $     907           $    2,310
                                                        ===========          ==========           ==========

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
     Basic                                              $      0.36          $     0.11           $     0.33
                                                        ===========          ==========           ==========
     Diluted                                            $      0.36          $     0.11           $     0.32
                                                        ===========          ==========           ==========

Weighted average number of common shares:
     Basic                                               11,505,775           7,941,888            7,007,477
                                                        ===========          ==========           ==========
     Diluted                                             11,662,157           8,245,782            7,171,274
                                                        ===========          ==========           ==========
</TABLE>


          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.





                                      -25-
<PAGE>   26



RESPONSE ONCOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Dollar amounts in thousands except for share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                          Series A Convertible
                                            Preferred Stock           Common Stock
                                           ------------------   --------------------------
                                                    Par Value                                                                  Total
                                                    $1.00 Per                     Par Value   Paid-In    Accumulated   Stockholders'
                                           Shares       Share      Shares    $.01 Per Share   Capital        Deficit          Equity
                                           ------   ---------   -----------  --------------  --------   ------------   -------------
<S>                                        <C>      <C>         <C>          <C>             <C>         <C>           <C>
Balances at December 31, 1994              28,333         $28    34,822,157       $69         $59,037      $ (42,627)      $16,507
    Net earnings                                                                                               2,314         2,314
    Exercise of common stock
      warrants and options                                          497,000         5           1,017                        1,022
    Conversion of preferred stock            (500)                      458
    One-for-five reverse split                                  (27,948,332)
    Dividend on preferred stock                                         306
                                           ------        ----   -----------      ----        --------       --------       -------
Balances at December 31, 1995              27,833          28     7,371,589        74          60,054        (40,313)       19,843
    Net earnings                                                                                                 910           910
    Exercise of common stock options                                 26,000                       275                          275
    Conversion of preferred stock            (600)         (1)          109                         1
    Common stock issued in connection
      with practice affiliations                                    639,924         6           6,583                        6,589
    Conversion of note payable to parent                            909,090         9           9,991                       10,000
    Dividend on preferred stock                                         306
    Warrants issued in connection
      with practice affiliations                                                                  550                          550
                                           ------        ----   -----------      ----        --------       --------       -------
Balances at December 31, 1996              27,233          27     8,947,018        89          77,454        (39,403)       38,167
    Net earnings                                                                                               4,202         4,202
    Exercise of common stock options                                  4,498         1              26                           27
    Conversion of note payable to parent                          3,020,536        30          23,922                       23,952
    Dividend on preferred stock                                         306
                                           ======       =====   ===========      ====        ========       ========       =======
Balances at December 31, 1997              27,233         $27    11,972,358      $120        $101,402       $(35,201)      $66,348
                                           ======       =====   ===========      ====        ========       ========       =======

</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                     - 26 -

<PAGE>   27


RESPONSE ONCOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollar amounts in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                       Years Ended December 31,
                                                                           ---------------------------------------------
                                                                              1997              1996               1995
                                                                            --------          --------           --------
<S>                                                                         <C>              <C>                  <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
    Net earnings                                                            $  4,202          $    910            $ 2,314
    Adjustments to reconcile net earnings from operations to net cash
          provided by (used in) operating activities:
      Depreciation and amortization                                            4,704             3,485              1,736
      Provision for doubtful accounts                                          1,529             1,594              2,106
      Minority owners' share of net earnings                                     591               373                  2
      Changes in operating assets and liabilities net of effect 
         of acquisitions:
         Accounts receivable                                                  (4,141)           (1,956)            (3,641)
         Supplies and  pharmaceuticals, prepaid expenses and other            (2,408)           (1,332)              (772)
             current assets
         Deferred charges and other assets                                      (970)             (176)              (207)
         Due from affiliated physician groups                                 (3,783)           (6,846)                --
         Accounts payable and accrued expenses                                 6,849               225                553
                                                                            --------          --------            -------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES                            6,573            (3,723)             2,091
                                                                            --------          --------            -------

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    Purchase of equipment                                                       (978)           (1,034)            (1,330)
    Sale (purchase) of short-term investments                                     --               362               (262)
    Investment in joint venture                                                   73                --                 --
    Acquisition of non-medical assets of affiliated physician groups            (332)          (52,683)                --
                                                                            --------          --------            -------
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES                                         (1,237)          (53,355)            (1,592)
                                                                            --------          --------            -------

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    Bank overdraft                                                                --               491                 --
    Financing costs incurred                                                    (388)             (324)                --
    Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants                          27               275              1,022
    Proceeds from notes payable                                               12,724            27,312                 --
    Principal payments on notes payable                                      (16,623)           (6,895)               (71)
    Proceeds from note payable to parent                                       1,006            32,494                 --
    Principal payments on capital lease obligations                              (72)              (65)              (168)
                                                                            --------          --------            -------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES                           (3,326)           53,288                783
                                                                            --------          --------            -------

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                               2,010            (3,790)             1,282
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                             415             4,205              2,923
                                                                            --------          --------            -------

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD                                  $  2,425          $    415            $ 4,205
                                                                            ========          ========            =======
</TABLE>


                                                                      Continued:

                                      -27-
<PAGE>   28

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Years Ended December 31,
                                                    ----------------------------------------
                                                       1997          1996           1995
                                                     ---------     ---------      ---------
<S>                                                  <C>           <C>            <C>
Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and 
financing activities
    Effect of clinic acquisitions:
      Intangible assets                                $  281        $103,308
      Property and equipment                               42           2,474
      Acquired accounts receivable, net                    29           6,430
      Other assets                                         22           4,643
                                                       ------        --------
      Total assets acquired, net of cash                  374         116,855
                                                       ------        --------
      Liabilities assumed                                 (42)        (29,926)
      Issuance of notes payable                            --         (27,107)
      Issuance of common stock                             --          (7,139)
                                                       ------        --------
        Payments for clinic operating assets           $  332        $ 52,683
                                                       ======        ========
Cash paid for interest                                 $3,408        $  1,642           $17
                                                       ======        ========         =====
Cash paid for income taxes                             $1,821              --            --
                                                       ======        ========         =====
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



                                      -28-
<PAGE>   29


RESPONSE ONCOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

NOTE A--ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

Response Oncology, Inc. ("the Company") is a comprehensive cancer management
company which owns and/or operates a network of outpatient treatment centers
("IMPACT Centers"), which provide stem cell supported high-dose chemotherapy and
other advanced cancer treatment services under the direction of practicing
oncologists; owns the assets of and manages oncology practices; and conducts
clinical cancer research on behalf of pharmaceutical manufacturers.

The Company, formerly known as Response Technologies, Inc., changed its name to 
Response Oncology, Inc. effective November 2, 1995.

Prior to July 25, 1997, the Company was a subsidiary of Seafield Capital
Corporation ("Seafield"). On July 1, 1997, Seafield's Board of Directors
declared a dividend to it shareholders of record on July 11, 1997, of all shares
of common stock of the Company owned by Seafield. On July 25, 1997, 1.2447625
shares of the Company's common stock were distributed for each share of Seafield
common stock outstanding. The Seafield shareholders paid no consideration for
any shares of the Company's stock received in the distribution.

NOTE B--SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation: The consolidated
financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned
subsidiaries and majority-owned or controlled joint ventures. All significant
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Cash Equivalents: All highly liquid investments with an original maturity of
three months or less when purchased are considered to be cash equivalents.

Accounts Receivable: Accounts receivable primarily consists of receivables from
patients, insurers, government programs and other third-party payors for medical
services provided. Such amounts are reduced by an allowance for contractual
adjustments and other uncollectible amounts. Contractual adjustments result from
the differences between the rates charged for services performed and the amounts
allowed by the Medicare and Medicaid programs and other public and private
insurers.

Due From Affiliated Physicians: Due from affiliated physicians consists of
management fees earned and payable pursuant to related service agreements. In
addition, the Company may also fund certain working capital needs of affiliated
physicians from time to time.

Due to the demographics of oncology patients, a significant portion of the
affiliated physicians' medical service revenues are related to third-party
reimbursement agreements, primarily Medicare and other governmental programs.
Medicare and other governmental programs reimburse physicians based on fee
schedules which are determined by the related governmental agency. In the
ordinary course of business, affiliated physicians receiving reimbursement from
Medicare and other governmental programs are potentially subject to a review by
regulatory agencies concerning the accuracy of billings and sufficiency of
supporting documentation of procedures performed. Provisions for estimated
third-party payor settlements and adjustments are estimated in the period the
related services are rendered and adjusted in future periods as final
settlements are determined.


                                      -29-
<PAGE>   30

Supplies and Pharmaceuticals: Supplies and pharmaceuticals are recorded at lower
of cost (first-in, first-out) or market.

Property and Equipment: Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation
and amortization are provided by the straight-line method over the estimated
useful lives which range from three to ten years.

Equipment under capital lease obligations is amortized on the straight-line
method over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the
equipment. Such amortization is included in depreciation and amortization in the
consolidated financial statements.

Amortization: Service agreements consist of the costs of purchasing management
service agreements with physician practices. These costs are amortized over the
initial noncancelable 40-year terms of the related management service
agreements. The agreements are noncancelable except for performance defaults. In
the event a practice breaches the agreement, or if the Company terminates with
cause, the practice is required to purchase all tangible assets at fair market
value and pay substantial liquidating damages. The carrying value of the
management service agreements is reviewed for impairment at the end of each
reporting period.

Deferred Charges: Deferred charges consists primarily of startup costs
representing direct and incremental expenses incurred prior to the operational
date of a new IMPACT Center which are capitalized and amortized on a straight
line basis from the operational date over a period of two years.

Deferred charges also includes costs capitalized in connection with obtaining
long-term financing and are being amortized using the interest method over the
terms of the related debt.

Net Revenue: The following table is a summary of net revenue by source for the
respective periods ended December 31. Patient service revenue is recorded net of
contractual allowances and discounts of $6,253,000, $4,898,000 and $4,224,000
for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively. The
Company's revenue from practice management affiliations includes practice
operating expenses (other than amounts retained by physicians) and a management
fee either fixed in amount or equal to a percentage of each affiliated oncology
group's adjusted net revenue or net operating income. In certain affiliations,
the Company may also be entitled to a performance fee if certain financial
criteria are satisfied.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                             December 31,
                                                            (In thousands)
                                              -------------------------------------
                                                1997            1996          1995
                                              -------------------------------------
  <S>                                         <C>             <C>           <C>
  Net patient service revenue                 $34,249         $33,423       $33,827
  Practice management service fees             46,476          19,292            --
  Pharmaceutical sales to physicians           18,302          13,531         9,806
  Clinical research revenue                     2,893           1,107           665
                                             ========         =======       =======
                                             $101,920         $67,353       $44,298
                                             ========         =======       =======
</TABLE>


Income Taxes: The asset and liability method is used whereby deferred tax assets
and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting
and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax
rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to
reverse.

Net Earnings Per Common Share: Net earnings per common share has been computed
based upon the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding
during the period, plus (in periods in which they have a dilutive effect) common
stock equivalents, primarily stock options and warrants. All share and per share
amounts have been restated to reflect a one-for-five reverse split effected
November 2, 1995.


                                      -30-
<PAGE>   31


Fair Value of Financial Instruments: The carrying amounts of all asset and
liability financial instruments approximate their estimated fair values at
December 31, 1997 and 1996. Fair value of a financial instrument is defined as
the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction
between willing parties.

Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

New Accounting Standards:

Effective December 31, 1997, the Company adopted SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per
Share." SFAS No. 128 establishes standards for computing and presenting earnings
per share. Basic net income per share is based on net income available to common
stockholders divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during
each year. Diluted net income per share reflects the potential dilution that
could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were
exercised or converted into common stock that then shared in the Company's
earnings. The dilutive effect of securities and contracts potentially
convertible to common stock is calculated using the treasury stock method. Prior
periods have been restated to conform to the new presentation.

In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 130. "Reporting Comprehensive Income."
This statement establishes standards for reporting comprehensive income and its
components in a full set of general-purpose financial statements. SFAS No. 130
requires that all items that are required to be recognized under accounting
standards as components of comprehensive income be reported in a financial
statement displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements. The
statement requires that the Company classify items of other comprehensive income
by their nature and display the accumulated balance of other comprehensive
income separately from retained earnings and additional paid-in capital in the
equity section of the Balance Sheet. SFAS No. 130 is effective for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. The adoption of this statement
will not have a material impact on the financial statements.

In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS No. 131 requires that the Company
report financial and descriptive information about its reportable segments.
Financial information is required to be reported on the basis that is used
internally for evaluating segment performance and deciding how to allocate
resources to segments. This statement also requires that the Company report
descriptive information about the way the operating segments were determined,
the products and services provided by the operating segments, differences
between the measurements used in reporting segment information and those used in
the Company's financial statements, and changes in the measurement of segment
amounts from period to period. SFAS No. 131 is effective for financial
statements for periods beginning after December 15, 1997. The adoption of this
statement will provide additional disclosures in the consolidated financial
statements for the year ending December 31, 1998.

NOTE C--ACQUISITIONS

During 1996, the Company acquired stock in or certain operating assets and
assumed certain liabilities of ten oncology practices in Tennessee and Florida.
The Company's aggregate consideration in exchange for the practice affiliations
consisted of $53 million in cash, $27 million in notes payable, and 640,000
shares of its common stock. The practice affiliations have been accounted for as
purchases and the accompanying financial statements include the results of their
operations from their respective dates of acquisition.


                                      -31-
<PAGE>   32


The following unaudited pro forma information for the years ended December 31,
1996 and 1995 is presented as if the acquisitions described above and
commencement of the new credit facility and the conversion of the note payable
to parent occurred on January 1, 1995. The following information is not
necessarily indicative of what actual results of operations would have been had
such acquisitions, the new credit facility, and the Seafield conversion been
completed on January 1, 1995, nor does it purport to represent the results of
operations for future periods. In management's opinion, all adjustments
necessary to reflect the acquisitions have been made. Summarized pro forma
information is as follows:

Proforma Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
(In thousands except for per share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                               1996           1995
                                                           -----------     -----------
<S>                                                        <C>             <C>
Revenues                                                   $    87,687     $    77,866
Net income                                                 $     4,357          $1,737
Net income per common share:
    Basic                                                  $      0.36     $      0.15
                                                           ===========     ===========
    Diluted                                                $      0.35     $      0.15
                                                           ===========     ===========
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
    Basic                                                   11,973,975      11,571,924
                                                           ===========     ===========
    Diluted                                                 12,277,869      11,735,721
                                                           ===========     ===========
</TABLE>



NOTE D--PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Balances of major classes of property and equipment are as follows:
(In thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             December 31,
                                                         ---------------------
                                                          1997          1996
                                                         -------      --------
<S>                                                      <C>           <C>
Lab and pharmacy equipment                               $ 4,984       $ 4,730
Furniture and office equipment                             4,482         3,803
Equipment under capital leases                             1,342         1,515
Leasehold improvements                                     2,474         3,518
                                                         -------       -------
                                                          13,282        13,566
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization            (9,727)       (8,160)
                                                         =======       =======
                                                         $ 3,555       $ 5,406
                                                         =======       =======
</TABLE>




                                      -32-

<PAGE>   33


NOTE E--NOTES PAYABLE

Notes payable at December 31, 1997 and 1996, consist of the following:
(In thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                    1997       1996
                                                                   -------    -------
<S>                                                                <C>        <C>
Credit Facility                                                    $29,586    $20,861
Note payable to parent                                                  --     22,494
Various subordinated notes payable to affiliated physicians and 
    physician practices, bearing interest ranging from 4% to 9%,
      with maturity dates through 2003                              14,180     26,467
Other notes payable collateralized by furniture and equipment
    with interest rates between 8% and 10% payable in monthly
    installments of principal and interest through 2005                170        131
                                                                   -------    -------
Total notes payable                                                 43,936     69,953
Less current portion                                                 8,537      7,847
                                                                   =======    =======
                                                                   $35,399    $62,106
                                                                   =======    =======
</TABLE>


The Company has a $45.0 million Credit Facility to fund the Company's
acquisition and working capital needs. The Credit Facility, comprised of a $35.0
million Acquisition Facility and a $10.0 million Working Capital Facility, is
collateralized by the common stock of the Company's subsidiaries. The Credit
Facility bears interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus a spread between
1.5% and 2.125%, depending upon borrowing levels and expires in March 1999. At
December 31, 1997, $29.6 million aggregate principal was outstanding under the
Credit Facility with a current interest rate of approximately 8.2%. The Credit
Facility contains affirmative and negative covenants which, among other things,
require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios, including minimum
fixed charges coverage, funded debt to EBITDA, net worth and current ratio.
On March 31, 1998, the Credit Facility was modified and amended, effective
April 21, 1997, to provide for redefinitions of certain restrictive covenants.


In May 1997, the Company entered into a LIBOR based interest rate swap agreement
("Swap Agreement") with an affiliate of the Company's primary lender as required
by the terms of the Credit Facility. Amounts hedged under the Swap Agreement
accrue interest at the difference between 6.42% and the thirty day LIBOR rate
and are settled monthly. As of December 31, 1997, approximately 51% of the
Company's outstanding principal balance under the Credit Facility was hedged
under the Swap Agreement. The Swap Agreement matures in March 1999 and is
cancelable at the lender's option after July 1998.

The installment notes payable to affiliated physicians and physician practices
were issued as partial consideration for the practice management affiliations.
Principal and interest under the long-term notes may, at the election of the
holders, be paid in shares of common stock of the Company based on conversion
prices ranging from $11.50 to $17.00.

The aggregate maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 1997 are as follows:
(In thousands)

<TABLE>

                    <S>                           <C>
                    1998                          $ 8,537
                    1999                           33,261
                    2000                              872
                    2001                              891
                    2002                              165
                    Thereafter                        210
                                                  -------
                                                  $43,936
                                                  =======
</TABLE>




                                      -33-

<PAGE>   34


NOTE F -- LEASES

The Company leases certain office facilities and equipment under lease
agreements with original terms ranging from one to forty years that generally
provide for one or more renewal options.

Interest has been imputed on capital leases at rates of 6% to 12%. Accumulated
amortization of assets recorded under capital leases totaled $1,440,000 and
$1,308,000 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

Total rental expense under operating leases amounted to $2,619,000, $2,361,000
and $1,800,000 for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. The Company is generally obligated to the lessors for its
proportionate share of operating expenses of the leased premises. At December
31, 1997, future minimum lease payments under capital and operating leases with
initial terms of one year or more are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                  Capital Leases       Operating Leases
                                                 ------------------    ----------------
<S>                                              <C>                   <C>
Fiscal year ended December 31:
                                 1998                   $  52              $ 2,758
                                 1999                      41                2,305
                                 2000                       7                1,905
                                 2001                      --                1,709
                                 2002                      --                1,488
                                 Thereafter                --               13,926
                                                        -----              -------
Total minimum payments                                    100              $24,091
                                                                           =======

        Less imputed interest                              11
                                                        -----
Present value of minimum rental payments                   89
Less current portion                                       45
                                                        -----
Capital lease obligations
        less current portion                            $  44
                                                        =====
</TABLE>





                                      -34-
<PAGE>   35


NOTE G -- INCOME TAXES

The actual tax expense for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995,
respectively, differs from the expected tax expense for those years (computed by
applying the federal corporate tax rate of 34% to earnings before minority
interest and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate) as follows (in
thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                      1997       1996       1995
                                                     ------    -------   --------
    <C>                                              <C>       <C>       <C>
    Computed expected tax expense (benefit)          $2,304      $ 436      $ 787
    Non-deductible expenses                              23         14         13
    Utilization of net operating loss carryforwards      12       (450)      (800)
    State tax expense                                   237         --         --
                                                     ======      =====      =====
    Actual income tax expense                        $2,576      $   0      $   0
                                                     ======      =====      =====
</TABLE>


The components of the actual expense for the tax years 1997 and 1996 are as
follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               
                                                         1997             1996
                                                        --------        --------
<S>                                                      <C>            <C>
Federal current tax expense                              $1,334             --
State current tax expense                                   254             --
Deferred federal tax expense                                883             --
Deferred state tax expense                                  105             --
                                                        =======          =====
                                                         $2,576          $   0
                                                        =======          =====
</TABLE>


The approximate tax effects of each type of temporary difference and
carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax assets and
deferred tax liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                 1997            1996         1995
                                               ---------      ---------     --------
    <C>                                        <C>            <C>            <C>
    Deferred tax assets:
       Net operating loss carryforwards          $1,497        $ 1,678       $ 2,366
       Reserve for bad debts                         --            674           409
       Excess book depreciation/amortization      1,035            665           547
       Partnership basis differences                 --            204            --
       Excess book expense accruals                  46             46           152
       Other                                         40             --            41
                                                -------        -------       -------
    Total deferred assets                         2,618          3,267         3,515
    Valuation allowance                              --             --        (3,515)
                                                -------        -------       -------

    Net deferred tax assets                       2,618        $ 3,267            $0

    Deferred tax liability:
       Management service agreements             26,162        $25,127            --
                                                -------        -------       --------

    Net deferred tax liability                  $23,544        $21,860
                                                =======        =======       ========
</TABLE>

The deferred tax liability of $23,544,000 is calculated by applying the
applicable expected tax rate of 38% to the future taxable amounts resulting from
the taxable temporary differences between the assigned value of identifiable net
assets (Service Agreements) and their tax basis. A portion of the increase in
the deferred liability ($696,000), is the result of the current year purchase
price adjustments in Service Agreements purchased in 1996.



                                      -35-
<PAGE>   36



The amount of income that the Company may offset in future years by the net
operating loss carryforwards incurred prior to an ownership change in 1990 will
be limited, by the application of the Internal Revenue Code Section 382, to
$473,000 annually through the year 2005. The unused portion of the net operating
losses may be carried forward and realized in future years subject to this
limitation.

As of December 31, 1997, the Company had available tax net operating loss
carryforwards totaling $3,944,000, all of which is subject to certain annual
limitations due to a change in ownership for tax purposes in 1990. The use of
net operating loss carryforwards, for income tax purposes, is also dependent
upon future taxable income.

NOTE H -- COMMON STOCK, CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK, WARRANTS, AND OPTIONS

Common Stock: On November 1, 1995, an amendment to the Company's charter was
approved at a special meeting of shareholders decreasing the number of
authorized shares from 60,000,000 shares, $.002 par value, to 30,000,000 shares,
$.01 par value, with a corresponding reclassification to which each issued and
outstanding share was reclassified, converted, and changed into one-fifth (1/5)
of an issued and outstanding share. The amendment became effective November 2,
1995. The one-for-five reverse split resulted in the reduction of 27,948,332
outstanding shares of common stock. Accordingly, all references in the financial
statements to weighted average shares outstanding, per share amounts and stock
option plan data have been restated to reflect the reverse split.

The $10 million Seafield Note was exchanged for 909,090 shares of common stock
during August 1996. At December 31, 1996, Seafield's ownership interest in the
Company was approximately 56%. On February 26, 1997, the $23.5 million Seafield
Facility and accrued interest thereon was converted into 3,020,536 shares of the
Company's common stock at a rate of $8 per share. The conversion increased
Seafield's ownership as of February 26, 1997 to 67%.

During 1996, 639,924 shares of common stock were issued as consideration in the
acquisition of certain oncology practices. Additionally, 5,000, 26,000 and
497,000 shares of common stock were issued pursuant to the exercise of warrants
and employee stock options during the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and
1995, respectively. Proceeds to the Company amounted to $27,000, $275,000 and
$1,021,000 for the respective periods.

The Company also has reserved 3,219,000 shares of its common stock for issuance
upon the exercise of options (2,288,000), the conversion of Convertible
Preferred Stock (5,000), and the exercise of warrants or conversion of debt
issued in the practice affiliations consummated during 1996 (926,000).

Convertible Preferred Stock: The shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
have the following rights and restrictions: (a) a preference in the event of
liquidation equal to $11.00 per share; (b) the right to convert into the number
of shares of common stock equal to the stated value of shares surrendered
($11.00) divided by the conversion price of $60.00 -- subject to certain
adjustments; (c) the right to receive dividends in the form of common stock at
the rate of .011 share of common stock per annum per share payable annually each
year commencing January 15, 1988; (d) the shares are redeemable at the Company's
option at $11.00 per share; and (e) holders of the preferred stock will not be
entitled to vote. The conversion price and common stock dividend rate have been
adjusted for the effect of the one-for-five reverse split.

During the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, 600 and 500 shares of Series
A Convertible Preferred Stock were converted into 109 and 458 shares of common
stock, respectively. As of December 31, 1997, 27,233 Convertible Preferred Stock
shares remain outstanding.



                                      -36-
<PAGE>   37

In December 1997, 1996, and 1995, the Board of Directors approved a common stock
dividend of 306 shares to the holders of the Series A Convertible Preferred
Stock of record as of December 15, 1997, 1996, and 1995 that was paid January
1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively. The market value of the common stock
distributed was $3,000 at each period. The dividends have been reflected in the
"Statement of Operations" and the weighted average number of common shares in
the determination of net earnings to common stockholders and the earnings per
common share calculations. The par value of the common stock distributed was
charged to paid-in capital.

Options: The 1985 Stock Option Plan (the "1985 Plan"), as amended in fiscal year
1988, allows for granting of incentive stock options, non qualified stock
options, and stock appreciation rights of up to 122,000 shares of common stock
to eligible officers and key employees of the Company at an exercise price of
not less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant for
an incentive stock option and not less than 85% of the fair market value of the
common stock on the date of grant for a non qualified stock option. The 1985
Plan expired in 1995; no additional shares are available for grant.

The 1990 Non Qualified Stock Option Plan (the "1990 Plan"), as amended in 1995,
allows for the granting of non qualified stock options, up to 1,125,000 options
to eligible officers, directors, key employees, and consultants of the Company
at an exercise price of not less than the market price of the common stock on
the date of grant with an option period up to 10 years.

The 1996 Incentive and Non Qualified Stock Option Plan (the "1996 Plan"), as
amended in 1997, allows for the granting of up to 1,130,000 options to eligible
officers, directors, advisors, medical directors, consultants, and key employees
of the Company at an exercise price of not less that the market price of the
common stock on the date of grant with an option period up to 10 years.

A summary status of the 1985 Plan as of December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995 and
changes during the years then ended is presented below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                  1997                            1996                        1995
                                         -----------------------       --------------------------    -----------------------
                                                        Weighted                        Weighted                  Weighted
                                                        Average                         Average                    Average
                                           Number       Exercise          Number        Exercise      Number      Exercise
      Fixed Options                      of shares       Price          of shares        Price      of shares       Price
- ------------------------------------     ----------    ---------        ---------       -------     ---------     --------
<S>                                      <C>           <C>             <C>              <C>          <C>           <C>
Outstanding at beginning of year           71,100        $5.76            74,200        $ 5.79        75,360       $ 5.86
Exercised                                    (300)        3.12            (2,700)         5.76          (560)        9.02
Forfeited                                  (9,597)       17.12              (400)        11.88          (600)       11.88
                                           ------                         ------                      ------
Outstanding at end of year                 61,203         3.81            71,100          5.76        74,200         5.79
                                           ======                         ======                      ======

Options exercisable at year-end            60,485                         66,060                      65,820
                                           ======                         ======                      ======
</TABLE>




                                      -37-

<PAGE>   38


A summary status of the 1990 Plan as of December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995 and
changes during the years then ended is presented below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                1997                            1996                          1995
                                     ---------------------------     --------------------------     ---------------------------
                                                       Weighted                       Weighted                        Weighted
                                                       Average                         Average                         Average
                                       Number          Exercise        Number         Exercise         Number         Exercise
           Fixed Options              of shares         Price         of shares         Price         of shares         Price
                                      ----------       --------       ---------       ---------       ---------       --------
<S>                                   <C>              <C>            <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
Outstanding at beginning of year       1,053,150        $11.24          933,440        $11.02         559,550          $10.21
Granted                                  658,779          6.44          172,000         12.50         400,900           11.91
Exercised                                   (721)         6.00          (22,300)        11.09         (12,800)           2.82
Forfeited                               (901,174)        11.66          (29,990)        11.69         (14,210)          11.88
                                       =========                      =========                       =======
Outstanding at end of year               810,034          6.75        1,053,150        $11.24         933,440           11.02
                                       =========                      =========                       =======

Options exercisable at year-end          741,054                        694,020                       396,210
                                       =========                      =========                       =======
</TABLE>



A summary status of the 1996 Plan for the years ended December 31, 1997 and
1996, and changes during the years then ended is presented below:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      1997                            1996
                                           ---------------------------     ---------------------------
                                                             Weighted                       Weighted
                                                             Average                         Average
                                            Number           Exercise         Number        Exercise
               Fixed Options               of shares          Price         of shares         Price
     ---------------------------------     ----------       ---------      ----------       ---------
     <S>                                   <C>              <C>            <C>              <C>
     Outstanding at beginning of year         570,400        $11.81              --              --
     Granted                                1,025,467          6.06         621,400          $11.87
     Exercised                                 (3,478)         6.00          (1,000)          12.50
     Forfeited                               (505,400)        10.30         (50,000)          12.50
                                            =========                       =======
     Outstanding at end of year             1,086,989          6.55         570,400           11.81
                                            =========                       =======

     Options exercisable at year-end          535,846                       130,080
                                            =========                       =======
</TABLE>



The following table summarizes information about fixed stock options outstanding
at December 31, 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                     Options Outstanding                             Options Exercisable
                   --------------------------------------------------------    ---------------------------------
                                            Weighted 
                                             Average           Weighted                              Weighted
                                            Remaining           Average                              Average
    Range of             Number            Contractual          Exercise          Number             Exercise
 Exercise Prices       Outstanding         Life (Years)          Price          Exercisable           Price
- ------------------    ------------      ----------------       ---------        -----------         ---------
<S>                   <C>               <C>                    <C>              <C>                 <C>
  $1.56  -   2.50          77,900              2.68             $ 1.82              77,900            $ 1.82
   5.00  -   5.63          30,500              2.60               5.01              30,500              5.01
   6.00  -   7.50       1,676,426              9.36               6.19           1,083,265              6.29
   8.44  -   9.50          14,000              9.18               9.37              14,000              9.37
  10.00  -  12.50         102,900              7.41              11.47              93,220             11.39
  13.13  -  15.50          40,500              7.77              14.26              31,500             14.24
  16.50  -  16.88          16,000              8.45              16.52               7,000             16.55
</TABLE>



The Company accounts for stock options in accordance with the provisions of
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees," and related interpretations (APB 25). As such, compensation expense
is recorded on the date of grant only if the current market price of the
underlying stock


                                      -38-
<PAGE>   39

exceeds the exercise price. On December 31, 1995, the Company adopted Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based
Compensation" (FAS 123), which permits entities to recognize as expense over the
vesting period the fair value of all stock-based awards on the date of grant.
Alternately, FAS 123 allows entities to continue to apply the provisions of APB
25 and provide pro forma net earnings and pro forma earnings per share
disclosures for employee stock option grants made in 1995 and future years as if
the fair-value-based method defined in FAS 123 had been applied. The Company has
elected to continue to apply the provisions of APB 25 and provide the pro forma
disclosure provisions of FAS 123.

The per share weighted average fair value of stock options granted during 1997,
1996 and 1995 was $6.21, $12.00 and $11.91 on the date of grant using the "Black
Scholes" option-pricing model with the following average assumptions: 1997 -
expected dividend yield of 0%, risk-free interest rate of 5.5%, expected
volatility factor of 80% and an expected life of five years; 1996 - expected
dividend yield of 0%, risk-free interest rate of 6%, expected volatility factor
of 77% and an expected life of five years; 1995 - expected dividend yield of 0%,
risk-free interest rate of 6.3%, expected volatility factor of 77% and an
expected life of five years.

Since the Company applies APB 25 in accounting for its plans, no compensation
cost has been recognized for its stock options in the financial statements. Had
the Company recorded compensation cost based on the fair value at the grant date
for its stock options under FAS 123, the Company's net earnings and earnings per
share would have been reduced by the pro forma amounts indicated below (in
thousands except for per share data):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
                                        1997           1996         1995
                                       ------         ------       ------
<S>                                    <C>            <C>          <C>
Net earnings                           $5,338         $2,366       $1,319

Basic earnings per common share        $ 0.46         $ 0.30       $ 0.19

Diluted earnings per common share      $ 0.46         $ 0.29       $ 0.18
</TABLE>


Pro forma net earnings reflect only options granted in 1997, 1996 and 1995.
Therefore, the full impact of calculating compensation cost for stock options
under FAS 123 is not reflected in the pro forma net earnings amounts presented
above because compensation costs are reflected over the option's vesting period
of five years for the 1997, 1996 and 1995 options. Compensation cost for options
granted prior to January 1, 1995 is not considered.

NOTE I -- BENEFIT PLAN

The Company established a 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan (the "Plan") which allows
qualifying employees electing participation to defer a portion of their income
on a pretax basis through contributions to the Plan. For each dollar of employee
contributions, the Company makes a discretionary percentage matching
contribution to the Plan. In addition, eligible employees share in any
additional discretionary contributions which are based upon the profitability of
the Company. All contributions made by the Company are determined by the
Company's Board of Directors. For the Plan year ended December 31, 1997, the
approved matching percentage is twenty-five percent (25%) up to a maximum of
$1,250 per employee. The expense recognized for the years ended December 31,
1997, 1996, and 1995 for Company contributions to the Plan totaled $120,000,
$113,000 and $99,000, respectively.

NOTE J -- RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The West Clinic: The Company's IMPACT Center in Memphis, Tennessee is located
adjacent to The West Clinic, P.C., a private practicing oncology group, of which
the Company's Chairman was a shareholder until June 1996. Arrangements exist
between the Company and the West Clinic for providing space and other support
services to the Company. During the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, the
Company expensed $74,000 and $59,000, respectively, relating to these
arrangements. In addition, during the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995,
the Company recognized net revenue of $4,653,000 and $3,032,000, respectively,
for sales of pharmaceuticals to The West Clinic and, at December 31, 1996 and
1995, had a related accounts receivable balance of $829,000 and $636,000. The
pricing policy with respect to sales of pharmaceuticals to the West Clinic has
been consistent with sales to physicians at other Centers.


                                      -39-

<PAGE>   40

NOTE K -- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

With respect to professional and general liability risks, the Company currently
maintains an insurance policy that provides coverage during the policy period
ending August 1, 1998, on a claims-made basis, for $1,000,000 per claim in
excess of the Company retaining $25,000 per claim, and $3,000,000 in the
aggregate. Costs of defending claims are in addition to the limit of liability.
In addition, the Company maintains a $10,000,000 umbrella policy with respect to
potential general liability claims. Since inception, the Company has incurred no
professional or general liability losses and as of December 31, 1997 the Company
was not aware of any pending professional or general liability claims.

The Company has a commitment to lease machinery in 1998 under 54 month operating
leases. Annual rentals under this commitment approximate $560,000.





                                      -40-
<PAGE>   41



SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
RESPONSE ONCOLOGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Dollar amounts in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

            Col A                       Col B                 Col C - Additions               Col D             Col E
- ----------------------------        --------------      -----------------------------      -----------       -----------
                                                                           Charged to
                                      Balance at          Charged to         Other           Deductions       Balance at
                                     Beginning of         Costs and        Accounts -        - Describe         End of 
       Classification                  Period             Expenses          Describe             (1)            Period
- -----------------------------        -------------       -----------      -----------       -----------       ----------
<S>                                  <C>                 <C>              <C>               <C>               <C>
Year ended December 31, 1997:
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful
accounts - accounts receivable          $1,774             $1,529                             $  173           $3,130
                                        ======             ======                             ======           ======

Year ended December 31, 1996:
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful
accounts - accounts receivable          $2,080             $1,594                             $1,900           $1,774
                                        ======             ======                             ======           ======

Year ended December 31, 1995:
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful
accounts - accounts receivable          $3,935             $2,106                             $3,961           $2,080
                                        ======             ======                             ======           ======
</TABLE>



(1)   Accounts written off, net of recoveries.





                                      -41-

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(m)

================================================================================


                             RESPONSE ONCOLOGY, INC.
                                    Borrower

                     ---------------------------------------

                           FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED
                                 LOAN AGREEMENT

                        $45,000,000 REVOLVING CREDIT LOAN


                           Dated as of April 21, 1997


                    ----------------------------------------


                      NATIONSBANK OF TENNESSEE, N.A., AGENT

                            AMSOUTH BANK OF TENNESSEE
                         NATIONSBANK OF TENNESSEE, N.A.
                          UNION PLANTERS NATIONAL BANK
                            Revolving Credit Lenders


================================================================================

<PAGE>   2

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                                TABLE OF CONTENTS



<S>                                                                                                              <C>
RECITALS..........................................................................................................1

I.   DEFINITIONS..................................................................................................1
                  1.1      Terms Defined in This Agreement........................................................1
                  1.2      Terms Generally.......................................................................17

II. LOANS........................................................................................................17
                  2.1      Amount of Revolving Credit Loan.......................................................18
                  2.2      Use of Proceeds of Revolving Credit Loan..............................................18
                  2.3      Revolving Credit Loan Notes...........................................................18
                  2.4      Separate Commitments of Lender........................................................18
                  2.5      Advances of Loans.....................................................................18
                  2.6      Interest..............................................................................20
                  2.7      Alternate Rate of Interest if LIBOR Unavailable.......................................22
                  2.8      Change in Circumstances...............................................................22
                  2.9      Change in Legality of LIBOR Loans.....................................................24
                  2.10     Principal Repayment...................................................................24
                  2.11     Prepayment of LIBOR Loans.............................................................24
                  2.12     Prepayment of Prime Rate Loans........................................................25
                  2.13     Fixed Commitment Fees.................................................................25
                  2.14     Periodic Commitment Fee Based on Use of Facilities....................................26
                  2.15     Agent's Fee...........................................................................26
                  2.16     Letters of Credit.....................................................................26
                  2.17     Swingline Loans.......................................................................32

III.  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.......................................................................................36
                  3.1      Conditions to Initial Advance.........................................................36
                  3.2      Conditions to Subsequent Loans........................................................38

IV.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES..............................................................................39
                  4.1      Capacity..............................................................................39
                  4.2      Authorization.........................................................................39
                  4.3      Binding Obligations...................................................................39
                  4.4      No Conflicting Law or Agreement.......................................................39
                  4.5      No Consent Required...................................................................40
                  4.6      Financial Statements..................................................................40
                  4.7      Fiscal Year...........................................................................40
</TABLE>


                                       ii

<PAGE>   3

<TABLE>

<S>                                                                                                              <C>
                  4.8      Litigation............................................................................40
                  4.9      Taxes; Governmental Charges...........................................................40
                  4.10     Title to Properties...................................................................40
                  4.11     No Default............................................................................41
                  4.12     Casualties; Taking of Properties......................................................41
                  4.13     Compliance with Laws..................................................................41
                  4.14     Compliance with Fraud and Abuse Laws..................................................41
                  4.15     ERISA.................................................................................41
                  4.16     Full Disclosure of Material Facts.....................................................41
                  4.17     Accuracy of Projections...............................................................41
                  4.18     Investment Company Act................................................................42
                  4.19     Personal Holding Company..............................................................42
                  4.20     Solvency..............................................................................42
                  4.21     Chief Executive Office................................................................42
                  4.22     Subsidiaries..........................................................................42
                  4.23     Ownership of Patents, Licenses, Etc...................................................42
                  4.24     Environmental Compliance..............................................................42
                  4.25     Labor Matters.........................................................................42
                  4.26     OSHA Compliance.......................................................................43
                  4.27     Regulation U..........................................................................43
                  4.28     Affiliate Transactions................................................................43

V.  AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS........................................................................................43
                  5.1      Payment of Obligations................................................................43
                  5.2      Maintenance of Existence and Business.................................................43
                  5.3      Financial Statements and Reports......................................................43
                  5.4      Additional Information................................................................45
                  5.5      Certain Additional Reporting Requirements.............................................45
                  5.6      Taxes and Other Encumbrances..........................................................46
                  5.7      Payment of Liabilities................................................................47
                  5.8      Compliance with Laws..................................................................47
                  5.9      Maintenance of Property...............................................................47
                  5.10     Compliance with Contractual Obligations...............................................47
                  5.11     Further Assurances....................................................................47
                  5.12     Security Interest; Setoff.............................................................48
                  5.13     Insurance.............................................................................48
                  5.14     Accounts and Records..................................................................48
                  5.15     Official Records......................................................................48
                  5.16     Banking Relationships.................................................................49
                  5.17     Right of Inspection...................................................................49
                  5.18     ERISA Information and Compliance......................................................49
                  5.19     Indemnity; Expenses...................................................................49
                  5.20     Assistance in Litigation..............................................................50
                  5.21     Name Changes..........................................................................50
</TABLE>


                                       iii

<PAGE>   4

<TABLE>

<S>                                                                                                              <C>
                  5.22     Estoppel Letters......................................................................51
                  5.23     Environmental Matters.................................................................51
                  5.24     Opinions of Counsel...................................................................52
                  5.25     Additional Collateral Upon Certain Event..............................................52
                  5.26     Existing Capital Structure of Borrower................................................52

VI.  NEGATIVE COVENANTS..........................................................................................53
                  6.1      Debts, Guaranties, and Other Obligations..............................................53
                  6.2      Change of Management..................................................................54
                  6.3      Change of Ownership...................................................................54
                  6.4      Distributions.........................................................................54
                  6.5      Encumbrances..........................................................................54
                  6.6      Investments...........................................................................54
                  6.7      Sales and Leasebacks..................................................................55
                  6.8      Change of Control.....................................................................55
                  6.9      Nature of Business....................................................................55
                  6.10     Further Acquisitions, Mergers, Etc....................................................55
                  6.11     Advances..............................................................................55
                  6.12     Disposition of Assets.................................................................55
                  6.13     Inconsistent Agreements...............................................................55
                  6.14     Fictitious Names......................................................................55
                  6.15     Subsidiaries and Affiliates...........................................................56
                  6.16     Place of Business.....................................................................56
                  6.17     Adverse Action With Respect to Plans..................................................56
                  6.18     Transactions With Affiliates..........................................................56
                  6.19     Constituent Document Amendments.......................................................56
                  6.20     Adverse Transactions..................................................................56
                  6.21     Margin Securities.....................................................................56
                  6.22     Accounting Changes....................................................................56
                  6.23     Action Outside Ordinary Course........................................................56

VII.  FINANCIAL COVENANTS........................................................................................57
                  7.1      Current Ratio.........................................................................57
                  7.2      Total Funded Debt to Capital..........................................................57
                  7.3      Total Funded Debt to Consolidated EBITDA..............................................57
                  7.4      Fixed Charge Coverage.................................................................57
                  7.5      Net Worth.............................................................................57
                  7.6      Capital Expenditures..................................................................57

VIII.  EVENTS OF DEFAULT.........................................................................................57
                  8.1      Events of Default.....................................................................57
                  8.2      Remedies..............................................................................60

IX.  AGENT.......................................................................................................60
</TABLE>


                                       iv

<PAGE>   5

<TABLE>


<S>                                                                                                              <C>
                  9.1      Appointment of Agent..................................................................60
                  9.2      Powers of Agent.......................................................................61
                  9.3      Duties of Agent.......................................................................61
                  9.4      Indemnification of Agent..............................................................63
                  9.5      No Representations by Agent...........................................................63
                  9.6      Independent Investigations by Lenders.................................................64
                  9.7      Notice of Default.....................................................................64
                  9.8      Funding of Loans Pursuant to Borrowing Notices........................................64
                  9.9      Agent in its Individual Capacity......................................................64
                  9.10     Holders...............................................................................65
                  9.11     Successor Agent.......................................................................65
                  9.12     Sharing of Payments, etc..............................................................65
                  9.13     Separate Liens on Collateral..........................................................66
                  9.14     Payments Between Agent and Lenders....................................................66
                  9.15     Assignments and Participations........................................................66
                  9.16     Bankruptcy Provisions.................................................................66
                  9.17     Foreclosure of Collateral.............................................................66
                  9.18     Procedures for Notices and Approvals..................................................67
                  9.19     Amendments to Article IX..............................................................67

X.  GENERAL PROVISIONS...........................................................................................67
                  10.1     Notices...............................................................................67
                  10.2     Renewal, Extension, or Rearrangement..................................................68
                  10.3     Application of Payments...............................................................68
                  10.4     Counterparts..........................................................................69
                  10.5     Negotiated Document...................................................................69
                  10.6     Consent to Jurisdiction; Exclusive Venue..............................................69
                  10.7     Not Partners; No Third Party Beneficiaries............................................69
                  10.8     No Reliance on Lenders' Analysis......................................................69
                  10.9     No Marshaling of Assets...............................................................69
                  10.10    Impairment of Collateral..............................................................70
                  10.11    Business Days.........................................................................70
                  10.12    Participations........................................................................70
                  10.13    Standard of Care; Limitation of Damages...............................................70
                  10.14    Incorporation of Schedules............................................................70
                  10.15    Indulgence Not Waiver.................................................................70
                  10.16    Cumulative Remedies...................................................................70
                  10.17    Amendment and Waiver in Writing.......................................................70
                  10.18    Assignment............................................................................70
                  10.19    Entire Agreement......................................................................71
                  10.20    Severability..........................................................................71
                  10.21    Time of Essence.......................................................................71
                  10.22    Applicable Law........................................................................71
                  10.23    Captions Not Controlling..............................................................71
</TABLE>


                                        v

<PAGE>   6

<TABLE>

                  <S>                                                                                            <C>
                  10.24    Arbitration...........................................................................71
                  10.25    Facsimile Signatures..................................................................72
</TABLE>




                                       vi

<PAGE>   7

<TABLE>


                                LIST OF EXHIBITS

<S>               <C>                                    
1.1               Financial Projections
1.2               Form of Acquisition Certificate
1.3               Form of Swingline Note
2.3               Form of Revolving Credit Notes
2.5.1(b)          Form of Borrowing Notice

                                LIST OF SCHEDULES

4.1               Corporate Structure
4.8               Litigation
4.9               Tax Extensions
4.28              Affiliate Transactions
5.26              Capital and Ownership Structure
6.1.2             Existing Liabilities
6.2               Management Staffing
</TABLE>


                                       vii

<PAGE>   8



                    FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AGREEMENT

         This First Amended and Restated Loan Agreement is entered into as of
the 21st day of April, 1997, by and among RESPONSE ONCOLOGY, INC. ("Borrower"),
a Tennessee corporation; AMSOUTH BANK OF TENNESSEE ("AmSouth"), a Tennessee
banking corporation, NATIONSBANK OF TENNESSEE, N.A. ("NationsBank"), a national
banking association, and UNION PLANTERS NATIONAL BANK ("Union Planters"), a
national banking association (collectively "Lenders"); and NATIONSBANK OF
TENNESSEE, N.A., in its capacity as Agent for Lenders ("Agent").

                                    RECITALS

         WHEREAS, Lenders (except for AmSouth) have previously extended a
revolving acquisition loan facility and a revolving working capital facility to
Borrower, on certain terms and conditions, as set forth in that Loan Agreement
dated as of May 31, 1996 (the "Prior Loan Agreement"); and

         WHEREAS, Borrower and the Lenders that were parties to the Prior Loan
Agreement wish to combine the two credit facilities provided for in the Prior
Loan Agreement into a single revolving credit facility, to add AmSouth as a
Lender, and to make certain other changes to the terms and conditions of the
credit extended pursuant to the Prior Loan Agreement;

         NOW, THEREFORE, as an inducement to cause Lenders to extend credit to
Borrower, and for other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of
which are acknowledged, it is agreed that the Prior Loan Agreement is hereby
amended and restated to read in full as follows:

                                 I. DEFINITIONS

         1.1 Terms Defined in This Agreement. As used below in this Agreement,
the following capitalized terms shall have the following meanings, unless the
context expressly requires otherwise:

         "ACQUISITION EBITDA" means, with respect to a Practice acquired by a
Consolidated Entity and covered by a Service Agreement, (i) the pro forma income
to the Consolidated Entities that would have arisen under the applicable Service
Agreement preceding the effective date of the acquisition, determined based upon
the actual financial performance of the acquired Practice over the period for
which a calculation of Consolidated EBITDA is made, without adjustment, (ii)
less the pro forma amount of expenses (other than interest, taxes, depreciation
and amortization) that the Consolidated Entities would have incurred over the
same period on account of the acquired Practice (including, but not limited to,
additional expense of administrative personnel), in each case calculated as if
the Practice had been acquired effective as of the beginning of the relevant
financial period.


                                        

<PAGE>   9




         "AFFILIATE" means, with respect to any Person, another Person that,
directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, or is
Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such Person.

         "AGENT" means NationsBank of Tennessee, N.A., in its capacity as
described in Article IX of this Agreement, its lawful corporate successors and
any successor agent appointed pursuant to Article IX hereof.

         "AGREEMENT" means this Loan Agreement (including all schedules and
exhibits hereto), as the same may be amended from time to time.

         "APPLICABLE COMMITMENT FEE," "APPLICABLE LIBO RATE MARGIN," and
"APPLICABLE PRIME RATE MARGIN" mean, with respect to Loans advanced under and
the commitment fee respecting the Revolving Credit Loan, during any Effective
Period, the percentage rates per annum set forth opposite the appropriate test
in the pricing grid below (ratio values shall be rounded to the nearest
one-hundredth, with any value of .005 rounded upward):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


TOTAL FUNDED DEBT TO                      PRIME RATE MARGIN         LIBOR               COMMITMENT
CONSOLIDATED EBITDA                                                MARGIN              FEE IN BASIS
                                                                                          POINTS
<S>                                       <C>                      <C>                 <C>  
Less than or equal to 1.00                      .25%                1.50%                 20bps
Greater than or equal to 1.01                   .50%                1.75%                 25bps
and less than or equal to 2.00                                  
Greater than or equal to 2.01                   .75%               2.125%                 30bps
and less than or equal to 3.00
</TABLE>


The Total Funded Debt to Consolidated EBITDA ratio shall be established by Agent
on the basis of the consolidated quarterly financial statements of and schedules
prepared by Borrower delivered to Agent pursuant to this Agreement and shall be
calculated as set forth in Section 7.3 hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at
the end of any Effective Period, and during any period of time for which Pricing
Values may be set by Agent pursuant to Section 8.1.5 hereof, the Pricing Values
with respect to the Loans shall automatically become the highest values provided
for in the applicable pricing grid set forth above. Additionally, the Applicable
Prime Rate Margin for Prime Rate Loans and the Applicable LIBO Rate Margin for
LIBOR Loans shall each be reduced by one-fourth of one percent (1/4%) if
Borrower shall receive aggregate Net Equity Proceeds after the Closing Date of
at least Thirty-Five Million and No/100 Dollars ($35,000,000.00).




                                        2

<PAGE>   10



         "ASSUMED DEBT" means Purchase Money Debt assumed by a Consolidated
Entity, or Purchase Money Debt secured by a Purchase Money Security Interest in
Property acquired by a Consolidated Entity, whether or not the Purchase Money
Debt is contractually assumed, occurring in either case in the course of a
Permitted Acquisition.

         "BANKING DAY" means a Business Day, subject to the following additional
convention. As to notices or payments received by Agent on a Business Day at or
before 12:00 p.m. (noon) Nashville time, the Banking Day shall correspond to the
Business Day of receipt. As to notices or payments received by Agent on a
Business Day after 12:00 p.m. (noon) Nashville time, the Banking Day of receipt
shall be deemed to be the next following Business Day.

         "BANKRUPTCY CODE" means Title I of the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978,
as it may be amended from time to time.

         "BEST OF BORROWER'S KNOWLEDGE" means the actual knowledge, information
and belief of the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer,
Controller and General Counsel of Borrower, with no duty of inquiry.

         "BORROWER" means Response Oncology, Inc., a Tennessee corporation, its
successors and assigns. This definition does not abrogate the requirements set
forth below restricting Borrower's ability to assign any rights under this
Agreement.

         "BORROWING NOTICE" has the meaning assigned in Section 2.5.1(b) hereof.

         "BUSINESS DAY" means any day on which Agent is open for the conduct of
ordinary business; provided however, that when used in connection with
determining the LIBO Rate, the term "Business Day" shall exclude any day on
which banks are not open for dealings in U.S. Dollar deposits in the London
Interbank Market.

         "CAPITAL EXPENDITURES" means expenditures, determined according to GAAP
on a consolidated basis, that would be capitalized and depreciated over more
than one annual accounting period.

         "CAPITAL LEASE" means a lease that would be characterized as a financed
sale or purchase under GAAP.

         "CHANGE OF CONTROL" means the occurrence, after the date of this
Agreement, of (i) any Person or two or more Persons acting in concert acquiring
beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended),
directly or indirectly, of securities of Borrower (or other securities
convertible into such securities) representing 51% or more of the combined
voting power of all securities thereof entitled to vote in the election of
directors; or (ii) during any period of up to 12 consecutive months, commencing
after the date of this Agreement,



                                        3

<PAGE>   11



individuals who at the beginning of such 12-month period were directors of
Borrower ceasing for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of
Directors thereof unless the Persons replacing such individuals were nominated
by the Board of Directors of Borrower; or (iii) any Person or two or more
Persons acting in concert acquiring by contract or otherwise, or entering into a
contract or arrangement which upon consummation will result in its acquisition
of, or control over, securities of Borrower (or other securities convertible
into such securities) representing 51% or more of the combined voting power of
all securities of Borrower entitled to vote in the election of directors.

         "CLOSING DATE" means April 21, 1997.

         "CMLTD" means scheduled principal payments in respect of long-term
Liabilities payable during the 12 months following the date of determination.

         "COLLATERAL" means all Property now or hereafter securing the
Obligations.

         "COMMITMENT" means the amount of each Lender's commitment to fund the
Revolving Credit Loan. Each Lender's several Commitment for the Revolving Credit
Loan shall be as follows:

<TABLE>

<S>                        <C>             
AmSouth                    Ten Million and No/100 Dollars ($10,000,000.00)
NationsBank                Twenty-Five Million and No/100 Dollars ($25,000,000.00)
Union Planters             Ten Million and No/100 Dollars ($10,000,000.00)
</TABLE>

         "CONSOLIDATED CAPITAL" means Consolidated Net Worth plus Total Funded
Debt.

         "CONSOLIDATED CURRENT RATIO" means current assets, determined on a
consolidated basis according to GAAP, divided by current liabilities, determined
on a consolidated basis according to GAAP.

         "CONSOLIDATED EBITDA" means the EBITDA of the Borrower, determined on a
consolidated basis, and adjusted as follows with respect to acquisitions. The
positive Acquisition EBITDA of acquired Practices shall be included in
Consolidated EBITDA only if Agent is satisfied, in its reasonable discretion, as
to the accuracy and reliability of the financial information related thereto. In
assessing the accuracy and reliability of such financial information, (i)
unqualified audited financial statements prepared by a regional or national
accounting firm shall be acceptable, and (ii) financial statements reviewed (but
not audited) by such a firm shall also be acceptable unless Agent in good faith
determines that reviewed statements for a particular enterprise are subject to
material doubt as to their accuracy. The negative Acquisition EBITDA for any
Practice shall be included in Consolidated EBITDA, based upon the best
information available. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, the EBITDA
attributed to Non-Corporate Unperfected Subsidiaries shall not be included in



                                        4

<PAGE>   12



Consolidated EBITDA if Non-Corporate Unperfected Subsidiaries would account for
more than twenty percent (20%) of total Consolidated EBITDA.

         "CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES" means Borrower and all Subsidiaries of
Borrower, from time to time.

         "CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME" means net income, determined on a
consolidated basis according to GAAP.

         "CONSOLIDATED NET WORTH" means shareholders' equity, determined on a
consolidated basis according to GAAP.

         "CONTROL" or "CONTROLLED" means that a Person has the direct or
indirect power to conduct or govern the policies of another Person, whether this
power exists as a matter of right or through economic compulsion.


         "DEFAULT RATE" means the Maximum Lawful Amount of interest that can be
charged.

         "EBITDA" means the sum of net income before extraordinary items plus
Interest Expense and expenses for taxes, depreciation and amortization,
determined according to GAAP.

         "EFFECTIVE PERIOD" means a period of up to one calendar quarter,
determined as follows. Pursuant to other provisions of this Agreement,
Borrower's financial information for each quarter-end is to be submitted during
the succeeding quarter, except that year-end financial statements are not due
until April 30 of the following year. The performance pricing provisions of this
Agreement reevaluate pricing quarterly, based upon those quarterly financial
results. An Effective Period imposing pricing based upon a quarter other than
the quarter ending December 31 shall begin on the later of (i) the first day of
the third month of the following fiscal quarter, or (ii) if financial statements
are submitted later than required under this Agreement and Agent waives any
Event of Default arising therefrom, five (5) Business Days after the submission
of required financial statements. An Effective Period imposing pricing based
upon the quarter ending December 31 shall begin "as of" the first day of the
third month of the following fiscal quarter, with a retroactive adjustment of
interest to be made when the year-end financial statements are timely submitted,
if necessary to reflect an increase or decrease of the interest rates or fees
based upon performance for the period ending December 31. If year-end financial
statements are not timely submitted, but are nonetheless accepted by Agent and
Agent waives any Event of Default arising therefrom, the Effective Period
imposing pricing based upon the quarter ending December 31 shall begin "as of"
five (5) Business Days after the submission of the required annual financial
statements. The Effective Period shall end on the last day of the second month
of each fiscal quarter following the quarter in which the Effective Period was
scheduled to begin. Therefore, assuming the



                                        5

<PAGE>   13



timely delivery of all required financial statements, the Effective Periods will
be determined as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                  Financial Statements Due By                Effective Period
                  ---------------------------                ----------------

                  <S>                                        <C>
                  May 15                                     June 1 - August 31
                  August 15                                  September 1 - November 30
                  November 15                                December 1 - February 28/29
                  April 30                                   March 1 (retroactive) - May 31
</TABLE>

         "ENCUMBRANCE" means any interest in Property in favor of one not the
owner thereof, whether voluntary or involuntary, including, but not limited to,
(i) the lien or security interest arising from a deed of trust, mortgage,
pledge, security agreement, conditional sale, Capital Lease, consignment, or
bailment for security purposes, and (ii) reservations, exceptions,
encroachments, easements, rights-of-way, covenants, conditions, restrictions,
leases, and other such title encumbrances.

         "ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS" means the Environmental Protection Act, the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, the Hazardous Materials
Transportation Act and any other federal, state or municipal law, rule or
regulation relating to air emissions, water discharge, noise emissions, solid or
liquid waste disposal, hazardous or toxic waste or materials, or other
environmental or health matters.

         "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended from time to time, including (unless the context otherwise requires) any
rules or regulations promulgated thereunder.

         "ERISA AFFILIATE" means any Person who for purposes of Title IV of
ERISA is a member of Borrower's controlled group, or under common control with
Borrower, within the meaning of Section 414 of the IRC, the regulations
promulgated pursuant thereto and the published revenue rulings issued
thereunder.

         "ERISA EVENT" means (i) the occurrence of a reportable event, within
the meaning of Section 4043 of ERISA, unless the 30-day notice requirement with
respect thereto has been waived by the PBGC; (ii) the provision by the
administrator of any Plan of a notice of intent to terminate such Plan, pursuant
to Section 4041(a)(2) of ERISA (including any such notice with respect to a plan
amendment referred to in Section 4041(e) of ERISA); (iii) the cessation of
operations at a facility in the circumstances described in Section 4068(f) of
ERISA; (iv) the withdrawal by Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate from a Multiple
Employer Plan during a plan year for which it was a substantial employer, as
defined in 4001(a)(2) of ERISA; (v) the failure by Borrower or any ERISA
Affiliate to make a material payment to a Plan required under Section 302(f)(1)
of ERISA; (vi) the adoption of an amendment to a Plan requiring the provision of
initial or additional security to such Plan, pursuant to Section 307 of


                                        6

<PAGE>   14



ERISA; or (vii) the institution by the PBGC of proceedings to terminate a Plan,
pursuant to Section 4042 of ERISA, or the occurrence of any event or condition
which might constitute grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination
of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, a Plan.

         "EVENT OF DEFAULT" means the occurrence of any of the events specified
in Section 8.1 hereof, as to which any requirement for notice or lapse of time
has been satisfied.

         "FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS" means the financial projections prepared by
Borrower, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 1.1.

         "FINANCIAL STATEMENTS" means the audited consolidated balance sheet,
income statement, and statement of cash flows for Borrower dated December 31,
1995 and the unaudited consolidated financial statements dated December 31, 1996
delivered by Borrower to Lenders, and all notes thereto.

         "FIXED CHARGE COVERAGE RATIO" means (i) Consolidated EBITDA, plus
expenses incurred under Operating Leases, and less a charge of Ten Thousand and
No/100 Dollars ($10,000.00) per year per wholly-owned IMPACT Center and Five
Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($5,000.00) per year for each IMPACT Center that is
not wholly-owned by a Consolidated Entity to allow for maintenance Capital
Expenditures, and less Provider Loans, divided by (ii) the sum of Interest
Expense plus CMLTD (including implied amortization calculated as one-seventh of
the outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Credit Loan as of the end of
the applicable period), plus expenses incurred under Operating Leases. The
values for the fixed charges used in the calculation of this ratio will be
determined on a pro forma basis as though the acquisitions occurring during the
period over which the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is being determined had
occurred as of the beginning of that period, with such calculations to take into
account, along with other adjustments that Agent may approve, in its reasonable
discretion, (i) the exclusion of Interest Expense, CMLTD, Capital Lease expense
and Operating Lease expense of the target related to debts, leases and
obligations that were extinguished in connection with the acquisition, (ii) the
inclusion of Interest Expense, CMLTD, Capital Lease expense and Operating Lease
expense obligations of the target that survived the acquisition, and (iii) the
inclusion of Interest Expense, CMLTD, Capital Lease expense and Operating Lease
Expense arising from obligations incurred in connection with the acquisition
(including, but not limited to, added Interest Expense arising from Seller Debt
or from Loans advanced under this Agreement incidental to the acquisition).

         "FRAUD AND ABUSE LAWS" means Section 1128B(b) of the Social Security
Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 1320a-7b(b) and Section 1877 of the Social Security Act,
42 U.S.C. Section 1877, as from time to time amended; any successor statute(s)
thereto; all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; and any other Law
relating to the ownership of medical facilities by providers of medical services
or the referral of patients to medical facilities owned by providers of medical
services.




                                       7

<PAGE>   15



         "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles pronounced by the
Financial Accounting Standards Board or any successor thereto, as in effect from
time to time.

         "GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY" means any governmental or quasi-governmental
entity, court or tribunal including, without limitation, any department,
commission, board, bureau, agency, administration, service or other
instrumentality of any foreign or domestic governmental entity.

         "HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES" means those substances included from time to
time within the definition of hazardous substances, hazardous materials, toxic
substances, or solid waste under the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 as amended, 42 U.S.C. ss. 9601 et seq.;
the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, 42 U.S.C. ss. 6901 et seq.;
the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. ss. 1801 et seq.; the
Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. Section 1251 et. seq.; the Toxic Substances Control
Act, 15 U.S.C. Section 2601 et. seq., and in the regulations promulgated
pursuant to such acts and laws; and such other substances that are or become
regulated under any applicable local, state, or federal law or regulation
addressing environmental hazards.

         "IMPACT CENTER" means a high dose chemotherapy cancer treatment center
operated by a Consolidated Entity.

         "HEDGE AGREEMENT" means any agreement between Borrower and any Lender
now existing or hereafter entered into, which provides for an interest rate or
commodity swap, cap, floor, collar, forward foreign exchange transaction,
currency swap, cross-currency rate swap, currency option, or any combination of,
or option with respect to, these or similar transactions, for the purpose of
hedging Borrower's exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, currency
valuations or commodity prices.

         "INTEREST EXPENSE" means (i) expenses for interest (and including the
interest portion of current charges on Capital Leases), (ii) expenses for
Letters of Credit and (iii) expenses for any interest rate swaps or similar
derivative contracts used for the management of interest expense; provided,
however, interest expense on Subordinated Debt shall not be included in Interest
Expense.

         "INTEREST PAYMENT DATE" means, (i) as to Prime Rate Loans and Swingline
Loans, the first day of each month, and (ii) as to any LIBOR Loan, the last day
of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan and, in addition, in the case of
a LIBOR Loan with an Interest Period of six (6) or twelve (12) months' duration,
the numerically corresponding day (or, if there is no numerically corresponding
day, on the last day) in the calendar month that is 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, as
applicable, after the commencement of the Interest Period.

         "INTEREST PERIOD" means, as to any LIBOR Loan, the period commencing on
(and including) the date of such LIBOR Loan and ending on (but excluding) the
numerically corresponding day (or, if there is no numerically corresponding day,
on the last day) in the


                                        8

<PAGE>   16



calendar month that is 1, 2, 3, 6 or 12 months thereafter, as Borrower may
elect; provided, however, that (x) if any Interest Period would end on a day
that is not a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next
succeeding Business Day unless, with respect to LIBOR Loans, such next
succeeding Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case
such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day and (y) no
Interest Period with respect to any Loan shall end later than the Maturity Date.
Interest shall accrue from and including the first Banking Day of an Interest
Period to but excluding the last Banking Day of such Interest Period.

         "IRC" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to
time.

         "LAW" or "LAWS" means all applicable constitutional provisions,
statutes, codes, acts, ordinances, orders, judgments, decrees, injunctions,
rules, regulations, and requirements of all Governmental Authorities.

         "LENDERS" means AmSouth, NationsBank and Union Planters, their
respective successors and assigns.

         "LETTERS OF CREDIT" has the meaning assigned in Section 2.16 of this
Agreement.

         "LETTER OF CREDIT DOCUMENTS" has the meaning assigned in Section 2.16.3
of this Agreement.

         "LETTER OF CREDIT LIABILITIES" has the meaning assigned in Section 2.16
of this Agreement.

         "LIABILITY" means, with respect to any Person, an obligation,
contingent or otherwise, that would be recorded or accrued under GAAP as a
liability of that Person including, but not limited to, any nonrecourse
obligation secured by Property of that Person.

         "LIBO RATE" means, for any given Interest Period with respect to a
given LIBOR Loan, the rate per annum appearing on Telerate Page 3750 (or any
successor page) as the London interbank offered rate for deposits in Dollars at
approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the first day
of such Interest Period for a term comparable to such Interest Period. If for
any reason such rate is not available, the term LIBO Rate shall mean, for any
given Interest Period with respect to a given LIBOR Loan, the rate per annum
appearing on Reuters Screen LIBO Page as the London interbank offered rate for
deposits in Dollars at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days
prior to the first day of such Interest Period for a term comparable to such
Interest Period; provided, however, if more than one rate is specified on
Reuters Screen LIBO Page, the applicable rate shall be the arithmetic mean of
all such rates.



                                        9

<PAGE>   17



         "LIBO RATE RESERVE PERCENTAGE" means the reserve percentage applicable
during any Interest Period (or if more than one such percentage shall be so
applicable, the daily average of such percentages for those days in such
Interest Period during which any such percentage shall be so applicable) under
regulations issued from time to time by the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System (or any successor) for determining the maximum reserve
requirement (including, without limitation, any emergency, supplemental or other
marginal reserve requirement) for Lenders with respect to liabilities or assets
consisting of or including LIBOR Liabilities having a term equal to such
Interest Period.

         "LIBOR LIABILITIES" means deposit liabilities incurred through the
London Interbank Market.

         "LIBOR LOAN" means a Loan for which Borrower has elected application of
an interest rate based on the LIBO Rate.

         "LOAN" means a loan advanced under the Revolving Credit Loan or, when
the context so requires, advanced as a Swingline Loan.

         "LOAN DOCUMENTS" means, collectively, each writing delivered at any
time by Borrower to Lenders or Agent relating to the Revolving Credit Loan, the
Swingline Loans, any Hedge Agreement or to any Letters of Credit.

         "MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE" means any material and adverse change in the
business, Properties, or operations of the Consolidated Entities.

         "MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT" means any event or condition which, singly or
in the aggregate with other events or conditions, materially and adversely
affects the business, Properties, or operations of the Consolidated Entities,
considered collectively.

         "MATURITY DATE" means March 31, 1999.

         "MAXIMUM LAWFUL AMOUNT" means the maximum lawful amount of interest,
loan charges, commitment fees or other charges that may be assessed under
Tennessee law or, if higher, under applicable federal law.

         "NATIONSBANK" means NationsBank of Tennessee, N.A., its successors and
assigns.

         "NET EQUITY PROCEEDS" means the Net Proceeds of public issuances of
equity securities by Borrower, less any amounts expended to redeem equity
securities or to retire Subordinated Debt.



                                       10

<PAGE>   18



         "NET PROCEEDS" means gross proceeds of a transaction less reasonable
and customary underwriter and brokerage fees and commissions, the fees and
expenses of trustees and attorneys, and other reasonable and customary closing
fees and expenses.

         "NON-CORPORATE SUBSIDIARY" means a Permitted Subsidiary that is other
than a corporation.

         "NON-CORPORATE UNPERFECTED SUBSIDIARY" means a Non-Corporate
Subsidiary, Borrower's interest in which is not subject to a perfected security
interest to secure the Obligations.

         "NOTE" means any of the Revolving Credit Notes referred to in Section
2.3 hereof.

         "OBLIGATIONS" means the obligations of Borrower to Lenders to repay the
Revolving Credit Loan, the obligation of Borrower to the Swingline Lender to
repay the Swingline Loans, and all other obligations of Borrower and the
Consolidated Entities to Lenders and to Agent under this Agreement and the other
Loan Documents.

         "OPERATING LEASES" means leases that are not Capital Leases.

         "PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and any entity
succeeding to any or all of its functions under ERISA.

         "PERMITTED ACQUISITION" means the acquisition (by asset purchase, stock
purchase, merger or otherwise, subject to the other requirements of this
definition set forth below) by Borrower or another Consolidated Entity of the
assets of a Practice in the ordinary course of business (it being acknowledged
that medical records and certain other professional assets that are required by
Law to be owned by a physician Provider are not acquired in these transactions),
which purchase meets all of the following criteria:

                  (a)      The form of the acquisition shall have been of the
                           assets of a Practice (by merger or otherwise) or, if
                           for stock or other equity interest, the target
                           acquired shall become a Permitted Subsidiary
                           concurrently with the closing of the acquisition.

                  (b)      Borrower shall have delivered to Lender, prior to
                           closing the acquisition, unaudited pro forma
                           financial statements demonstrating continued
                           compliance with all covenants in this Agreement
                           following the acquisition.

                  (c)      Agent shall have issued its written consent to the
                           acquisition prior to the closing thereof and
                           following receipt and review of an Acquisition
                           Certificate in the form attached hereto as Exhibit


                                       11

<PAGE>   19



                           1.2. This consent shall be required of Agent in the
                           cases of those acquisitions (i) for which the total
                           consideration is greater than eight (8) times
                           Acquisition EBITDA over the previous twelve (12)
                           months (with Acquisition EBITDA determined for the
                           purpose of this Subsection (i) only based upon the
                           pro forma financial performance of the acquired
                           Practice over the twelve (12) -month period,
                           including adjustment for cost savings that Borrower
                           can establish will occur immediately following the
                           transaction), (ii) for which the portion of the
                           purchase price consisting of cash, Assumed Debt and
                           Seller Debt exceeds three percent (3%) of Borrower's
                           total assets as reported by Borrower pursuant to this
                           Agreement most recently prior to the date of
                           determination, (iii) in which the Acquisition EBITDA
                           of the target is negative for either of the previous
                           two (2) fiscal years, (iv) of more than three (3)
                           Practices in a single transaction, (v) which,
                           together with previous acquisitions within a single
                           calendar year, total seven (7) or more Practices, or
                           (vi) for which any cash consideration exceeds
                           sixty-five percent (65%) of the total consideration
                           paid.

                  (d)      Borrower shall have delivered to Agent such UCC
                           searches and other lien searches as Agent may request
                           to evidence compliance with the provisions of this
                           Agreement.

         "PERMITTED ENCUMBRANCES" means all of the following:

                  (a)      Encumbrances securing the payment of any of the
                           Obligations.

                  (b)      Encumbrances securing taxes, assessments, or other
                           governmental charges not yet due or which are being
                           contested in good faith by appropriate action
                           promptly initiated and diligently conducted, if
                           Borrower has made reserve therefor as required by
                           GAAP.

                  (c)      Mechanics', repairmen's, materialmen's,
                           warehousemen's, landlords' and other like liens
                           arising by operation of law securing accounts that
                           are not delinquent.

                  (d)      Encumbrances on real property used by Borrower not
                           securing monetary obligations, provided that the
                           Encumbrances are of a type customarily placed on real
                           property and do not materially impair the value of
                           the affected property.



                                       12

<PAGE>   20



                  (e)      Pledges or deposits in the ordinary course of
                           business to secure nondelinquent obligations under
                           workman's compensation or unemployment laws or
                           similar legislation or to secure the performance of
                           leases or contracts entered into in the ordinary
                           course of business.

                  (e)      Purchase Money Security Interests, to the extent
                           permitted by Section 6.1.7 hereof.

         "PERMITTED SUBSIDIARY" means a Subsidiary that (i) is now or hereafter
becomes a Borrower or a guarantor under this Agreement, (ii) is owned, in both
economic interest and voting rights, by Borrower in an amount exceeding 50%,
(iii) is owned by Borrower in a proportion sufficient to allow Borrower to
Control the Subsidiary, including the right to cause the Subsidiary to make
lawful distributions of income, and the financial interest of Borrower therein
is, in Agent's reasonable judgment, freely alienable by Borrower through a
security interest granted therein or otherwise, and (iv) as to which Borrower
has granted to Agent as additional security for the Loans, a first priority
perfected security interest in its stock or other equity interest in the
Subsidiary pursuant to documentation in form and substance acceptable to Agent
and its counsel, with the validity and perfection of the security interest and
other matters as Agent may reasonably require confirmed to Agent by an opinion
of Borrower's outside counsel satisfactory to Agent in all respects, and with
all expenses related to such documentation (including, but not limited to,
filing fees and taxes and the reasonable fees and expenses of Lenders' and
Agent's attorneys) to be paid by Borrower; provided, however, that Borrower need
not grant a perfected security interest in its equity interest in a
Non-Corporate Subsidiary in order for such Subsidiary to be a Permitted
Subsidiary.

         "PERSON" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization,
government, governmental agency or political subdivision thereof, or any other
form of entity.

         "PLAN" means any employee benefit or other plan established or
maintained, or to which contributions have been made, by Borrower or any
Subsidiary and covered by Title IV of ERISA or to which Section 412 of the IRC
applies.

         "PRACTICE" means an oncology or hematology treatment center or an
oncology or hematology medical practice (including, but not limited to,
radiation oncology medical practices or treatment centers). Whenever in this
Agreement "Practice" is used in describing an acquisition by Borrower, and if
the reference relates to a medical practice, such reference is to the
acquisition of the assets used in the operation of the Practice that can
lawfully be acquired by Borrower or to the acquisition of an interest in an
entity that owns, as of the time of purchase, only those assets that can be
lawfully acquired by Borrower.

         "PRICING VALUES" means the Applicable LIBO Rate Margin, the Applicable
Prime Rate Margin and the Applicable Commitment Fee.

                                       13

<PAGE>   21



         "PRIME RATE" shall be that rate announced by Agent from time to time as
its Prime Rate and is one of several interest rate bases used by Agent. Lenders
and Agent lend at rates both above and below Agent's Prime Rate and Borrower
acknowledges that the Prime Rate is not represented or intended to be the lowest
or most favorable rate of interest offered by any Lender or Agent.

         "PRIME RATE LOAN" means a Loan for which Borrower has elected
application of an interest rate based on the Prime Rate.

         "PRO RATA" OR "PRO RATA SHARE" refer to the apportionment among Lenders
according to their respective total Commitments at the time of determination;
provided, however, if at a time of determination there are principal amounts
outstanding under the Revolving Credit Loan, and if any Lender has failed to
fund any unrepaid Loan that was funded by any other Lender or Lenders, this
apportionment shall be determined according to the respective total principal
amounts of the Revolving Credit Loan held by the respective Lenders rather than
by their Commitments.

         "PROPERTY" or "PROPERTIES" means any interest in any kind of property,
whether real, personal, or mixed, or tangible or intangible.

         "PROVIDER" means an oncologist, hematologist, radiologist or other
medical doctor whose specialty is complementary to the practice of oncology or
hematology and who performs professional services respecting a Practice that is
either managed by Borrower or the assets of which are owned by Borrower.

         "PROVIDER LOANS" means obligations of Providers for amounts owed to
Consolidated Entities, whether resulting from loans advanced to the Providers or
obligations otherwise accruing; provided, however, that Provider Loans shall not
include (i) amounts owed by Providers as accounts payable for management or
service fees that arise in the ordinary course of business and which are not
outstanding more than thirty (30) days, or (ii) amounts advanced to Providers in
the ordinary course of business pursuant to Service Agreements (including, but
not limited to, amounts advanced to Providers that are used by Providers to pay
their accounts payable to Borrower for management or service fees described in
(i) above), which advances (x) are not outstanding more than ninety (90) days
and (y) are secured by security interests in accounts receivable of the
Providers which equal or exceed the amount of the related Provider Loans, which
security interests need not be perfected as of the Closing Date or thereafter,
except that such security interests must be perfected within thirty (30) days
after Borrower receives written notice from Agent that the Majority Lenders have
elected to require that the security interests in Provider accounts receivable
be perfected.

         "PURCHASE MONEY DEBT" means a Liability that is secured by a Purchase
Money Security Interest.


                                       14

<PAGE>   22



         "PURCHASE MONEY SECURITY INTEREST" means an Encumbrance on specific
equipment (including the Encumbrance arising under a Capital Lease), provided
that (i) the Liability secured by any such Encumbrance shall have arisen at the
time of the acquisition thereof and shall not exceed 100% of the cost of the
equipment to the entity acquiring the same, and (ii) each such Encumbrance shall
attach only to the equipment acquired with the proceeds of the Liability secured
thereby.

         "REIMBURSEMENT OBLIGATIONS" has the meaning assigned in Section 2.16.2
of this Agreement.

         "REQUIRED LENDERS" means at least three (3) Lenders holding at least
75% of the total Commitments for the Revolving Credit Loan; provided, however,
if at a time of determination there are principal amounts outstanding under the
Revolving Credit Loan, and if any Lender has failed to fund any unrepaid Loan
that was funded by any other Lender or Lenders, this determination shall be made
according to Lenders holding the required percentage of principal amounts of the
Revolving Credit Loan rather than by the outstanding Commitments.

         "REVOLVING CREDIT LOAN" means the revolving credit loan described in
Article II hereof.

         "SEAFIELD POSITION" means the equity interest of Seafield Capital
Corporation in Borrower.

         "SELLER" means the former owner of a Practice that is acquired by a
Consolidated Entity.

         "SELLER DEBT" means a Liability incurred in favor of one or more
Sellers representing part of the purchase price of a Practice.

         "SERVICE AGREEMENT" means one of those service or management agreements
now in effect or hereafter entered into by Borrower and Providers in connection
with the management of oncology practices and/or IMPACT Centers.

         "SIGNIFICANT CONSOLIDATED ENTITY" means (i) Borrower, or (ii) any
Consolidated Entity other than Borrower that accounts for more than five percent
(5%) of either Borrower's total assets determined on a consolidated basis as of
the end of the most recent fiscal quarter or of Borrower's Consolidated EBITDA
for the most recent fiscal quarter, from time to time; provided, however, that
for as long as any facts that would otherwise constitute Events of Default exist
with respect to more than one Consolidated Entity at any time, such that the
total contribution of all affected Consolidated Entities exceeds more than five
percent (5%) of either Borrower's total assets determined on a consolidated
basis as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter or of Borrower's
Consolidated EBITDA for the most


                                       15

<PAGE>   23



recent fiscal quarter, each Consolidated Entity shall be considered a
Significant Consolidated Entity.

         "SOLVENT" shall mean, as to any Person, that as of any date of
determination, (i) the then fair value of the assets of such Person is (a)
greater than the then total amount of liabilities (including subordinated
liabilities) of such Person and (b) greater than the amount that will be
required to pay such Person's probable liability on such Person's then existing
debts as they become absolute and matured, (ii) such Person's capital is not
unreasonably small in relation to its business, and (iii) such Person has not
incurred and does not intend to incur, or believe or reasonably should believe
that it will incur, debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they become
due.

         "SUBORDINATED DEBT" means any unsecured Liability that is subordinated
as to payment, liquidation, collection and collection in bankruptcy to the
obligations of Borrower to Lenders pursuant to subordination documentation in
form and substance acceptable to Agent and which has a maturity of no earlier
than three (3) months following the latest applicable Maturity Date.

         "SUBSIDIARY" means any present or future corporation, joint venture,
limited liability company, or partnership, at least a majority of whose
outstanding voting stock or other voting securities or interests shall at the
time be owned directly or indirectly by Borrower.

         "SWINGLINE BORROWING NOTICE" has the meaning assigned in Section
2.17.3(b) hereof.

         "SWINGLINE LENDER" shall mean NationsBank of Tennessee, N.A.

         "SWINGLINE LOAN" means a loan advanced under Section 2.17 hereof.

         "SWINGLINE NOTE" shall mean the promissory note of the Borrowers in
substantially the form of Exhibit 1.3 hereto executed and delivered to the
Swingline Lender, together with any amendments, modifications and supplements
thereto and restatements thereof.

         "TAXES" means all taxes and assessments, whether general or special,
ordinary or extraordinary, or foreseen or unforeseen, which at any time may be
assessed, levied, confirmed or imposed on the Consolidated Entities or on any of
their properties or assets or any part thereof or in respect of any of their
franchises, businesses, income or profits.

         "TOTAL FUNDED DEBT" means all obligations for borrowed money,
including, but not limited to, advances under the Revolving Credit Loan, all
Seller Debt (except for Subordinated Debt) and all Capitalized Leases, whether
short-term or long-term, and including


                                       16

<PAGE>   24



all stated and undrawn amounts under Letters of Credit. Subordinated Debt is not
included in Total Funded Debt.

         "UCC" means the Uniform Commercial Code as adopted in Tennessee, as it
may be amended from time to time.

         "UNION PLANTERS" means Union Planters National Bank, its successors and
assigns.

         "UNMATURED DEFAULT" means any event or condition that, but for the
giving of any required notice by Agent and/or the passing of time, would be an
Event of Default hereunder.

         1.2 Terms Generally.

             1.2.1 Computations; Accounting Principles. Where the character or
         amount of any asset or liability or item of income or expense is
         required to be determined, or any consolidation or other accounting
         computation is required to be made for the purposes of this Agreement,
         such determination or calculation, to the extent applicable and except
         as otherwise specified in this Agreement, shall be made in accordance
         with GAAP. If a change in GAAP after the date of this Agreement would
         require a change affecting the calculation of any requirement under
         this Agreement, then Agent and Borrower shall negotiate in good faith
         for the amendment of the affected requirements; provided, however,
         until and unless such an amendment is agreed upon, the requirements of
         this Agreement shall remain as written and compliance therewith shall
         be determined according to GAAP as in effect prior to the change.

             1.2.2 Gender and Number. Words used herein indicating gender or
         number shall be read as context may require.

             1.2.3 References Include Successors. References herein to specific
         Laws, regulatory bodies, parties or agreements also refer to any
         successor Laws, regulatory bodies, and parties, and to all
         modifications, extensions, renewals and restatements of agreements.

             1.2.4 References to This Agreement. "Herein," "hereof" and words of
         similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any
         particular provision hereof, unless otherwise expressly stated.

             1.2.5 Limitations of Knowledge. Certain representations and
         warranties are made herein the Best of Borrower's Knowledge. These
         limitations reflect only Borrower's special interest in disclosing that
         no targeted diligence has been performed as to these matters in
         connection with this


                                       17

<PAGE>   25



         Agreement. Should any matter so represented or warranted be discovered
         to be false, then, irrespective of the knowledge qualification, the
         representation or warranty shall be deemed breached and shall
         constitute an Event of Default or Unmatured Default hereunder, as may
         apply.

                                    II. LOANS

         Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, Lenders agree on a
several basis, and not on a joint basis, in accordance with their respective
Commitments, to make the Revolving Credit Loan to Borrower, under the following
terms and conditions:

         2.1 Amount of Revolving Credit Loan. The principal indebtedness of
Borrower to Lenders under the Revolving Credit Loan shall not exceed Forty-Five
Million and No/100 Dollars ($45,000,000.00) less the outstanding principal
balance of Swingline Loans outstanding from time to time.

         2.2 Use of Proceeds of Revolving Credit Loan. The proceeds of the
Revolving Credit Loan shall be used by Borrower for (i) Permitted Acquisitions,
(ii) other Capital Expenditures, (iii) the development of IMPACT Centers and of
ancillary services to be offered by Providers, (iv) as to up to Ten Million and
No/100 Dollars ($10,000,000.00), for working capital purposes.

         2.3 Revolving Credit Loan Notes. Borrower's obligations under the
Revolving Credit Loan shall be evidenced by Revolving Credit Loan Notes in favor
of the respective Lenders in the form included as Exhibit 2.3 hereto payable to
each Lender for its Commitment.

         2.4 Separate Commitments of Lenders. Borrower acknowledges that each
Lender's commitment to fund its portion of the Revolving Credit Loan is made by
each Lender severally, and neither Agent nor any Lender shall be liable for the
failure of another Lender to timely perform under this Agreement.

         2.5 Advances of Loans. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, Borrower may borrow, repay and reborrow Loans under the Revolving
Credit Loan, provided that the outstanding principal balance of the Revolving
Credit Loan shall not at any time exceed the amounts permitted under Section 2.1
above, and further provided that no new borrowings may be obtained after January
1, 1997, if amortization of the Revolving Credit Loan is then required under
Section 2.10 hereof. Loans shall be disbursed as follows:


                                       18

<PAGE>   26



                  2.5.1 Loans Advanced Pursuant to Borrowing Notices.

                           2.5.1(a) Applicability. Loans under the Revolving
                  Credit Loan may be LIBOR Loans, Prime Rate Loans, or a
                  combination thereof, and the funding thereof shall be subject
                  to this Section 2.5.1.

                           2.5.1(b) Borrowing Notices. As long as Borrower meets
                  the conditions for funding stated in this Agreement, Borrower
                  may submit requests for Loans ("Borrowing Notices") to Agent.
                  All requests shall be made in writing (or by telephone,
                  subject to such security procedures as Agent may require from
                  time to time, provided that all telephonic notices shall be
                  confirmed by written Borrowing Notices within one (1) Business
                  Day) and shall specify the proposed disbursement date for the
                  requested Loan; the amount of the Loan; the purpose of the
                  Loan (characterized in accordance with Section 2.2 above); the
                  type of Loan, i.e., LIBOR Loan or Prime Rate Loan; and if a
                  LIBOR Loan, the designated Interest Period. Each Borrowing
                  Notice shall irrevocably obligate Borrower to accept the Loan
                  requested thereby. Borrowing Notices shall be in the form of
                  Exhibit 2.5.1(b) hereto or such other form as Agent may from
                  time to time require.

                           2.5.1(c) Funding of Loans. Lenders shall fund their
                  respective portions of requested Loans on the next following
                  Banking Day after the Banking Day of Agent's receipt of the
                  Borrowing Notice, in the case of Prime Rate Loans, and on the
                  second (2nd) Banking Day following the Banking Day of Agent's
                  receipt of the Borrowing Notice, in the case of LIBOR Loans.
                  All funds shall be disbursed directly into an account
                  maintained by Borrower with Agent. Borrower agrees that if any
                  Lender elects to fund any requested Loan(s) sooner after
                  requested than is required hereunder, the Lender may
                  nevertheless use the entire response period allowed hereunder
                  upon receipt of any subsequent request, at the Lender's sole
                  option.

                           2.5.1(d) Prime Rate Loan Limitations. Individual
                  Prime Rate Loans shall be in the minimum amount of One Hundred
                  Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($100,000.00) each. Any number of
                  Prime Rate Loans may be outstanding at any one time.

                           2.5.1(e) LIBOR Loan Limitations. Individual LIBOR
                  Loans shall be in the minimum amount of Five Hundred Thousand
                  and No/100 Dollars ($500,000.00) each. No more than three (3)
                  LIBOR Loans may be outstanding under the Revolving Credit
                  Loan.




                                       19

<PAGE>   27



                                     2.5.1(f) Additional Limitation on LIBOR
                           Interest Periods. Notwithstanding anything to the
                           contrary in this Agreement, if an Unmatured Event of
                           Default or an Event of Default shall have occurred
                           and be continuing, no additional LIBOR Loans may be
                           created or continued and no Prime Rate Loan may be
                           converted into a LIBOR Loan.

                           2.5.2   Conversion of Loans. Borrower shall have the 
                  right, on prior irrevocable written notice to Agent given two
                  (2) Banking Days prior to the date of any requested
                  conversion, to convert any Prime Rate Loan or LIBOR Loan into
                  a Loan of another type, or to continue any LIBOR Loan for
                  another Interest Period, subject in each case to the
                  following:

                                     2.5.2(a) Application of Loans. Each
                           conversion shall be effected by applying the proceeds
                           of the new LIBOR Loan and/or Prime Rate Loan, as the
                           case may be, to the Loan (or portion thereof) being
                           converted.

                                     2.5.2(b) Notices of Conversions. Each
                           notice pursuant to this 2.5.2(b) shall be irrevocable
                           and shall refer to this Agreement and specify the
                           identity and principal amount of the particular Loan
                           that Borrower requests be converted or continued; if
                           such notice requests conversion, the date of such
                           conversion (which shall be a Business Day); and if a
                           Loan is to be converted to a LIBOR Loan or a LIBOR
                           Loan is to be continued, the Interest Period with
                           respect thereto. No LIBOR Loan shall be converted at
                           any time other than at the end of the Interest Period
                           applicable thereto, except in accordance with Section
                           2.11 hereof. Conversion notices shall be in the form
                           attached as Exhibit 2.5.1(b) hereto.

                           2.5.3    Absence of Election. If Borrower fails to
                  give Agent notice to continue any LIBOR Loan for a subsequent
                  period, such LIBOR Loan (unless repaid) shall automatically be
                  converted into a Prime Rate Loan. If Borrower fails to specify
                  in any Borrowing Notice the type of borrowing or, in the case
                  of a LIBOR Loan, the applicable Interest Period, Borrower will
                  be deemed to have requested a Prime Rate Loan.

                           2.5.4    Implied Representations Upon Request for
                  Loan. Upon making any request for any Loan, Borrower shall be
                  deemed to have warranted to Agent and Lenders that all
                  conditions to funding set forth in Article III hereof are
                  satisfied.

                           2.5.5    Advance Not Waiver. Either Lender's making 
                  of any Loan that it is not obligated to make under any
                  provision of Article III hereof or any other


                                       20

<PAGE>   28



                  provision hereof shall not be construed as a waiver of the
                  Lenders' right to withhold future Loans, declare an Event of
                  Default, or otherwise demand strict compliance with this
                  Agreement, acting through Agent as permitted by the terms
                  hereof.

                           2.5.6 Draws by Debit Memorandum. Agent may cause
                  Lenders to draw amounts that may be available under the
                  Revolving Credit Loan to pay any Obligation that is not
                  otherwise timely paid.

                  2.6      Interest.  Interest shall accrue on each Loan as 
follows:

                           2.6.1 Prime Rate Loans. Interest shall accrue on each
                  Prime Rate Loan at an annual rate equal to the Prime Rate plus
                  the Applicable Prime Rate Margin, said rate to change
                  contemporaneously with any change in the Prime Rate.

                           2.6.2 LIBOR Loans. Interest shall accrue on each
                  LIBOR Loan at a rate equal to the LIBO Rate for the selected
                  Interest Period plus the Applicable LIBO Rate Margin.

                           2.6.3 Additional Interest on LIBOR Loans. In addition
                  to the interest described above, Borrower shall pay to
                  Lenders, if and so long as Lenders shall be required under
                  regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
                  System to maintain reserves with respect to liabilities or
                  assets consisting of or including LIBOR Liabilities,
                  additional interest on the unpaid principal amount of each
                  LIBOR Loan, from the date of such advance until said principal
                  amount is paid in full, at an interest rate per annum equal at
                  all times to the remainder obtained by subtracting (i) the
                  LIBO Rate for the Interest Period from (ii) the rate obtained
                  by dividing the LIBO Rate by a percentage equal to 100% minus
                  the LIBO Rate Reserve Percentage for such Interest Period.
                  This additional interest shall be payable on each date on
                  which interest is payable. The amount of additional interest
                  shall be determined by each Lender, who shall notify Borrower
                  and Agent thereof and whose determination shall be conclusive,
                  absent manifest error.

                           2.6.4 Calculation of Interest. Interest for both
                  Prime Rate Loans and LIBOR Loans shall be computed on the
                  basis of a 360-day year counting the actual number of days
                  elapsed. Interest shall accrue on the Business Day a Loan is
                  extended and shall accrue through the Banking Day prior to the
                  Banking Day on which it is repaid.

                           2.6.5 Default Rate. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
                  upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and during the
                  continuation of such Event of Default, interest shall be
                  charged at the Default Rate, regardless of whether


                                       21

<PAGE>   29



                  Lenders have elected to exercise any other remedies available
                  to Lenders, including, without limitation, acceleration of the
                  maturity of the outstanding principal of the Revolving Credit
                  Loan. All such interest shall be paid without demand on the
                  Interest Payment Dates applicable to Prime Rate Loans.

                           2.6.6 Payment of Interest. Interest for Prime Rate
                  Loans and LIBOR Loans shall be due and payable in arrears,
                  without notice, on each Interest Payment Date.

                           2.6.7 Usury Savings Provision. It is the intention of
                  the parties that all charges under or in connection with this
                  Agreement and the Obligations, however denominated, and
                  including (without limitation) all interest, commitment fees,
                  late charges and loan charges, shall be limited to the Maximum
                  Lawful Amount. Such charges hereunder shall be characterized
                  and all provisions of the Loan Documents shall be construed as
                  to uphold the validity of charges provided for therein to the
                  fullest possible extent. Additionally, all charges hereunder
                  shall be spread over the full permitted term of the
                  Obligations for the purpose of determining the effective rate
                  thereof to the fullest possible extent, without regard to
                  prepayment of or the right to prepay the Obligations. If for
                  any reason whatsoever, however, any charges paid or contracted
                  to be paid in respect of the Obligations shall exceed the
                  Maximum Lawful Amount, then, without any specific action by
                  Lenders, Agent or Borrower, the obligation to pay such
                  interest and/or other charges shall be reduced to the Maximum
                  Lawful Amount in effect from time to time, and any amounts
                  collected by Lenders that exceed the Maximum Lawful Amount
                  shall be applied to the reduction of the principal balance of
                  the Obligations and/or refunded to Borrower so that at no time
                  shall the interest or loan charges paid or payable in respect
                  of the Obligations exceed the Maximum Lawful Amount. This
                  provision shall control every other provision herein and in
                  any and all other agreements and instruments now existing or
                  hereafter arising between Borrower and Lenders with respect to
                  the Obligations.

                  2.7 Alternate Rate of Interest if LIBOR Unavailable. In the
event, and on each occasion, that on the date of commencement of any Interest
Period for a LIBOR Loan, a Lender shall have determined (i) that dollar deposits
in the amount of the requested principal amount of such LIBOR Loan are not
generally available in the London Interbank Market; (ii) that the rate at which
such dollar deposits are being offered will not adequately and fairly reflect
the cost to the Lender of making or maintaining such LIBOR Loan during such
Interest Period; or (iii) that reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining
the LIBO Rate, the Lender shall, as soon as practicable thereafter, give written
or telephonic notice of such determination to Borrower. In the event of any such
determination, any request by Borrower for a LIBOR Loan under this Agreement
shall, until the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, be
deemed to be a request for a Prime Rate Loan. Each determination by the Lender
hereunder shall be conclusive absent manifest error.


                                       22

<PAGE>   30



                  2.8 Change in Circumstances.

                           2.8.1 Imposition of Requirements. Notwithstanding any
                  other provision herein, if after the date of this Agreement
                  any change in applicable Laws or in the interpretation or
                  administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged
                  with the interpretation or administration thereof (whether or
                  not having the force of Law) shall change the basis of
                  taxation of payments to a Lender under any LIBOR Loan made by
                  the Lender or any other fees or amounts payable hereunder
                  (other than taxes imposed on the overall net income, gross
                  receipts or added value of a Lender by the country in which
                  the Lender is located, or by the jurisdiction in which a
                  Lender has its principal office, or by any political
                  subdivision or taxing authority therein), or shall impose,
                  modify or deem applicable any reserve requirement, special
                  deposit, insurance charge (including FDIC insurance on LIBOR
                  Liabilities) or similar requirement against assets of,
                  deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, a
                  Lender or shall impose on a Lender or the London Interbank
                  Market any other condition affecting this Agreement or LIBOR
                  Loans made by a Lender, and the result of any of the foregoing
                  shall be to increase the cost to the Lender of making or
                  maintaining its LIBOR Loan or to reduce the amount of any sum
                  received or receivable by a Lender hereunder (whether of
                  principal, interest or otherwise) in respect thereof by an
                  amount deemed by the affected Lender to be material, then
                  Borrower will pay to such Lender such additional amount or
                  amounts as will compensate the Lender for such additional
                  costs of reduction.

                           2.8.2 Other Changes. If either (i) the introduction
                  of, or any change in, or in the interpretation of, any United
                  States or foreign Law; or (ii) compliance with any directive,
                  guidelines or request from any central bank or other United
                  States or foreign Governmental Authority (whether or not
                  having the force of law) promulgated or made after the date
                  hereof, affects or would affect the amount of capital required
                  or expected to be maintained by a Lender (or any lending
                  office of a Lender) or any corporation directly or indirectly
                  owning or controlling a Lender (or any lending office of a
                  Lender) based upon the existence of this Agreement, and the
                  Lender shall have determined that such introduction, change or
                  compliance has or would have the effect of reducing the rate
                  of return on the Lender's capital or on the capital of such
                  owning or controlling corporation as a consequence of its
                  obligations hereunder (including its commitment) to a level
                  below that which the Lender or such owning or controlling
                  corporation could have achieved but for such introduction,
                  change or compliance (after taking into account that Lender's
                  policies or the policies of such owning or controlling
                  corporation, as the case may be, regarding capital adequacy)
                  by an amount deemed by the Lender (in its sole discretion) to
                  be material, then, from time to time, Borrower shall pay to
                  the Lender such additional amount or amounts as will
                  compensate the Lender for such reduction



                                       23

<PAGE>   31



                  attributable to making, funding and maintaining its commitment
                  and Loans hereunder.

                           2.8.3 Computation of Amounts. A certificate of a
                  Lender setting forth the basis and method of computation of
                  such amount or amounts specified in Sections 2.11.1 and 2.11.2
                  hereof as shall be necessary to compensate the Lender (or its
                  participating banks) as specified above, as the case may be,
                  shall be delivered to Borrower and shall be conclusive absent
                  manifest error; provided however, that Borrower shall be
                  responsible for compliance herewith and the payment of
                  increased costs only to the extent that (i) any change in Laws
                  giving rise to increased costs occurs after the date of this
                  Agreement; and (ii) the Lender gives notice of the change
                  giving rise to increased costs within one hundred eighty (180)
                  Business Days after the Lender has, or with reasonable
                  diligence should have had, knowledge of the change, or else
                  Lender can only collect costs from and after the date of the
                  notice. Subject to the foregoing, Borrower shall pay the
                  affected Lender the amount shown as due on any such
                  certificate within ten (10) Business Days after its receipt of
                  such certificate.

                           2.8.4 No Duty to Contest. The protection of this
                  Section 2.8 shall be available to a Lender regardless of any
                  possible contention of invalidity or inapplicability of the
                  Law or condition that shall have been imposed. Should a Lender
                  assess any charge to Borrower under this Section 2.8, and
                  provided that Borrower pays the assessment to the Lender,
                  Borrower may thereafter undertake, at Borrower's own expense,
                  any contest of the matters giving rise to the charge that may,
                  in the opinion of Borrower's independent counsel issued to the
                  affected Lender, and concurred in by counsel to the Lender,
                  have a reasonable chance of success, provided further that the
                  contest would not require the assertion of any position
                  contrary to a position taken by the Lender generally with
                  taxing authorities or any other involved parties and that
                  there does not exist any other circumstance that would
                  disadvantage the Lender in the event of such contest, as the
                  affected Lender may determine in its discretion. The affected
                  Lender shall offer reasonable participation to Borrower for
                  the purpose of enabling Borrower to pursue the contest of such
                  issue, with all expenses, including fees and expenses of the
                  affected Lender's counsel, to be paid by Borrower.

                  2.9 Change in Legality of LIBOR Loans. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary herein contained, if any change in any Law or in
interpretation thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the
administration or interpretation thereof shall make it unlawful for a Lender to
make or maintain any LIBOR Loan or to give effect to its obligations as
contemplated hereby, then, by written notice to Borrower, the Lender may (i)
declare that LIBOR Loans will not thereafter be made by the Lender hereunder,
whereupon Borrower shall be prohibited from requesting LIBOR Loans from the
Lender hereunder unless such declaration is subsequently withdrawn; and (ii)
require that all outstanding LIBOR Loans made


                                       24

<PAGE>   32



by it be converted to Prime Rate Loans, in which event (a) all such LIBOR Loans
shall be automatically converted to Prime Rate Loans (but without imposition of
any additional charge that would normally become due under Section 2.8 hereof)
as of the effective date of such notice, and (b) all payments and prepayments of
principal that would otherwise have been applied to repay the converted LIBOR
Loans shall instead be applied to repay the Prime Rate Loans resulting from the
conversion of such LIBOR Loans. For purposes of this Section 2.9, a notice to
Borrower by the Lender pursuant to (a) above shall be effective, if lawful, on
the last day of the then current Interest Period; in all other cases, such
notice shall be effective on the date of receipt by Borrower.

                  2.10 Principal Repayment. All remaining principal outstanding
under the Revolving Credit Loan shall become due on the Maturity Date or the
earlier acceleration of the Revolving Credit Loan in accordance with the terms
of this Agreement.

                  2.11 Prepayment of LIBOR Loans.

                           2.11.1 Notice of LIBOR Loan Prepayment. Borrower may,
                  upon two (2) Banking Days' prior written notice to Agent, and
                  upon payment of all applicable premiums set forth in Section
                  2.11.3 hereof, prepay any outstanding LIBOR Loans prior to any
                  Interest Payment Date for such LIBOR Loans, in whole or in
                  part. Each notice of prepayment of any LIBOR Loan shall
                  specify the date and amount of such prepayment and shall be
                  irrevocable.

                           2.11.2 Amount of LIBOR Loan Prepayment. Each partial
                  prepayment of any LIBOR Loan shall be in an aggregate
                  principal amount which is the lesser of (i) the then
                  outstanding principal balance of the one or more LIBOR Loans
                  to be prepaid, or (ii) Five Hundred Thousand and No/100
                  Dollars ($500,000.00) or an integral multiple thereof.
                  Interest on the amount prepaid accrued to the prepayment date
                  shall be paid on such date.

                           2.11.3 LIBOR Loan Prepayment Premium. Upon prepayment
                  of any LIBOR Loan on a date other than the relevant Interest
                  Payment Date for such borrowing, Borrower shall pay to
                  Lenders, in addition to all other payments then due and owing
                  Lenders, premiums which shall be equal to an amount, if any,
                  reasonably determined by Agent to be the difference between
                  the rate of interest then applicable to the relevant LIBOR
                  Loan and the yield Lenders would receive upon reinvestment of
                  so much of the relevant LIBOR Loans as is prepaid for the
                  remainder of the term of the relevant LIBOR Loan or Loans.
                  Anything in this Section 2.11.3 to the contrary
                  notwithstanding, the premiums payable upon any such prepayment
                  shall not exceed the amount, if any, determined by Agent to be
                  the difference between the rate of interest then applicable to
                  the relevant LIBOR Loan and the yield that Lenders could
                  receive upon reinvestment in the "Floor Reinvestment" of so
                  much of the relevant LIBOR Loan as is prepaid for the
                  remainder of the term of the relevant LIBOR


                                       25

<PAGE>   33



                  Loan. For purposes hereof, "Floor Reinvestment" shall mean an
                  investment for the time period from the date of such
                  prepayment to the end of the relevant Interest Period
                  applicable to such LIBOR Loan at an interest rate per annum
                  equal to the federal funds "offered" rate as published in the
                  Wall Street Journal on the date of such prepayment. All
                  determinations, estimates, assumptions, allocations and the
                  like required for the determination of such premiums shall be
                  made by Agent in good faith and shall be presumed correct
                  absent manifest error.

                  2.12 Prepayment of Prime Rate Loans. Borrower may at any time
prepay any outstanding Prime Rate Loans prior to the Maturity Date in whole or
in part without premium or penalty.

                  2.13 Fixed Commitment Fees. Upon the execution of this
Agreement, Borrower shall pay commitment fees (i) to AmSouth, in the amount of
Sixty-Five Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($65,000.00), (ii) to Union Planters, in
the amount of Sixteen Thousand Two Hundred Fifty and No/100 Dollars
($16,250.00), and (iii) to NationsBank, in the amount of Thirty-Two Thousand
Five Hundred and No/100 Dollars ($32,500.00). These commitment fees are not
refundable or proratable.

                  2.14 Periodic Commitment Fee Based on Use of Facilities.
Borrower shall pay to Agent for distribution to Lenders Pro Rata an additional
commitment fee for the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Loan. This fee
shall be determined by applying the Applicable Commitment Fee to the average
daily unused balance of the Revolving Credit Loan. The commitment fee shall be
paid in arrears on each Interest Payment Date applicable to Prime Rate Loans.
This commitment fee is not refundable or proratable.

                  2.15 Agent's Fee. On the Closing Date, and on each subsequent
anniversary thereof excepting only an anniversary corresponding to the Maturity
Date, Borrower shall pay to Agent a fee of Five Thousand and No/100 Dollars
($5,000.00) for each Lender (inclusive of Agent) then a party to this Agreement.
If any additional Lender becomes a party to this Agreement between anniversary
dates as to increase the total number of Lenders, a like fee shall be paid to
Agent with respect to that Lender upon its entry, prorated to reflect the
balance of the year remaining until the next anniversary of the Closing Date. On
the Closing Date, Borrower shall further pay to Agent an arrangement fee of
Sixty-Seven Thousand Five Hundred and No/100 Dollars ($67,500.00).

                  2.16 Letters of Credit. Subject to the terms and conditions of
this Agreement, Lenders' respective Commitments for the Revolving Credit Loan
may be utilized, upon the request of Borrower, for the issuance by NationsBank
of letters of credit (the "Letters of Credit") for the account of Borrower for
uses that would be permitted for the Revolving Credit Loan; provided that in no
event shall (i) the aggregate amount of all stated and undrawn amounts under
Letters of Credit (the "Letter of Credit Liabilities"), together with the
aggregate principal amount of the Loans advanced under the Revolving Credit
Loan, exceed


                                       26

<PAGE>   34



the amount stated in Section 2.1 hereof, (ii) the outstanding aggregate amount
of all Letter of Credit Liabilities together with all advances for working
capital purposes exceed in the aggregate Ten Million Five and No/100 Dollars
($10,000,000.00), or (iii) the expiration date of any Letter of Credit extend
beyond the Maturity Date applicable to the Revolving Credit Loan. The following
additional provisions shall apply to Letters of Credit:

                           2.16.1 Procedure for Issuance. Borrower shall give
                  Agent at least three (3) Business Days' irrevocable prior
                  notice (effective upon receipt) specifying the Business Day
                  (which shall be no later than thirty (30) days preceding the
                  Maturity Date) each Letter of Credit is to be issued and
                  describing in reasonable detail the proposed terms of such
                  Letter of Credit (including its beneficiary) and the nature of
                  the transactions or obligations proposed to be supported.
                  Borrower shall be the account party for each Letter of Credit,
                  including Letters of Credit issuable to a beneficiary having a
                  claim or potential claim against a Subsidiary of Borrower.

                           2.16.2 Participation Among Lenders. On each day
                  during the period commencing with the issuance by NationsBank
                  of any Letter of Credit and until such Letter of Credit shall
                  have expired or been terminated or, if drawn upon, until the
                  resulting obligations of reimbursement (the "Reimbursement
                  Obligations") have been satisfied in full by Borrower (whether
                  by a borrowing under this Agreement or otherwise), the
                  Commitment of each Lender shall be deemed to be utilized for
                  all purposes of this Agreement (including, but not limited to,
                  the calculation of availability and of the nonuse fee) in an
                  amount equal to such Lender's Pro Rata Share of the Letter of
                  Credit Liabilities associated with such Letter of Credit. Each
                  Lender (other than NationsBank) agrees that, upon the issuance
                  of any Letter of Credit, it shall automatically be deemed to
                  have acquired a participation in NationsBank's liability under
                  such Letter of Credit in an amount equal to such Lender's Pro
                  Rata Share of such liability, and each Lender (other than
                  NationsBank) thereby shall absolutely, unconditionally and
                  irrevocably assume, as primary obligor and not as surety, and
                  shall be unconditionally obligated to NationsBank to pay and
                  discharge when due, its Pro Rata Share of NationsBank's
                  liability under such Letter of Credit.

                           2.16.3 Reimbursement Obligation. Upon receipt from
                  the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit of any demand for
                  payment under such Letter of Credit, NationsBank shall
                  promptly notify Borrower of the amount to be paid by
                  NationsBank as a result of such demand and the date on which
                  payment is to be made by NationsBank to such beneficiary in
                  respect of such demand. Borrower hereby unconditionally agrees
                  to pay and reimburse Agent for the account of NationsBank and
                  the other Lenders Pro Rata with respect to the amount of each
                  demand for payment under such Letter of Credit at or prior to
                  the date on which payment is to be made by NationsBank to the
                  beneficiary under such Letter of



                                                        27

<PAGE>   35



                  Credit, without presentment, demand, protest or other
                  formalities of any kind. Any amounts not so paid or borrowed
                  as set forth in Section 2.16.4 below shall bear interest at
                  the rate(s) specified in the documents relating to the
                  issuance of the Letter of Credit (the "Letter of Credit
                  Documents") or, if higher, at the rate(s) specified on the
                  Notes (including the Default Rate, if applicable).

                           2.16.4 Means of Reimbursement. Forthwith upon its
                  receipt of a notice referred to in Section 2.16.3 hereof,
                  Borrower shall advise Agent whether or not Borrower intends to
                  obtain a Loan to finance its obligation to reimburse
                  NationsBank for the amount of the related demand for payment
                  and, if it does, submit a notice of such borrowing as provided
                  in this Agreement. In the event that Borrower fails to so
                  advise Agent, and if Borrower fails to reimburse NationsBank
                  for a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit by the date
                  of such payment, Agent shall give each Lender prompt notice of
                  the amount of the demand for payment, specifying such Lender's
                  Pro Rata Share of the amount of the related demand for
                  payment, and Borrower shall be deemed in default hereunder for
                  breaching Section 2.16.3 above.

                           2.16.5 Payments by Lenders. Each Lender (other than
                  NationsBank) shall pay to Agent for the account of NationsBank
                  in Dollars and in immediately available funds, such Lender's
                  Pro Rata Share of any payment under a Letter of Credit upon
                  notice by Agent to such Lender requesting such payment and
                  specifying such amount as provided in Section 2.16.4. Each
                  such Lender's obligation to make such payments to Agent for
                  the account of NationsBank under this Section 2.16.5, and
                  NationsBank's right to receive the same, shall be absolute and
                  unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance
                  whatsoever, including the failure of any other Lender to make
                  its payment under this Section 2.16.5, the financial condition
                  of Borrower, the existence of any Unmatured Default or Event
                  of Default or the termination of the Commitments. Each such
                  payment to NationsBank shall be made without any offset,
                  abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever; provided,
                  nothing contained in the foregoing shall limit NationsBank's
                  liability for its gross negligence or willful misconduct in
                  improperly honoring a draft drawn under a Letter of Credit.

                           2.16.6 Settlement Among Lenders. Upon the making of
                  each payment by a Lender to NationsBank pursuant to Section
                  2.16.5 above in respect of any Letter of Credit, such Lender
                  shall, automatically and without any further action on the
                  part of Agent, NationsBank or such Lender, acquire (i) a
                  participation in any amount equal to such payment in the
                  Reimbursement Obligation owing to NationsBank by Borrower
                  under this Agreement and under the Letter of Credit Documents
                  relating to such Letter of Credit and (ii) a participation in
                  a percentage equal to such Lender's Pro Rata Share in any
                  interest or other amounts payable by Borrower under such
                  Letter of Credit Documents and the other Loan Documents in
                  respect of such Reimbursement Obligation. Upon



                                       28

<PAGE>   36



                  receipt by NationsBank from or for the account of Borrower of
                  any payment in respect of any Reimbursement Obligation or any
                  such interest or other amount (including by way of set-off or
                  application of proceeds of any collateral security)
                  NationsBank shall promptly pay to Agent for the account of
                  each Lender who shall have previously assumed a participation
                  in such payment under clause (ii) above, such Lender's Pro
                  Rata Share of such payment, each such payment by NationsBank
                  to be made in the same money and funds in which received by
                  NationsBank. In the event any payment received by NationsBank
                  and so paid to Lenders is rescinded or must otherwise be
                  returned by NationsBank, each Lender shall, upon the request
                  of NationsBank (through Agent), repay to NationsBank (through
                  Agent) the amount of such payment paid to such Lender, with
                  interest at the rate specified in Section 2.16.10.

                           2.16.7 Letter of Credit Fee. Borrower shall pay to
                  Agent for the account of each Lender a letter of credit fee in
                  respect of each Letter of Credit on the daily average undrawn
                  face amount of such Letter of Credit for the period from and
                  including the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit to and
                  including the date such Letter of Credit is drawn in full,
                  expires or is terminated (such fee to be non-refundable, to be
                  paid in arrears on the first day of each calendar quarter and
                  on the Maturity Date applicable to the Revolving Credit Loan
                  and to be calculated, for any day, after giving effect to any
                  payments made under such Letter of Credit on such day) in an
                  amount equal to the Applicable LIBO Rate Margin(s) in effect
                  during the relevant period. All calculations of Letter of
                  Credit fees shall be based on a 360 day year counting the
                  actual number of elapsed days.

                           2.16.8 Letter of Credit Information. Upon the request
                  of any Lender from time to time, NationsBank shall deliver any
                  information reasonably requested by such Lender with respect
                  to each Letter of Credit then outstanding.

                           2.16.9 Conditions Relating to Letters of Credit. The
                  issuance by NationsBank of each Letter of Credit shall be
                  subject, in addition to the conditions precedent set forth in
                  Article III hereof (as though the issuance of the Letter of
                  Credit were the making of a Loan), to the conditions precedent
                  that (i) such Letter of Credit shall be in such form, contain
                  such terms and support such transactions as shall be
                  satisfactory to NationsBank consistent with its then current
                  practices and procedures with respect to letters of credit of
                  the same type and (ii) Borrower shall have executed and
                  delivered such applications, agreements and other instruments
                  relating to such Letter of Credit as NationsBank shall have
                  reasonably requested consistent with its then current
                  practices and procedures with respect to letters of credit of
                  the same type; provided that in the event of any conflict
                  between any such application, agreement or other instrument
                  and the provisions of this Agreement, the provisions of this
                  Agreement shall control.



                                       29

<PAGE>   37



                           2.16.10 Payments Among Lenders. In the event that any
                  Lender fails to pay any amount required to be paid pursuant to
                  this Section 2.16 when due, such Lender shall pay interest to
                  NationsBank (through Agent) on such amount from and including
                  such due date to but excluding the date such payment is made
                  (i) during the period from and including such due date to but
                  excluding the date three Business Days thereafter, at a rate
                  per annum equal to the federal funds rate (as in effect from
                  time to time as determined by Agent) and (ii) thereafter, at a
                  rate per annum equal to the Prime Rate plus 2.0%.

                           2.16.11 Modifications. The issuance by NationsBank of
                  any modification or supplement to any Letter of Credit shall
                  be subject to the same conditions applicable under this
                  Section 2.16 to the issuance of new Letters of Credit, and no
                  such modification or supplement shall be issued unless either
                  (x) the respective Letter of Credit as affected by such action
                  would have complied with such conditions had it originally
                  been issued in such modified or supplemented form or (y) each
                  Lender shall have consented to such modification or
                  supplement.

                           2.16.12 Absolute Obligations of Borrower. The
                  obligations of Borrower under this Section 2.16 shall be
                  unconditional and absolute and shall not be affected, modified
                  or impaired, upon the happening at any time or from time to
                  time of any event, including any of the following, whether or
                  not with notice to or the consent of Borrower:

                                      2.16.12(a) the compromise, settlement,
                           release, modification, amendment (whether material or
                           otherwise) or termination of any or all of the
                           obligations, conditions covenants or agreements of
                           any Person in respect of any of the Loan Documents;

                                      2.16.12(b) the occurrence, or the failure
                           by Agent, any Lender or any other Person to give
                           notice to Borrower of the occurrence, of any Event of
                           Default or any default under any of the other Loan
                           Documents;

                                      2.16.12(c) the waiver of the payment,
                           performance or observance of any of the obligations,
                           conditions, covenants or agreements of any Person
                           contained in any of the Loan Documents;

                                      2.16.12(d) the extension of the time for
                           performance of any other obligations, covenants or
                           agreements of any Person under or arising out of any
                           of the Loan Documents;

                                    2.16.12(e) the taking or the omission of any
                           of the actions referred to in any of the Loan
                           Documents;


                                       30

<PAGE>   38



                                      2.16.12(f) any failure, omission or delay
                           on the part of Agent, any Lender, Borrower or the
                           beneficiary of any Letter of Credit to enforce,
                           assert or exercise any right, remedy, power or
                           privilege conferred by this Agreement or any of the
                           Loan Documents, or any other act or acts on the part
                           of Agent, any Lender, Borrower or the beneficiary of
                           any Letter of Credit;

                                      2.16.12(g) the voluntary or involuntary
                           liquidation, dissolution, sale or other disposition
                           of all or substantially all the assets of, the
                           marshaling of assets and liabilities, receivership,
                           insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of
                           creditors, reorganization, arrangement, composition
                           with creditors or readjustment of, or other similar
                           proceedings which affect, Borrower or any other party
                           to any of the Loan Documents;

                                      2.16.12(h) any lack of validity or
                           enforceability of this Agreement, any Letter of
                           Credit or any other Loan Document, or any allegation
                           of invalidity or unenforceability or any contest of
                           such validity or enforceability;

                                      2.16.12(i) the existence of any claim,
                           set-off, defense or other right which Borrower may
                           have at any time against Agent, any Lender or any
                           beneficiary or any transferee of any Letter of Credit
                           (or any persons or entities for whom the Lender or
                           any such beneficiary or transferee may be acting), or
                           any other Person, whether in connection with this
                           Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or any
                           of the transactions contemplated by any Loan Document
                           or any unrelated transaction;

                                      2.16.12(j) any statement in any
                           certificate or any other document presented under any
                           Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent,
                           invalid or insufficient in any respect or any such
                           statement being untrue or inaccurate in any respect
                           whatsoever;

                                      2.16.12(k) payment by NationsBank under
                           any Letter of Credit against presentation of a demand
                           or certificate which does not comply with the terms
                           of such Letter of Credit;

                                      2.16.12(l) the release or discharge by
                           operation of law of Borrower form the performance or
                           observance of any obligation, covenant or agreement
                           contained in any of the Loan Documents; or

                                      2.16.12(m) any other circumstance or
                           happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any
                           of the foregoing.



                                       31

<PAGE>   39



                           2.16.13 Without affecting Borrower's liability under
                  any other provision of this Agreement, Borrower agrees to
                  indemnify each of NationsBank, Agent and Lenders and their
                  respective affiliates, directors, officers, employees,
                  attorneys and agents from, and hold each of them harmless
                  against, any and all losses, liabilities, damages or expenses
                  incurred by any of them in connection with or by reason of any
                  actual or threatened investigation, litigation or other
                  proceeding (including, in respect of NationsBank and Agent,
                  any such investigations, litigation or other proceeding
                  between NationsBank or Agent and any Lender) relating to (a)
                  the execution and delivery of any Letter of Credit; (b) the
                  use of the proceeds of any drawing under any Letter of Credit;
                  or (c) the transfer or substitution of, or payment or failure
                  to pay under, any Letter of Credit, including the reasonable
                  fees and disbursements of counsel incurred in connection with
                  any such investigation, litigation or other proceeding, but
                  excluding damages, losses, liabilities or expenses to the
                  extent, but only to the extent, incurred by reason of the
                  willful misconduct or gross negligence of NationsBank in
                  determining whether a document presented under any Letter of
                  Credit complies with the terms of such Letter of Credit. It
                  shall not be a condition to any such indemnification that
                  NationsBank, Agent or any Lender shall be a party to any such
                  investigations, litigation or other proceeding. Nothing in
                  this Paragraph 2.16 is intended to limit Borrower's payment
                  obligations under this Agreement.

                           2.16.14 Borrower assumes all risks of the acts or
                  omissions of any beneficiary of any Letter of Credit with
                  respect to the use of the Letter of Credit. None of Agent, any
                  Lender nor any of their respective affiliates, officers,
                  directors, employees, attorneys or agents shall be liable or
                  responsible for: (a) the use which may be made of the Letter
                  of Credit or for any acts or omissions of any beneficiary of
                  any Letter of Credit in connection with such Letter of Credit;
                  (b) the validity, sufficiency or genuineness of documents
                  presented to NationsBank, or of any endorsement on such
                  documents, even if such documents should in fact prove to be
                  in any or all respects invalid, insufficient, fraudulent or
                  forged; (c) payment by NationsBank against presentation of
                  documents which do not comply with the terms of any Letter of
                  Credit, including failure of any documents to bear any
                  reference or adequate reference to such Letter of Credit; or
                  (d) any other circumstances whatsoever in making or failure to
                  make payment under any Letter of Credit; provided that
                  Borrower shall have a claim against NationsBank to the extent,
                  but only to the extent, of any direct, as opposed to
                  consequential, damages suffered by Borrower which Borrower
                  proves were caused by NationsBank's willful misconduct or
                  gross negligence in determining whether a document presented
                  under any Letter of Credit complies with the terms of such
                  Letter of Credit. In furtherance and not in limitation of the
                  foregoing, NationsBank may accept documents that appear on
                  their face to be in order, without responsibility for further
                  investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the
                  contrary.



                                       32

<PAGE>   40



                  2.17 Swingline Loans. The Swingline Lender hereby agrees to
extend to Borrower Swingline Loans in the aggregate amount not to exceed One
Million and No/100 Dollars ($1,000,000.00), on the following terms and
conditions.

                           2.17.1 Use of Proceeds of Swingline Loans. Borrower
                  may use the proceeds of Swingline Loans for any purpose
                  permitted for the proceeds of the Revolving Credit Loan under
                  Section 2.2 of this Agreement. To the extent proceeds of
                  Swingline Loans are used for working capital purposes, they
                  shall be applied to reduce the amount of the Revolving Credit
                  Loan that may be used for working capital purposes under
                  Section 2.2 of this Agreement.

                           2.17.2 Swingline Note. The Swingline Loans shall be
                  evidenced by the Swingline Note.

                           2.17.3 Funding of Swingline Loans Advanced Pursuant
                  to Borrowing Notices.

                                      2.17.3(a) Applicability. Except for
                           Swingline Loans made pursuant to Account Agreements
                           as provided in Section 2.17.4 hereof, the funding of
                           Swingline Loans shall be subject to this Section
                           2.17.3.

                                      2.17.3(b) Borrowing Notices. As long as
                           Borrower meets the conditions for funding stated in
                           this Agreement, Borrower may submit requests for
                           Swingline Loans ("Swingline Borrowing Notices") to
                           the Swingline Lender. All requests shall be made in
                           writing (or by telephone, subject to such security
                           procedures as the Swingline Lender may require from
                           time to time, provided that all telephonic notices
                           shall be confirmed by written Swingline Borrowing
                           Notices within one (1) Business Day) and shall
                           specify the proposed date of the requested
                           disbursement and the aggregate amount of such
                           disbursement. Each Swingline Borrowing Notice shall
                           irrevocably obligate Borrower to accept the Swingline
                           Loan requested thereby. Swingline Borrowing Notices
                           shall be in such form as the Swingline Lender may
                           from time to time require.

                                      2.17.3(c) Funding of Swingline Loans. The
                           Swingline Lender shall fund Swingline Loans on the
                           Banking Day following the Banking Day of the
                           Swingline Lender's receipt of the Swingline Borrowing
                           Notice. All funds shall be disbursed directly into an
                           account maintained by Borrower with the Swingline
                           Lender. Borrower agrees that if the Swingline Lender
                           elects to fund any requested Swingline Loan(s) sooner
                           after requested than is required hereunder, the
                           Swingline Lender may nevertheless use the entire
                           response period allowed hereunder upon receipt of any
                           subsequent request, at its sole option.



                                       33

<PAGE>   41



                           2.17.4 Funding of Swingline Loans Advanced Pursuant
                  to Cash Management Accounts. Borrower may have in effect from
                  time to time separate agreements with the Swingline Lender or
                  its affiliates ("Account Agreements") establishing cash
                  management procedures that may involve the automatic
                  disbursement of Swingline Loans. The Account Agreements may be
                  established using standardized forms that do not address the
                  specific circumstances of the Swingline Loan. To resolve
                  potential inconsistencies between this Agreement and Account
                  Agreements, the terms of this Agreement and of Account
                  Agreements shall relate to one another as follows:

                                      2.17.4(a) Funding and Payment Procedures
                           Controlled by Account Agreements. The Account
                           Agreements shall control this Agreement as to (i)
                           Section 2.17.3 hereof regarding funding procedures,
                           and (ii) Interest Payment Dates, to the extent that
                           an Account Agreement may provide for such payment
                           more frequently than otherwise required under this
                           Agreement.

                                      2.17.4(b) Certain Provisions Controlled by
                           this Agreement. Notwithstanding any provision of an
                           Account Agreement to the contrary, except as provided
                           above in Section 2.17.4(a) hereof, the provisions of
                           this Agreement shall control any Account Agreement to
                           the extent that an Account Agreement may be
                           inconsistent with this Agreement.

                                      2.17.4(c) Continuing Warranty Under
                           Account Agreements. Because Account Agreements may
                           provide for the making of Swingline Loans without
                           formal draw requests from Borrower, Borrower agrees
                           that Borrower's warranty under Section 2.17.5 hereof
                           as to the satisfaction of all conditions to the right
                           to receive Swingline Loans shall be a continuing one
                           during any period that such an Account Agreement may
                           be in effect. Therefore, any Swingline Loans funded
                           by the Swingline Lender pursuant to an Account
                           Agreement after the failure of a condition stated in
                           Article III hereof shall be deemed made upon the
                           affirmative misrepresentation of Borrower unless the
                           Swingline Lender has received written notice of and
                           waived the failed condition in writing.

                           2.17.5 Implied Representations Upon Request for
                  Swingline Loan. Upon making any request for a Swingline Loan,
                  Borrower shall be deemed to have warranted to the Swingline
                  Lender that all conditions to funding are satisfied as of the
                  submission of the request to the Swingline Lender.

                           2.17.6 Advance Not Waiver. The Swingline Lender's
                  making of any Swingline Loan that it is not obligated to make
                  under any provision of Article III hereof or any other
                  provision hereof shall not be construed as a waiver of the


                                       34

<PAGE>   42



                  Swingline Lender's right to withhold future Swingline Loans,
                  notify Agent of an Event of Default, or otherwise demand
                  strict compliance with this Agreement.

                           2.17.7 Interest. Interest shall be charged and paid
                  on each Swingline Loan as follows:

                                      2.17.7(a) Rate of Interest. Interest shall
                           accrue on Swingline Loans at an annual rate equal to
                           the Prime Rate, said rate to change contemporaneously
                           with any change in the Prime Rate.

                                      2.17.7(b) Calculation of Interest.
                           Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day
                           year counting the actual number of days elapsed.

                                      2.17.7(c) Payment of Interest. Interest
                           shall be due and payable in arrears without notice on
                           each Interest Payment Date.

                                      2.17.7(d) Default Rate. Notwithstanding
                           the foregoing, upon the occurrence of an Event of
                           Default and during the continuation of such Event of
                           Default until it is cured or waived, interest shall
                           be charged at the Default Rate, regardless of whether
                           the Swingline Lender has elected to exercise any
                           other remedies available to it, including, without
                           limitation, acceleration of the maturity of the
                           outstanding principal of the Swingline Loans. All
                           such interest shall be paid at the time of and as a
                           condition precedent to the curing of any such Event
                           of Default to the extent any right to cure is given
                           in this Agreement.

                                      2.17.7(e) Usury Savings Provision. It is
                           the intention of the parties that all charges under
                           or in connection with this Agreement and the
                           Obligations, however denominated, and including
                           (without limitation) all interest, commitment fees,
                           late charges and loan charges, shall be limited to
                           the Maximum Lawful Amount. Such charges hereunder
                           shall be characterized and all provisions of the Loan
                           Documents shall be construed as to uphold the
                           validity of charges provided for therein. If for any
                           reason whatsoever, however, any charges paid or
                           contracted to be paid in respect of the Swingline
                           Loans shall exceed the Maximum Lawful Amount, then,
                           ipso facto, the obligation to pay such interest
                           and/or other charges shall be reduced to the Maximum
                           Lawful Amount in effect from time to time, and any
                           amounts collected by Lender that exceed the Maximum
                           Lawful Amount shall be applied to the reduction of
                           the principal balance of the Swingline Loans and/or
                           refunded to Borrower so that at no time shall the
                           interest or loan charges paid or payable in respect
                           of the Swingline Loans exceed the Maximum Lawful
                           Amount. This provision shall control every other



                                       35

<PAGE>   43



                           provision herein and in any and all other agreements
                           and instruments now existing or hereafter arising
                           between Borrower and Lender with respect to the
                           Swingline Loans.

                           2.17.8 Repayment of Principal. All remaining
                  principal, interest and expenses outstanding under the
                  Swingline Loans shall become due in full on the Maturity Date
                  or the earlier acceleration of the Revolving Credit Loan in
                  accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Borrower may at
                  any time prepay any outstanding Swingline Loans in whole or in
                  part without premium or penalty.

                           2.17.9 Procedures Among Lenders Upon Event of
                  Default. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, Lenders
                  shall acquire participation interests in the outstanding
                  Swingline Loans as necessary to cause each Lender to own a Pro
                  Rata interest in the outstanding Swingline Loans, pursuant to
                  such documentation as Agent may deem necessary. The obligation
                  of each Lender to acquire such a participation interest shall
                  be unconditional and, without limiting the foregoing, shall
                  remain in effect irrespective of (i) the occurrence of any
                  Event of Default or Unmatured Default, (ii) the financial
                  condition of Borrower, the Agent, the Swingline Bank or any
                  other Lender or (iii) the termination or cancellation of the
                  Commitments (provided that such Swingline Loan was made prior
                  to the date of such termination or cancellation). The
                  Swingline Loans shall thereafter be administered by Lenders
                  and Agent as though the Swingline Loans were amounts
                  outstanding under the Revolving Credit Loan. Additionally, to
                  this end, upon the occurrence and continuation of an Event of
                  Default, Agent may, in its discretion, and without Borrower's
                  consent, cause an advance to be made under the Revolving
                  Credit Loan sufficient to repay the outstanding Swingline
                  Loans, even if an Event of Default is then outstanding.

                            III. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

         3.1 Conditions to Initial Advance. Lenders shall not be obligated to
make their initial Loan pursuant to this Agreement unless and until Borrower
satisfies the following conditions:

                           3.1.1 Loan Documents. Borrower shall have delivered
                  to Lenders and to Agent the following documents, fully
                  executed and in form and substance acceptable to Agent:

                                    3.1.1(a) Loan Agreement. This Agreement.

                                    3.1.1(b) Notes. The Revolving Credit Notes
                           made by Borrower payable to the order of the
                           respective Lenders in the maximum principal amounts
                           of the Lenders' respective Commitments and the
                           Swingline Note.



                                       36

<PAGE>   44



                                    3.1.1(c) Guaranties of Subsidiaries.
                           Unconditional Continuing Guaranties executed by all
                           Subsidiaries of Borrower other than Non-Corporate
                           Subsidiaries.

                                    3.1.1(d) Pledge of Equity Interests in
                           Subsidiaries. Stock Pledge Agreement, Irrevocable
                           Proxies and Blank Stock Powers, and any required
                           amendments thereof, evidencing a first priority
                           perfected security interest in all of the stock of
                           Borrower's corporate Subsidiaries and all dividends,
                           distributions and other property related thereto,
                           together with the original certificates evidencing
                           the pledged stock, and a Security Agreement granting
                           Agent an unperfected first priority security interest
                           in the interests of the Consolidated Entities in
                           Non-Corporate Subsidiaries.

                                    3.1.1(e) Charters. Certified Copies of the
                           Consolidated Entities' corporate charters and all
                           amendments thereto, issued by the Secretaries of
                           State for their states of domicile.

                                    3.1.1(f) Bylaws. Certified Copies of Bylaws
                           for the Consolidated Entities.

                                    3.1.1(g) Certificates of Good Standing.
                           Certificates of good standing or existence, as
                           applicable, issued as to the Consolidated Entities by
                           the Secretaries of State for the states of their
                           domicile.

                                    3.1.1(h) Foreign Qualification. Certificates
                           of Qualification issued by the Secretaries of State
                           for each state in which a Consolidated Entity is
                           required to qualify as a foreign corporation.

                                    3.1.1(i) Resolutions. Certified Copies of
                           Resolutions authorizing the execution of all
                           applicable Loan Documents on behalf of Consolidated
                           Entities.

                                    3.1.1(j) Opinions of Borrower's Counsel.
                           Opinions of counsel to the Consolidated Entities
                           addressed to Agent and Lenders, addressing matters
                           reasonably required by Lenders, Agent and their
                           counsel.

                                    3.1.1(k) UCC Searches. UCC search reports on
                           Borrower from such jurisdictions and filing offices
                           as Lenders and Agent may require.

                                    3.1.1(l) Closing Statement and Funding of
                           Expenses. Loan Closing Statement describing expenses
                           and fees due in connection with


                                       37

<PAGE>   45



                           the closing of the Revolving Credit Loan and payment
                           thereof in immediately available funds.

                                    3.1.1(m) Interest Rate Protection. Documents
                           evidencing interest rate protection acceptable to
                           Lenders for at least 50% of the projected outstanding
                           principal balance of the Revolving Credit Loan.

                                    3.1.1(n) Other Documents. Such other
                           documents as Lenders or Agent may reasonably require.

                                    3.1.1(o) Completion of Exhibits and
                           Schedules. The completion of all exhibits and
                           schedules to this Agreement, which shall be
                           satisfactory to Agent, in its sole discretion.

                           3.1.2 Additional Conditions. Borrower shall have
         satisfied the following additional conditions, to Lenders' and Agent's
         satisfaction:

                                    3.1.2(a) Warranties. All warranties made in
                           the Loan Documents must be true in all material
                           respects and shall be true in all material respects
                           taking into account the funding of the requested
                           Loan.

                                    3.1.2(b) Covenants. All covenants made in
                           the Loan Documents must have been complied with and
                           shall have been complied with taking into account the
                           funding of the requested Loan.

                                    3.1.2(c) Absence of Unmatured Default. No
                           Event of Default or Unmatured Default shall exist
                           under this Agreement.

                                    3.1.2(d) No Adverse Change. There must be no
                           Material Adverse Change since the date of the
                           Financial Statements.

                                    3.1.2(e) Regulatory Diligence. The
                           completion of healthcare regulatory diligence to the
                           satisfaction of Agent and its counsel.

                                    3.1.2(f) Ownership Structure. Lenders'
                           satisfaction upon a review of Borrower's present
                           capital structure as set forth in Schedule 5.26
                           hereof.

                                    3.1.2(g) Projections. Lenders' receipt of
                           financial projections prepared by Borrower covering
                           Borrower's anticipated operations for the next two
                           (2) years.



                                       38

<PAGE>   46



                  3.2 Conditions to Subsequent Loans. Lenders shall not be
obligated to make any Loan unless all of the following conditions are satisfied
as of the time of the request and of funding:

                           3.2.1 Conditions to Initial Advance. All of the
                  conditions in Section 3.1 hereof must have been satisfied.

                           3.2.2 Warranties. All warranties made in the Loan
                  Documents must be true in all material respects and shall be
                  true in all material respects taking into account the funding
                  of the requested Loan.

                           3.2.3 Covenants. All covenants made in the Loan
                  Documents must have been complied and shall have been complied
                  with taking into account the funding of the requested Loan.

                           3.2.4 Absence of Unmatured Default. No Event of
                  Default or Unmatured Default shall exist under this Agreement.

                           3.2.5 Material Adverse Change. There shall not have
                  occurred a Material Adverse Change.

                       IV. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

                  Borrower represents and warrants to Lenders and Agent that:

                  4.1 Capacity. Each Consolidated Entity is a corporation or
other entity as set forth in Schedule 4.1 hereof, and is duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of its domicile as set
forth in Schedule 4.1. Each Consolidated Entity is qualified or authorized to do
business in all jurisdictions in which its ownership of property or conduct of
business requires such qualification or authorization or where the failure to be
so qualified or authorized would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Each
Consolidated Entity has the power and authority to own its Properties and to
carry on its business as now being conducted and as proposed to be conducted
after the execution hereof, to execute and deliver this Agreement and the other
Loan Documents, and to perform its obligations hereunder and under the other
Loan Documents.

                  4.2 Authorization. The execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement and the other Loan Documents by each Consolidated Entity
executing such documents has been duly authorized by all requisite action.

                  4.3 Binding Obligations. This Agreement is and the other Loan
Documents, when executed and delivered to Lender, will be, legal, valid and
binding upon each Consolidated Entity who is a party thereto, enforceable in
accordance with its respective terms,



                                       39

<PAGE>   47



subject only to principles of equity and laws applicable to creditors generally,
including bankruptcy laws.

                  4.4 No Conflicting Law or Agreement. The execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents by each
Consolidated Entity does not constitute a breach of or default under, and will
not violate or conflict with, any provisions of the corporate charter or other
constituent documents of a Consolidated Entity; any contract, financing
agreement, lease, or other agreement to which a Consolidated Entity is a party
or by which its Properties may be affected, the violation of which could have a
Material Adverse Effect; or any Law to which a Consolidated Entity is subject or
by which its Properties may be affected, the violation of which could have a
Material Adverse Effect; nor will the same result in the creation or imposition
of any Encumbrance upon any Property of any Consolidated Entity, other than
those contemplated by the Loan Documents.

                  4.5 No Consent Required. The execution, delivery, and
performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents by the Consolidated
Entities do not require the consent or approval of or the giving of notice to
any Person except for those consents which have been duly obtained and are in
full force and effect on the date hereof and others, if any, which by their
omission could not result in a Material Adverse Effect.

                  4.6 Financial Statements. The Financial Statements are
complete and correct, have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, and present
fairly the financial condition and results of operations of the Consolidated
Entities as of the date and for the period stated therein, subject to year-end
adjustments. No Material Adverse Change has occurred since the date of the
Financial Statements. Borrower acknowledges that Lenders have advanced (or shall
advance) the Revolving Credit Loan in reliance upon the Financial Statements.

                  4.7 Fiscal Year. Each Consolidated Entity's fiscal year ends
on December 31 of each year.
           
                  4.8 Litigation. Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.8 hereto,
(i) there is no litigation, arbitration, legal or administrative proceeding, tax
audit, investigation, or other action or proceeding of any nature pending
against any Consolidated Entity or any of its Properties, and (ii) there is no
litigation, arbitration, legal or administrative proceeding, tax audit,
investigation, or other action or proceeding of any nature threatened in writing
against a Consolidated Entity which, if adversely determined, could have a
Material Adverse Effect. No Consolidated Entity is subject to any outstanding
court, arbitral or administrative order, writ or injunction. To the Best of
Borrower's Knowledge, no facts exist under which third parties have unasserted
claims against any Consolidated Entity which, if adversely determined, could
have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  4.9 Taxes; Governmental Charges. Each Consolidated Entity has
filed or caused to be filed or has lawfully extended the deadline for filing all
tax returns and reports



                                       40

<PAGE>   48



required to be filed. Each Consolidated Entity has paid, or made adequate
provision for the payment of, all Taxes that have or may have become due
pursuant to such returns or otherwise, or pursuant to any assessment received by
it, except such Taxes, if any, as are being contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been provided. To
the Best of Borrower's knowledge, there is no proposed material tax assessment
against any Consolidated Entity. No extension of time for the assessment of
federal, state or local taxes of any Consolidated Entity is in effect or has
been requested, except as disclosed in Schedule 4.9 hereto. Each Consolidated
Entity has timely made all required remittances of withholding deposits and
other assessments against payroll expenditures.

                  4.10 Title to Properties. Each Consolidated Entity has good
and marketable title to its Properties, free and clear of all Encumbrances
except for Permitted Encumbrances.

                  4.11 No Default. No Consolidated Entity is in default in any
respect that affects its business, Properties, operations, or condition,
financial or otherwise, under any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, obligation
to equity holders, credit agreement, note, agreement, lease, sale agreement or
other instrument to which any Consolidated Entity is a party or by which its
Properties are bound, which default could have a Material Adverse Effect. To the
Best of Borrower's Knowledge, no other party to any contract with any
Consolidated Entity under which a default could have a Material Adverse Effect
is in default or breach thereof and no circumstances exist which, with the
giving of notice and/or the passing of time would constitute such default or
breach. No Event of Default or Unmatured Default exists under this Agreement.

                  4.12 Casualties; Taking of Properties. Neither the business
nor the Property of any Consolidated Entity is presently impaired as a result of
any fire, explosion, earthquake, flood, drought, windstorm, accident, strike or
other labor disturbance, embargo, requisition or taking of property,
cancellation of contracts, permits, concessions by any domestic or foreign
government or any agency thereof, riot, activities of armed forces or acts of
God or of any public enemy, in any case as could have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  4.13 Compliance with Laws. No Consolidated Entity is in
violation of any Law to which it, its business or any of its Properties are
subject, the violation of which would likely have a Material Adverse Effect,
and, to the Best of Borrower's Knowledge, there are no outstanding citations,
notices or orders of noncompliance issued to any Consolidated Entity under any
such Law, the violation of which would likely have a Material Adverse Effect.
Each Consolidated Entity has obtained all licenses, permits, franchises, or
other governmental authorizations necessary to the ownership of its Properties
or to the conduct of its business, except for those which, if not obtained,
could not have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  4.14 Compliance with Fraud and Abuse Laws. Without limiting
any other provision of this Agreement, no Consolidated Entity and no Provider is
in violation of any Fraud and Abuse Law, the violation of which could have a
Material Adverse Effect.



                                       41

<PAGE>   49



                  4.15 ERISA. No ERISA Event has occurred with respect to any
Plan or is reasonably expected to occur with respect to any Plan.

                  4.16 Full Disclosure of Material Facts. Borrower has fully
advised Lenders of all matters involving the financial condition, business,
operations and Properties of the Consolidated Entities that would be reasonably
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No information, exhibit, or report
furnished or to be furnished by Borrower to Lenders in connection with this
Agreement contains, as of the date thereof, any misrepresentation of fact or
failed or will fail to state any material fact, the omission of which would
render the statements therein materially false or misleading.

                  4.17 Accuracy of Projections. With respect to all business
plans and other forecasts and projections furnished by or on behalf of Borrower
and made available to Lenders relating to the financial condition, business,
operations or Properties of the Consolidated Entities, all facts stated as such
therein were true and complete in all material respects as of the time made and
all estimates and assumptions were made in good faith and believed to be
reasonable at the time made. As of the Closing Date, nothing has come to the
attention of Borrower that has changed its assessment of any such matters,
except for changes that could not have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  4.18 Investment Company Act. No Consolidated Entity is an 
"investment company" under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

                  4.19 Personal Holding Company. No Consolidated Entity is a
"personal holding company" as defined in Section 542 of the IRC.

                  4.20 Solvency. Each Consolidated Entity is Solvent as of the
date hereof and will remain Solvent upon the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby.

                  4.21 Chief Executive Office. The address designated herein to
which notices are to be sent under this Agreement is Borrower's chief executive
office within the meaning of Tennessee Code Annotated Section 47-9-103(3)(d).

                  4.22 Subsidiaries. Borrower has no Subsidiaries, except for
those listed on Schedule 4.1 hereto, which schedule further describes the
present ownership of each Subsidiary.

                  4.23 Ownership of Patents, Licenses, Etc. The Consolidated
Entities own all licenses, permits, franchises, registrations, patents,
copyrights, trademarks, trade names or service marks, or the rights to use the
foregoing, that are necessary for the continued operation of their business
except for such licenses, etc., which, if not held or owned, could not have a
Material Adverse Effect.



                                       42

<PAGE>   50



                  4.24 Environmental Compliance. Each Consolidated Entity has
duly complied with, and their Properties are owned and operated in compliance
with, all Environmental Laws, the violation of which could have a Material
Adverse Effect. There have been no citations, notices or orders of
non-compliance issued to any Consolidated Entity or, to the Best of Borrower's
knowledge, relating to their business or Properties pursuant to any
Environmental Law. Each Consolidated Entity has obtained all required federal,
state and local licenses, certificates or permits relating to them and their
Properties as required by applicable Environmental Laws, except for those which,
if not obtained, could not have a Material Adverse Effect

                  4.25 Labor Matters. No Consolidated Entity is subject to any
collective bargaining agreements or any decrees or orders requiring them to
recognize, deal with or employ any Person. No demand for collective bargaining
has been asserted against any Consolidated Entity by any union or organization.
No Consolidated Entity has experienced any strike, labor dispute, slowdown or
work stoppage due to labor dispute and, to the best knowledge of Borrower, there
is no such strike, dispute, slowdown or work stoppage threatened against any
Consolidated Entity. All Consolidated Entities are in compliance in all material
respects with the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended.

                  4.26 OSHA Compliance. All Consolidated Entities are in
compliance in all material respects with the Federal Occupational Safety and
Health Act, as amended, and all regulations under the foregoing.

                  4.27 Regulation U. No Consolidated Entity is engaged in the
business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin
stock (within the meaning of Regulation U issued by the Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System). No proceeds of any Loan will be used to purchase or
carry any margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U issued by the Board
of Governors of the Federal Reserve System) in violation of applicable law,
including, without limitation, Regulation U issued by the Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System.

                  4.28 Affiliate Transactions. No Consolidated Entity is a party
to any transaction, contract or agreement with any Affiliate, except for Service
Agreements, lease agreements and other agreements among Borrower and its
Subsidiaries and those other agreements described in Schedule 4.28 hereof.


                            V. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

                  Borrower covenants that, during the term of this Agreement
(and thereafter where expressly stated herein):

                  5.1 Payment of Obligations. Borrower shall pay all amounts
owed under the Obligations when due.



                                       43

<PAGE>   51



                  5.2 Maintenance of Existence and Business. Except for
transactions among Consolidated Entities permitted under this Agreement, each
Consolidated Entity shall maintain its fundamental existence, name, rights, and
franchises, and shall maintain its qualification and good standing in all states
in which such qualification is necessary, and shall continue to operate in the
same type of business as such Consolidated Entity engages in as of the date
hereof.

                  5.3 Financial Statements and Reports. Borrower shall furnish
to Agent the following, all of which must be in form and substance satisfactory
to Lender (the financial reports below and all other reports required of
Borrower under this Agreement shall be delivered in sufficient counterparts that
each Lender and Agent may have an original counterpart thereof):

                           5.3.1 Monthly Financial Reports. As soon as
                  available, and in any event by the thirtieth (30th) day
                  following the end of a month, Borrower shall deliver to Agent
                  a balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows
                  of Borrower for and as of the end of the preceding month, all
                  prepared by Borrower on a consolidated basis and certified by
                  Borrower's president or chief financial officer to be complete
                  and correct and to present fairly, in accordance with GAAP
                  (excluding year-end adjustments and required footnote
                  disclosures), the consolidated financial condition of Borrower
                  as of the date of such statements and the consolidated results
                  of its operations and its cash flow for such period.
                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if as of May 31, 1997, Borrower
                  has met the Financial Projections since the date hereof, the
                  requirements of this Section 5.3.1 will terminate and monthly
                  financial statements shall no longer be required.

                           5.3.2 Quarterly Financial Reports. As soon as
                  available, and in any event by the forty-fifth (45th) day of
                  each fiscal quarter except the fourth fiscal quarter, Borrower
                  shall prepare and deliver to Agent a consolidated balance
                  sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows of
                  Borrower for and as of the end of the preceding fiscal
                  quarter, certified by Borrower's President or Chief Financial
                  Officer to be complete and correct and to present fairly, in
                  accordance with GAAP (excluding year-end adjustments and
                  required footnote disclosures), the consolidated financial
                  condition of Borrower as of the date of such statements and
                  the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flow
                  for such period. Supplemental to such basic financial
                  statements, Borrower shall deliver to Agent calculations of
                  all financial ratios; the certification of Borrower's
                  President or Chief Financial Officer as to the absence of any
                  Event of Default or Unmatured Default; and by-Practice
                  financial summaries addressing Practice revenues, expenses and
                  fees to Consolidated Entities in form and substance acceptable
                  to Agent.




                                       44

<PAGE>   52



                           5.3.3 Annual Financial Reports. As soon as available,
                  and in any event within ninety (90) days after the end of each
                  fiscal year, Borrower shall deliver to Agent the audited
                  consolidated balance sheet of Borrower as of the end of such
                  year and the related audited consolidated statements of
                  income, retained earnings and cash flows for such year,
                  together with supporting schedules, all such statements
                  prepared in accordance with GAAP and accompanied by an
                  unqualified audit report prepared by an independent "big six"
                  certified public accountant acceptable to Agent showing the
                  consolidated financial condition of Borrower at the close of
                  such year and the consolidated results of its operations,
                  changes in its retained earnings and its cash flows for such
                  year. Supplemental to the audited year-end financial
                  statements, Borrower shall deliver to Agent calculations of
                  all financial ratios as determined based upon the audited
                  financial statements and the certification of Borrower's
                  President or Chief Financial Officer as to the absence of any
                  Event of Default or Unmatured Default.

                           5.3.4 Accountant Reports. Promptly upon the receipt
                  thereof, Borrower shall deliver to Agent a copy of each other
                  report (other than work papers) submitted to Borrower or any
                  Subsidiary by its accountants in connection with any annual,
                  interim or special audit made by them, but Borrower shall be
                  obligated to deliver such report only if (i) the report
                  advises Borrower of a material weakness in internal controls,
                  or (ii) Agent has requested the report in writing based upon
                  Agent's good faith belief that, based upon its review of
                  Borrower's financial statements or other information relating
                  to the operations and condition of the Consolidated Entities,
                  a copy of such report is needed in order for Agent and/or
                  Lenders to thoroughly assess the financial condition of the
                  Consolidated Entities and/or their continued compliance with
                  this Agreement.

                           5.3.5 Acquisition Certification. Borrower shall
                  submit to Agent an Acquisition Compliance Certificate in the
                  form attached hereto as Exhibit 1.2 within the time periods
                  set forth therein.

                           5.3.6 Other Information. Borrower shall provide Agent
                  with such additional information regarding the financial
                  condition, properties, operations and prospects of the
                  Consolidated Entities and their consolidated entities as Agent
                  may reasonably require.

                  5.4 Additional Information. Borrower shall provide such other
information respecting the condition or operations, financial or otherwise, of
the Consolidated Entities as Agent may from time to time reasonably request.

                  5.5 Certain Additional Reporting Requirements.




                                       45

<PAGE>   53



                           5.5.1 Owner Mailings. Promptly upon the sending
                  thereof, Borrower shall deliver to Agent a copy of each
                  statement, report or notice sent to its shareholders.

                           5.5.2 SEC Filings. Promptly upon the filing thereof,
                  should such filings become applicable, Borrower shall deliver
                  to Agent copies of all regular, periodic and special reports
                  that any Consolidated Entity files with the United States
                  Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor thereto,
                  or any national securities exchanges or the National
                  Association of Securities Dealers.

                           5.5.3 Change in Accounting Policies. Borrower shall
                  promptly notify Agent in writing upon any material change in
                  accounting policies or financial reporting practices on the
                  part of any Consolidated Entity.

                           5.5.4 Notice to Agent Upon Perceived Breach. Borrower
                  agrees to give Lender prompt written notice of any action or
                  inaction by or on behalf of Lender in connection with this
                  Agreement or the Obligations that Borrower believes may be
                  actionable against Lenders or Agent or a defense to payment of
                  any or all Obligations for any reason, including, but not
                  limited to, commission of a tort or violation of any
                  contractual duty or duty implied by law provided, however,
                  that Borrower's failure to give such notice, if such failure
                  is unintentional and does not arise from Borrower's gross
                  negligence, shall not foreclosure any such action or defense
                  to be asserted by Borrower.

                           5.5.5 Changes in Constituent Documents. Borrower
                  shall promptly notify Agent in writing of any change in the
                  corporate charter or bylaws of Borrower or the fundamental
                  documents of any Subsidiary following the encumbrance of the
                  stock thereof in favor of Agent to secure Lenders as required
                  under this Agreement, and shall provide Agent with a copy of
                  such change (Consolidated Entities are restricted in the
                  adoption of such amendments as provided elsewhere in the Loan
                  Documents, and nothing contained in this Section shall be
                  deemed a waiver of such restrictions).

                           5.5.6 Notice of Litigation. Borrower shall give Agent
                  prompt written notice of any litigation, arbitration, tax
                  audit, administrative proceeding or investigation that may
                  hereafter be instituted or threatened in writing in which
                  Borrower would be a party or which otherwise may affect any
                  Consolidated Entity or any of their business, operations or
                  Properties, except for (i) actions seeking only monetary
                  damages in an amount of less than the amount equal to one-half
                  percent (1/2%) of Borrower's Consolidated EBITDA for the most
                  recent four (4) fiscal quarters for which Borrower has
                  submitted financial statements to Agent, as of the time of
                  determination, and (ii) actions seeking only monetary damages
                  for personal injury or wrongful death and which are fully
                  covered by insurance, subject only to any applicable
                  deductible.



                                       46

<PAGE>   54



                           5.5.7 Other Notices. Borrower shall promptly notify
                  Agent in writing if Borrower learns of the occurrence of (i)
                  any event that constitutes an Event of Default or an Unmatured
                  Default, together with a detailed statement of the steps being
                  taken as a result thereof, or (ii) any Material Adverse
                  Change.

                  5.6  Taxes and Other Encumbrances. Each Consolidated Entity
shall make due and timely payment or deposit of all federal, state and local
taxes, assessments or contributions required of it by law, and execute and
deliver to Agent, on demand, appropriate certificates attesting to the payment
or deposit thereof; provided, however, that the Consolidated Entities shall not
be required to pay or discharge any such tax, assessment, charge or claim for as
long as it is being diligently contested in good faith by proper proceedings and
for which appropriate reserves are being maintained.

                  5.7  Payment of Liabilities. Each Consolidated Entity shall 
pay all of its Liabilities as and when the same becomes due in accordance with
its terms.

                  5.8  Compliance with Laws. Each Consolidated Entity shall
observe and comply with all Laws (including, but not limited to, Fraud and Abuse
Laws), and shall maintain all certificates, franchises, permits, licenses, and
authorizations necessary to the conduct of its business or the operation of its
Properties, except for such Laws, certificates, etc., which, if violated or not
obtained and full penalties were imposed for such violation, could not cause a
Material Adverse Effect. Each Consolidated Entity shall further use its best
efforts to assure the compliance by all Providers with all applicable Laws,
including, but not limited to, medical licensure and Fraud and Abuse Laws,
relating to their providing of professional services, except for those which, if
violated and full penalties were imposed for such violation, could not cause a
Material Adverse Effect.

                  5.9  Maintenance of Property. All Consolidated Entities shall
maintain their Property (and any Property leased by or consigned or held under
title retention or conditional sales contracts) in good and workable condition
at all times, subject to ordinary wear and tear, normal discards and
replacements due to functional and useful-life obsolescence, and shall make all
repairs, replacements, additions, and improvements to their Property reasonably
necessary and proper to ensure that the business carried on in connection with
their Property may be conducted properly and efficiently at all times.

                  5.10 Compliance with Contractual Obligations. Each
Consolidated Entity will perform all of its obligations in respect of all
material contracts to which it is a party and will use its best efforts to keep,
and to take all action to keep, such contracts in full force and effect and not
allow any such contract to lapse or be terminated or any rights to renew such to
be forfeited or canceled, if such lapse, etc. could have a Material Adverse
Effect; provided, however, that any such contract may lapse or be terminated or
such renewal rights may be forfeited or canceled if in the reasonable business
judgment of the Consolidated Entities it is in their best interests to allow or
cause such lapse, termination, forfeiture or cancellation.



                                       47

<PAGE>   55



                  5.11 Further Assurances. The Consolidated Entities shall
promptly cure any defects in the creation, issuance, or delivery of the Loan
Documents. The Consolidated Entities at their expense will execute (or cause to
be executed) and deliver to Agent upon request all such other and further
documents, agreements, and instruments in compliance with or accomplishment of
the covenants and agreements applicable to them in the Loan Documents, or to
evidence further and to describe more fully any Collateral intended as security
for the Obligations, or to correct any omissions in the Loan Documents, or to
state more fully the Obligations and agreements set out in any of the Loan
Documents, or to perfect, protect, or preserve any Encumbrances created pursuant
to any of the Loan Documents, or to make any recordings, to file any notices, or
to obtain any consents, all as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate in
connection therewith. Borrower appoints Agent as Borrower's attorney-in-fact to
execute any financing statements or other instruments of perfection with respect
to the Collateral.

                  5.12 Security Interest; Setoff. In order to further secure the
payment of the Obligations, Borrower hereby grants to Agent and to each Lender a
security interest and right of setoff against all of Borrower's presently owned
or hereafter acquired monies, items, credits, deposits and instruments
(including certificates of deposit) presently or hereafter in the possession of
any Lender or Agent. By maintaining any such accounts or other property with a
Lender or Agent, Borrower acknowledges that Borrower voluntarily subjects the
property to the security interest arising hereunder. Subject to the provisions
in Article IX hereof, a Lender may exercise its rights under this Section
without prior notice (but with prompt notice following the setoff) following an
Event of Default. Borrower agrees that neither Lenders nor Agent shall be liable
for the dishonor of any instrument after notice of setoff shall have been duly
given resulting from a Lender's exercise of its rights under this Section.

                  5.13 Insurance.

                           5.13.1 General Insurance Requirements. In addition to
                  the other specific requirements set forth in this Agreement
                  and in other Loan Documents, the Consolidated Entities shall
                  maintain insurance on all insurable Properties now or
                  hereafter owned by them against such risks and to the extent
                  customary in their industry, and shall maintain or cause to be
                  maintained public liability and worker's compensation
                  insurance to the extent customary in the industry.

                           5.13.2 Practice-Related Insurance Requirements. The
                  Consolidated Entities shall maintain insurance for claims,
                  however characterized, against them in connection with the
                  provision of medical services by Providers and/or ancillary
                  services provided by them at Practices covered by Service
                  Agreements, in an amount of at least Five Hundred Thousand and
                  No/100 Dollars ($500,000.00) per occurrence and One Million
                  and No/100 Dollars ($1,000,000.00) in the aggregate for
                  Providers who are physicians, which insurance shall name
                  Lenders (or Agent on behalf of Lenders) as additional
                  insureds. The Consolidated Entities shall further cause each
                  Provider to



                                       48

<PAGE>   56



                  maintain medical malpractice insurance of at least Five
                  Hundred Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($500,000.00) per
                  occurrence and One Million and No/100 Dollars ($1,000,000.00)
                  in the aggregate.

                  5.14 Accounts and Records. The Consolidated Entities shall
maintain current books of record and account, in which full, true, and correct
entries will be made of all transactions.

                  5.15 Official Records. The Consolidated Entities shall
maintain current corporate and official records, minute books and stock ledgers
and other records appropriate to their form of organization.

                  5.16 Banking Relationships. The Consolidated Entities shall
maintain their deposit accounts with Lenders or with other FDIC-insured
depository institutions.

                  5.17 Right of Inspection. The Consolidated Entities shall
permit any officer, employee, or agent of a Lender or Agent to visit and inspect
during ordinary business hours any of the their Property, to examine their books
of record and accounts and corporate records, to take copies and extracts from
such books of record and accounts, and to discuss the affairs, finances, and
accounts of the Consolidated Entities with their respective officers,
accountants, and auditors, all at such reasonable times and as often as a Lender
may reasonably desire and upon reasonable advance notice absent an Event of
Default. Without limiting Agent's right to obtain equitable relief as to any
other appropriate right in this Agreement or in other Loan Documents, Borrower
agrees that the rights in this Section may be enforced by affirmative injunction
and, to the extent the right to review records may be denied, the right may be
enforced by a restraining order prohibiting the interference by Borrower with
the exercise of rights to review of the records pursuant to this Section. Absent
an Event of Default or Unmatured Default, all expenses of such inspections, etc.
shall be paid by Lenders, and in the presence thereof, all expenses shall be
paid by Borrower.

                  5.18 ERISA Information and Compliance. The Consolidated
Entities shall comply with ERISA and all other applicable laws governing any
pension or profit sharing plan or arrangement to which they are a party. The
Consolidated Entities shall (i) upon request, provide Agent with copies of any
annual report required to be filed pursuant to ERISA with respect to any Plan or
any other employee benefit plan; (ii) notify Agent upon the occurrence of any
ERISA Event or of any additional act or condition arising in connection with any
Plan which they believe might constitute grounds for termination thereof by the
PBGC or for the appointment of a trustee to administer the Plan; and (iii)
furnish to Agent, promptly upon request, such additional information concerning
any Plan or any other employee benefit plan as Agent may request.

                  5.19 Indemnity; Expenses. Borrower agrees to indemnify, defend
(with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party or parties) and
hold harmless Lenders and Agent against any loss, liability, claim or expense,
including reasonable attorneys' fees,



                                       49

<PAGE>   57



that they may incur in connection with the Loan Documents or the Obligations,
except those losses, etc. that may result from a Lender's or Agent's gross
negligence or willful misconduct. Without limiting the foregoing, upon demand by
Agent, Borrower will reimburse Lenders and/or Agent for the following reasonable
expenses if not paid by Borrower promptly after written demand by Agent:

                           5.19.1 Taxes. All taxes that Lenders or Agent may be
                  required to pay because of the Obligations or because of
                  Lenders' or Agent's interest in any property securing the
                  payment of the Obligations, excepting taxes based upon the net
                  income of Lender or Agent.

                           5.19.2 Administration. All costs of the preparation
                  of this Agreement and any other related documents and the
                  administration of the Obligations (except for Lenders' and
                  Agent's usual overhead incurred in the acceptance and
                  processing of payments, the routine review of financial
                  statements, certifications and reports, routine communications
                  with Borrower, and other ordinary activities that are not
                  occasioned by an Unmatured Default, Event of Default or by a
                  request of Borrower to waive or vary the terms of this
                  Agreement).

                           5.19.3 Protection of Collateral. All costs of
                  preserving, insuring, preparing for sale (whether by
                  improvement, repair or otherwise) or selling any Collateral.

                           5.19.4 Costs of Collection. All court costs and other
                  costs of collecting any debt, overdraft or other obligation
                  included in the Obligations.

                           5.19.5 Litigation. All reasonable costs arising from
                  any litigation, investigation, or administrative proceeding
                  (whether or not Agent or a Lender is a party thereto) that
                  Agent or a Lender may incur as a result of the Obligations or
                  as a result of their association with any of the Consolidated
                  Entities, including, but not limited to, expenses incurred by
                  Agent or a Lender in connection with a case or proceeding
                  involving any Consolidated Entity under any chapter of the
                  Bankruptcy Code or any successor statute thereto.

                           5.19.6 Attorneys' Fees. Reasonable attorneys' fees
                  incurred in connection with any of the foregoing.

If a Lender or Agent pays any of the foregoing expenses, they shall become a
part of the Obligations and shall bear interest at the Maximum Lawful Amount.
This Section shall remain in full effect regardless of the full payment of the
Obligations, the purported termination of this Agreement, the delivery of the
executed original of this Agreement to Borrower, or the content or accuracy of
any representation made by Borrower to Lenders or Agent; provided, however,
Agent may terminate this Section by executing and delivering to Borrower a
written instrument of termination specifically referring to this Section.



                                       50

<PAGE>   58



                  5.20 Assistance in Litigation. Borrower covenants to, upon
request, cooperatively participate in any proceeding in which Borrower is not an
adverse party to Lenders or Agent and which concerns Lenders' or Agent's rights
regarding the Obligations or any Collateral.

                  5.21 Name Changes. Borrower shall give Agent at least thirty
(30) days prior written notice before any Consolidated Entity changes its name
or begins doing business under any trade name.

                  5.22 Estoppel Letters. Borrower covenants to provide Agent,
within ten (10) days after request, an estoppel letter stating (i) the balance
of the Obligations, (ii) whether Borrower has any defenses to payment of the
Obligations, and (iii) the nature of any defenses to payment of the Obligations.
Such balance as presented for confirmation and the non existence of defenses
shall be presumed if Borrower fails to respond to such a request within the
required period.

                  5.23     Environmental Matters.

                           5.23.1 Compliance With Environmental Laws. All
                  Consolidated Entities will (i) employ in connection with their
                  operations, appropriate technology and compliance procedures
                  to maintain compliance with any applicable Environmental Laws,
                  the violation of which would reasonably be expected to have a
                  Material Adverse Effect, (ii) obtain and maintain any and all
                  materials permits or other permits required by applicable
                  Environmental Laws in connection with its operations,
                  excepting only such permits, etc. which could not by their
                  absence cause a Material Adverse Effect, and (iii) dispose of
                  any and all Hazardous Substances only at facilities and with
                  carriers reasonably believed to possess valid permits under
                  any applicable state and local Environmental Laws. All
                  Consolidated Entities shall use their best efforts to obtain
                  all certificates required by law to be obtained by them from
                  all contractors employed by them in connection with the
                  transport or disposal of any Hazardous Substances.

                           5.23.2 Remedial Work. If any investigation, site
                  monitoring, containment, clean-up, removal, restoration or
                  other remedial work of any kind or nature with respect to any
                  Consolidated Entity's Properties is required to be performed
                  by them under any applicable local, state or federal law or
                  regulation, any judicial order, or by any governmental or
                  non-governmental entity or Person because of, or in connection
                  with, the current or future presence, suspected presence,
                  release or suspected release of a Hazardous Substance in or
                  into the air, soil, groundwater, surface water or soil vapor
                  at, on, about, under, or within any of a Consolidated Entity's
                  Property (or any portion thereof), Borrower shall within 30
                  days after written demand for performance thereof (or such
                  shorter period of time as may be required under



                                       51

<PAGE>   59



                  applicable law, regulation, order or agreement), commence and
                  thereafter diligently prosecute to completion, all such
                  remedial work.

                           5.23.3 Indemnification of Lenders and Agent. Borrower
                  agrees to indemnify, defend (with counsel reasonably
                  satisfactory to the indemnified party or parties) and hold
                  harmless Lenders and Agent against any loss, liability claim
                  or expense, including attorneys' fees, that Lender or Agent
                  may incur as a result of the violation or alleged violation of
                  any Environmental Law by a Consolidated Entity or with respect
                  to any other violation of Environmental Laws with respect to
                  any Consolidated Entity's Properties. This covenant shall
                  survive the repayment of the Revolving Credit Loan.

                  5.24 Opinions of Counsel. Borrower agrees that Agent may from
time to time, but not more frequently than once per calendar year absent an
Unmatured Default or an Event of Default, request in writing the opinion of
in-house counsel and/or outside healthcare counsel to the Consolidated Entities
as to the absence, except as disclosed in the opinion, of such counsel's
knowledge of any actual, threatened or asserted violation of any Fraud and Abuse
Law on the part of any Consolidated Entity and/or the Providers, and the
sufficiency of documentation then in use for the acquisition of Practices as
complying with Fraud and Abuse Laws. Absent the existence of an Unmatured
Default or and Event of Default, such opinions shall require no special
diligence on the part of the opining attorney(s), but only requiring a report of
matters then known to such attorneys, unless Agent specifically inquires about
facts that Agent reasonably believes may raise a Fraud and Abuse Law issue. Such
opinions shall be in form and substance acceptable to Agent, shall be delivered
to Agent at Borrower's expense within fifteen (15) days of the date of request
and shall address specifically any facts inquired of in Agent's request.

                  5.25 Additional Collateral Upon Certain Event. If Borrower's
Total Funded Debt to Consolidated EBITDA Ratio (as calculated in Section 7.3
hereof) exceeds 2.75 for any two (2) consecutive fiscal quarters, the
Consolidated Entities and all Subsidiaries of Borrower shall, upon demand by
Agent, execute and deliver to Agent such additional documents as Agent may
require on behalf of Lenders to grant to Lenders, or to Agent for the benefit of
Lenders, as Agent may require, a perfected security interest, subject only to
Permitted Encumbrances, in all of the Consolidated Entities' then owned and
thereafter acquired real property, personal property and fixtures, including,
but not limited to, all such equipment, inventory, accounts, general
intangibles, instruments, documents, chattel paper and fixtures, and all
products and proceeds thereof (all as defined in the UCC), including insurance
proceeds. Additionally, Borrower shall use its best efforts to cause to be
executed and delivered to Borrower opinions of Borrower's outside counsel in
form and substance acceptable to Agent, Lenders and their counsel addressing the
sufficiency of the security documentation as to attachment, perfection and
priority of the security interest granted therein and such other documents as
Agent, Lenders or their counsel may require to evidence the continued compliance
of Borrower with all requirements of this Agreement. All of Agent's usual
diligence items relating to the applicable types of property shall be conducted
at


                                       52

<PAGE>   60



Borrower's expenses, including, but not limited to, environmental surveys,
boundary surveys and other real estate diligence procedures. All expenses of
recordation of lien instruments, title insurance, document preparation and other
transaction costs, including, but not limited to, the reasonable fees and
expenses of Lenders' and Agent's attorneys, shall be paid by Borrower.

                  5.26 Existing Capital Structure of Borrower. Schedule 5.26
hereto includes a description of Borrower's current ownership structure,
including outstanding stock and any warrants, convertible debt or other like
instruments, and a list of all Subordinated Debt now outstanding.


                             VI. NEGATIVE COVENANTS

                  Borrower covenants and agrees that without the advance written
consent of Agent, until the Obligations are repaid in full:

                  6.1 Debts, Guaranties, and Other Obligations. No Consolidated
Entity shall incur, create, assume, or in any manner become or be liable with
respect to any Liability, except the following:

                           6.1.1 Obligations to Lenders. Any Obligations to
                  Lenders under this Agreement.

                           6.1.2 Existing Liabilities. Liabilities, direct or
                  contingent, of Consolidated Entities existing on the date of
                  this Agreement that are reflected in Schedule 6.1.2 hereof.

                           6.1.3 Endorsements. Endorsements of negotiable or
                  similar instruments for collection or deposit in the ordinary
                  course of business.

                           6.1.4 Trade Liabilities. Trade payables and accruals
                  from time to time incurred in the ordinary course of business.

                           6.1.5 Taxes. Taxes, assessments, or other
                  governmental charges that are not delinquent or are being
                  contested in good faith by appropriate action promptly
                  initiated and diligently conducted, if Borrower has made the
                  reserve therefor required by GAAP.

                           6.1.6 Seller Debt. Seller Debt, which must be
                  unsecured.

                           6.1.7 Purchase Money Debt. Purchase Money Debt,
                  including Assumed Debt, not to exceed (i) Six Million and
                  No/100 Dollars ($6,000,000.00) in the aggregate, including all
                  Purchase Money Debt of all



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                  Consolidated Entities, (ii) Three Million and No/100 Dollars
                  ($3,000,000.00) in the aggregate, excluding for this Section
                  (ii) all Purchase Money Debt owed by individual Practices that
                  have total Purchase Money Debt of less than One Hundred
                  Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($100,000.00) per Practice, or
                  (iii) One Million and No/100 Dollars ($1,000,000.00) as to any
                  single Practice, absent the prior written approval of Agent as
                  to this Section (iii).

                           6.1.8 Accounting Accruals. Liabilities arising from
                  reserves and accruals required by GAAP that do not reflect
                  liquidated and mature obligations to third parties, including,
                  but not limited to, current deferred income taxes.

                           6.1.9 Liabilities Among Consolidated Entities.
                  Liabilities incurred to other Consolidated Entities incurred
                  in the ordinary course of business.

                  6.2 Change of Management. Borrower shall not allow or suffer
any change of management effecting a material change in the duties or change in
the personnel presently staffing the positions of Chief Executive Officer,
President or Chief Financial Officer, as set forth in Schedule 6.2 hereto.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, should any of the named managers cease such
active participation in Borrower's management due to their death or disability,
Agent shall allow Borrower a period of sixty (60) days thereafter in which a
management succession plan may be presented to Agent so that Agent may, in its
discretion, elect to accept new management in lieu of prior management, subject
to such revisions of this Agreement as Agent may require. Additionally, Lenders
have been advised that a change is pending regarding the office of Chief
Financial Officer. Borrower shall give Agent written notice of this change when
a proposal is available, and Agent shall allow Borrower a period of sixty (60)
days thereafter so that Agent may, in its discretion, elect to approve the
proposed change in management.

                  6.3 Change of Ownership. Borrower shall not cause or suffer to
exist a change of ownership or suffer the issuance of new stock or other event
that would result in the ownership of more than 25% of the stock of Borrower by
any Person not presently a shareholder thereof, except as may result from the
sale or disposition of the Seafield Position.

                  6.4 Distributions. No Consolidated Entity shall declare or pay
any dividend or other distribution or redeem any of its capital stock except for
dividend payments and other distributions from Subsidiaries to Borrower.

                  6.5 Encumbrances. No Consolidated Entity shall create, incur,
assume, or permit to exist any Encumbrance on any of its Property (now owned or
hereafter acquired) except for Permitted Encumbrances, and shall not undertake a
commitment of any kind in favor of any Person (other than Lenders) (i) requiring
that any or all of such Consolidated Entity's Property be or remain
unencumbered, or (ii) requiring that a Consolidated Entity grant an Encumbrance
(other than a Permitted Encumbrance) in favor of any Person (other than Lenders)
on a Consolidated Entity's Property under any circumstances whatsoever. No


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Consolidated Entity shall sign or file under the Uniform Commercial Code a
financing statement that names such Consolidated Entity as debtor or the
equivalent or sign any security agreement authorizing any secured party
thereunder to file any such financing statement, except to secure Permitted
Encumbrances.

                  6.6  Investments. No Consolidated Entity shall make 
investments (including but not limited to acquisitions or purchases of the
obligations or stock of, or any other or additional interest) in any person,
firm, partnership, joint venture or corporation except: (a) those investments in
existence as of the Closing Date, (b) general obligations of, or obligations
unconditionally guaranteed as to principal and interest by, the United States of
America maturing within fifteen (15) months of the date of purchase, (c)
commercial paper having a rating of not less than "A2" or "P2" from Moody's or S
& P, respectively, (d) Permitted Acquisitions, (f) certificates of deposit and
bankers acceptances issued by a Lender or another banking institution with a
minimum net worth of Five Hundred Million and No/100 Dollars ($500,000,000.00)
and having a letter of credit rating of not less than "A" from Moody's or S & P,
respectively, and (g) such other investments as Agent may approve, in its
discretion.

                  6.7  Sales and Leasebacks. No Consolidated Entity shall enter
into any arrangement, directly or indirectly, with any Person other than another
Consolidated Entity by which such Consolidated Entity shall sell or transfer any
of its Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, and by which a
Consolidated Entity shall then or thereafter rent or lease as lessee such
Property or any part thereof or other Property that it intends to use for
substantially the same purpose or purposes as the Property sold or transferred.

                  6.8  Change of Control. Borrower shall not suffer or permit 
the occurrence of a Change of Control.

                  6.9  Nature of Business. No Consolidated Entity shall suffer 
or permit any material changes to be made in the character of its business as
carried on at the Closing Date, except for the accomplishment of Permitted
Acquisitions.

                  6.10 Further Acquisitions, Mergers, Etc. Except for Permitted
Acquisitions and transactions involving only Consolidated Entities, no
Consolidated Entity shall enter into any agreement to merge, consolidate, or
otherwise reorganize or recapitalize, or sell, assign, lease, or otherwise
dispose of (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or
substantially all of their Property (whether now owned or hereafter acquired).

                  6.11 Advances. No Consolidated Entity shall extend any loans
to any other Persons, except for (i) loans to other Consolidated Entities in the
ordinary course of business and (ii) Provider Loans not to exceed Five Hundred
Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($500,000.00) per Practice and Three Million and
No/100 Dollars ($3,000,000.00) in the aggregate at any one time.



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                  6.12 Disposition of Assets. No Consolidated Entity shall
dispose of any of its assets other than in the ordinary course of their present
business upon terms standard in its industry.

                  6.13 Inconsistent Agreements. No Consolidated Entity shall
enter into any agreement containing any provision which would be violated or
breached by the performance by Borrower of the Obligations.

                  6.14 Fictitious Names. Borrower shall not use any name other
than the name used in executing this Agreement or any assumed or fictitious
name.

                  6.15 Subsidiaries and Affiliates. No Consolidated Entity shall
create or acquire any direct or indirect Subsidiary or Affiliate or divest
itself of any material assets by transferring them to any existing Subsidiary or
Affiliate other than Permitted Subsidiaries; nor shall Borrower enter into any
partnership, joint venture, or similar arrangement, or otherwise make any
material change in its corporate structure, except that Borrower may acquire and
create Permitted Subsidiaries from time to time in the ordinary course of
business.

                  6.16 Place of Business. Borrower shall not transfer its
executive offices, or maintain records with respect to accounts at any locations
other than at the address for notices specified herein and at the locations of
Practices affiliated with Borrower, except as Agent may approve, in its
reasonable discretion.

                  6.17 Adverse Action With Respect to Plans. No Consolidated
Entity shall take any action to terminate any Plan which could reasonably result
in a material liability of a Consolidated Entity to any Person.

                  6.18 Transactions With Affiliates. No Consolidated Entity
shall enter into any transaction with any Affiliate except in the ordinary
course of business and on fair and reasonable terms no less favorable to the
Consolidated Entity than it would obtain in a comparable arms length transaction
with a Person not an Affiliate.

                  6.19 Constituent Document Amendments. No Consolidated Entity
shall amend its corporate charter or bylaws, except as necessary to accomplish
corporate transactions that do not require Lenders' or Agent's specific approval
or transactions for which such approval is necessary and has been granted.

                  6.20 Adverse Transactions. No Consolidated Entity shall enter
into any transaction that materially and adversely affects or, to the best of
its knowledge, is likely to materially and adversely affect the Collateral or
Borrower's ability to repay the Obligations.

                  6.21 Margin Securities. No Consolidated Entity shall own, 
purchase or acquire (or enter into any contract to purchase or acquire) any
"margin security" as defined by


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any regulation of the Federal Reserve Board as now in effect or as the same may
hereafter be in effect.

                  6.22 Accounting Changes. Borrower shall not change its fiscal
year or make any other significant change in consolidated or consolidating
accounting treatment and reporting practices, except as required or permitted by
GAAP or the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any change in fiscal year shall
be subject to Agent's prior written approval.

                  6.23 Action Outside Ordinary Course. No Consolidated Entity
shall take any other action outside the ordinary course of their business.

                            VII. FINANCIAL COVENANTS

                  7.1  Current Ratio. Borrower shall maintain a Consolidated
Current Ratio of not less than 1.75:1.00, tested as of the end of each fiscal
quarter.

                  7.2  Total Funded Debt to Capital. Borrower shall maintain a
ratio of Total Funded Debt divided by Consolidated Capital of no greater than
 .50:1.00, tested as of the end of each fiscal quarter.

                  7.3  Total Funded Debt to Consolidated EBITDA. Borrower shall
maintain a ratio of Total Funded Debt divided by Consolidated EBITDA, measured
as of the end of each fiscal quarter for the previous four consecutive fiscal
quarters, of no greater than 3.00:1.00.

                  7.4  Fixed Charge Coverage. Borrower shall maintain a Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio of at least 1.25:1.00 for the previous four consecutive
fiscal quarters through the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 1997, and of at
least 1.50:1.00 thereafter.

                  7.5  Net Worth. Borrower shall maintain a Consolidated Net
Worth as of the end of each fiscal quarter in an amount at least equal to the
sum of Thirty-Eight Million One Hundred Sixty-Seven Thousand and No/100
($38,167,000.00), (i) plus any Net Proceeds of equity issuances arising after
the Closing Date, and (ii) plus eighty-five percent (85%) of the amount of net
income for the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 1997 and for each fiscal quarter
thereafter, without adjustment for net losses.

                  7.6  Capital Expenditures. Lender approval shall be required
for Borrower to expend Capital Expenditures in excess of 115% of an annual
budget to be approved by Lender. The proposed budget for each year shall be
delivered to Lender no later than sixty (60) days after the end of the previous
fiscal year.

                             VIII. EVENTS OF DEFAULT

                  8.1  Events of Default. Any of the following events shall be
considered an Event of Default under this Agreement:



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<PAGE>   65



                           8.1.1 Payments. Borrower's failure to make payment of
                  any amount of the Obligations within five (5) days after the
                  date due.

                           8.1.2 Representations and Warranties. Any
                  representation or warranty made by Borrower or any other party
                  in any Loan Document having been incorrect in any material
                  respect as of the date thereof.

                           8.1.3 Negative Covenants. The failure of Borrower to
                  comply with any of the requirements of Article VI hereof;
                  provided, however, as to any such event that is both (i) the
                  result of an act by a third party absent the cooperation of
                  any Consolidated Entity, and (ii) reasonably susceptible to
                  being cured, the event shall not constitute an Event of
                  Default unless the event remains uncured for a period of
                  twenty (20) days following the earlier of (i) Borrower's
                  knowledge of the facts giving rise thereto or (ii) Agent's
                  written notice to Borrower given in accordance with the
                  provisions hereof.

                           8.1.4 Financial Covenants. The failure of Borrower to
                  comply with any of the requirements of Article VII hereof,
                  unless, on or before the date that is the earlier of (i)
                  twenty (20) days after the date on which the breach is timely
                  reported to Agent, or (ii) if the financial statements
                  disclosing the breach were submitted to Agent later than
                  required by this Agreement, twenty (20) days after the date on
                  which such financial statements were due, Borrower provides
                  Agent with additional financial statements demonstrating that
                  the breach has been cured, which statements may be as of any
                  other date after the reporting date for which the breach
                  occurred (provided that such interim statements prepared for
                  this purpose must be accompanied by the same certifications as
                  quarterly financial statements and shall not disclose any
                  additional breach of a financial covenant).

                           8.1.5 Reporting Requirements. The failure of Borrower
                  or any other party to timely perform any covenant in the Loan
                  Documents requiring the furnishing of notices, financial
                  reports or other information to Lender within twenty (20) days
                  of when due; and provided, however, that during any period of
                  time that a report is delinquent, Agent may at its option
                  increase the Pricing Values to their highest levels permitted
                  under this Agreement.

                           8.1.6 Other Covenants. The failure of Borrower to
                  observe or perform any covenant contained in any Loan
                  Document, which covenant is not subject to any specific
                  provision in this Article VIII; provided, however, as to any
                  such breach that is reasonably susceptible to being cured, the
                  occurrence of such breach shall not constitute an Event of
                  Default hereunder if such breach is fully cured within twenty
                  (20) days after the earlier of Borrower's knowledge of the
                  facts giving rise thereto or Agent's written notice thereof to
                  Borrower given in accordance with the provisions hereof.



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<PAGE>   66



                           8.1.7  Involuntary Bankruptcy or Receivership
                  Proceedings. The appointment of a receiver, custodian,
                  liquidator, or trustee for any Significant Consolidated
                  Entity, or for any of its Property, by the order or decree of
                  any court or agency or supervisory authority having
                  jurisdiction; or a Significant Consolidated Entity's
                  adjudication as being bankrupt or insolvent; or the
                  sequestering of any of the Property of any Significant
                  Consolidated Entity by court order or the filing of a petition
                  against a Significant Consolidated Entity under any state or
                  federal bankruptcy, reorganization, debt arrangement,
                  insolvency, readjustment of debt, dissolution, liquidation, or
                  receivership law of any jurisdiction, whether now or hereafter
                  in effect, and in each case without the acquiescence of a
                  Significant Consolidated Entity, unless dismissed within sixty
                  (60) days.

                           8.1.8  Voluntary Petitions. Any Significant
                  Consolidated Entity's filing of a petition in voluntary
                  bankruptcy or to seek relief under any provision of any
                  bankruptcy, reorganization, debt arrangement, insolvency,
                  receivership, readjustment of debt, dissolution, or
                  liquidation law of any jurisdiction, whether now or hereafter
                  in effect, or its acquiescence in the filing of any petition
                  against it under any such law.

                           8.1.9  Discontinuance of Business. Any Significant
                  Consolidated Entity's discontinuance of its usual business or
                  its dissolution, except pursuant to transactions permitted
                  under this Agreement.

                           8.1.10 Default on Other Liabilities. Any Significant
                  Consolidated Entity's failure to make any payment when due on
                  any Liabilities in excess of One Hundred Thousand and No/100
                  Dollars ($100,000.00).

                           8.1.11 Undischarged Judgments. The existence of a
                  final judgment or judgments for the payment of money in excess
                  of One Hundred Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($100,000.00) by
                  any court or other Governmental Authority against a
                  Significant Consolidated Entity, which is not paid,
                  discharged, stayed, dismissed through appropriate appellate
                  proceedings or bonded within thirty (30) days after entry.

                           8.1.12 Insolvency. Any Significant Consolidated
                  Entity's no longer being Solvent.

                           8.1.13 Attachment. The issuance of an attachment or
                  other process against any Property of any Significant
                  Consolidated Entity, unless removed (by bond or otherwise)
                  within twenty (20) days.

                           8.1.14 Insurance. Any Consolidated Entity's failure
                  to maintain any insurance required herein or in any other Loan
                  Document.


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                           8.1.15 Contest. Any Consolidated Entity's challenge
                  or contest of the validity or enforceability of this Agreement
                  or any other Loan Document or the validity, priority or
                  perfection of any security interest created hereunder or under
                  any other Loan Document in any action, suit or proceeding.

                           8.1.16 Fraud and Abuse Laws. Receipt by one or more
                  Consolidated Entities of a notice from a Governmental
                  Authority that it (i) intends to disallow requested
                  reimbursements, demand adjustment or repayment of past
                  reimbursements in excess of one-half of one percent (1/2%) of
                  the gross revenues of Borrower for the previous four (4)
                  fiscal quarters in the aggregate respecting amounts submitted
                  for reimbursement or collected by Borrower or a Provider, or
                  (ii) intends to impose civil money penalties or to seek to
                  exclude Borrower or a Provider from participation in the
                  Medicare or Medicaid programs due to a failure to comply with
                  Fraud and Abuse Laws, if the gross revenues to Borrower
                  arising from Borrower or Provider exceed one-half of one
                  percent (1/2%) of the gross revenues of Borrower for the
                  previous four (4) fiscal quarters in the aggregate.

                  8.2 Remedies. Upon the happening of any Event of Default:

                           8.2.1  Default Rate. Agent may declare the
                  Obligations to thereafter bear interest at the Default Rate.

                           8.2.2  Termination of Commitments. As provided in
                  Article III hereof, Lenders shall not be obligated to advance
                  any additional Loans, and additionally, Agent may terminate
                  the obligation of Lenders to advance any additional Loans by
                  written notice to Borrower, which formal termination shall
                  remain in effect notwithstanding any subsequent cure of the
                  Event of Default and whether or not the Revolving Credit Loan
                  is accelerated.

                           8.2.3  Acceleration. Agent may declare the entire
                  principal amount of all Obligations then outstanding,
                  including interest accrued thereon, to be immediately due and
                  payable without presentment, demand, protest, notice of
                  protest, or dishonor or other notice of default of any kind,
                  all of which are hereby expressly waived.

                           8.2.4  Setoff. Any Lender may exercise its lien upon
                  and right of setoff against any monies, items, credits,
                  deposits or instruments that such Lender may have in its
                  possession and which belong to Borrower or to any other person
                  or entity liable for the payment of any or all of the
                  Obligations.

                           8.2.5  Other Remedies. Lenders and Agent may exercise
                  any right that they may have under any other document
                  evidencing or securing the Obligations or otherwise available
                  to Lenders or Agent at law or equity.



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                           8.2.6 Attorney-in-Fact. Borrower hereby irrevocably
                  appoints Agent as Borrower's attorney-in-fact to take any
                  action to facilitate Agent's exercise of remedies hereunder.

                                    IX. AGENT

                  9.1 Appointment of Agent. Lenders hereby appoint Agent to act
as specified in this Article IX. Agent's duties hereunder are administrative and
ministerial in nature, and Agent's capacity is that of an independent contractor
for Lenders. Agent is not a trustee or other fiduciary for Lenders, and Agent
has no duties whatsoever to Lenders except as expressly set forth in this
Agreement.

                  9.2 Powers of Agent.

                           9.2.1 Administration of Revolving Credit Loan. Except
                  as otherwise provided in this Section 9.2, Agent shall have
                  the exclusive power and authority to (i) give all consents and
                  approvals, issue waivers and amendments, enforce the Loan
                  Documents (including, but not limited to, the power to enforce
                  the Loan Documents in any relevant case under the Bankruptcy
                  Code) and otherwise take all actions permitted of Agent under
                  this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) give all
                  consents and approvals, issue waivers and amendments, enforce
                  the Loan Documents (including, but not limited to, the power
                  to enforce the Loan Documents in any relevant case under the
                  Bankruptcy Code) and otherwise take all actions permitted of
                  Lenders under this Agreement or any other Loan Document,
                  excepting only those matters that the Loan Documents
                  specifically reserve for the respective Lenders severally
                  (such as the computation of LIBOR charges unique to the
                  circumstances of a given Lender), (iii) receive all payments,
                  notices and other deliveries and communications to be given
                  Lenders or Agent under this Agreement or any other Loan
                  Document, and (iv) to perform such actions as are incidental
                  to any of the foregoing.

                           9.2.2 Matters Reserved to Required Lenders. Absent
                  the prior approval of the Required Lenders, Agent shall not
                  waive or amend any financial covenant set forth in Article VII
                  hereof or approve any acquisition for which approval is
                  necessary under the definition of Permitted Acquisitions set
                  forth in Article I hereof.

                           9.2.3 Matters Reserved to all Lenders. Absent the
                  prior approval of all Lenders, Agent shall not forgive any
                  principal included in the Obligations; waive or amend any
                  interest rate applicable to the Obligations; waive or amend
                  the Maturity Date; waive or amend the amount of any Lender's
                  Commitment; release or subordinate any security interest
                  securing the Obligations (other than releases thereof in
                  connection with transactions for which the approval of Lenders
                  and/or Agent is not required, such as the release of pledged
                  stock of a



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<PAGE>   69



                  Subsidiary in connection with the merger of that Subsidiary
                  into another Subsidiary); waive an Event of Default arising
                  from non-payment of any principal or interest due on the
                  Obligations; accelerate the maturity of the Obligations; or
                  amend the definitions of Pro Rata Share or Required Lenders.

                  9.3      Duties of Agent.

                           9.3.1 Specific Duties of Agent; Standard of Care.
                  Agent shall (i) remit to each Lender, with reasonable
                  promptness, the appropriate Pro Rata Share of payments
                  received or other amounts collected on account of the
                  Obligations, (ii) forward to Lenders, with reasonable
                  promptness, counterparts or copies of Borrowing Notices,
                  financial reports and other information that may be delivered
                  to Agent by Borrower pursuant to the requirements of the Loan
                  Documents, (iii) notify Lenders of any Unmatured Default or
                  Event of Default known to Agent, in accordance with Section
                  9.7 below, and (iv) otherwise administer the Revolving Credit
                  Loan through the exercise of such of the powers granted herein
                  as Agent deems appropriate from time to time. Agent shall have
                  no liability to Lenders for any action or inaction relating to
                  this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, except for actual
                  losses caused by its gross negligence or reckless or willful
                  misconduct.

                           9.3.2 Limitations on Agent's Duties. Agent shall not
                  be obligated to take any action hereunder or under any other
                  Loan Document (i) if such action would, in the opinion of
                  Agent, be contrary to applicable law, this Agreement or the
                  other Loan Documents, (ii) if it shall not first be
                  specifically indemnified to its satisfaction against any and
                  all liability and expense that may be incurred by it by reason
                  of taking or continuing to take any such action, (iii) if it
                  would likely subject Agent to a tax in any jurisdiction where
                  it is not then subject to a tax, (iv) if it would likely
                  require Agent to qualify to do business in any jurisdiction
                  where it is not then so qualified, unless Agent receives
                  security or indemnity satisfactory to it against any tax or
                  other liability in connection with such qualification or
                  resulting from the taking of such action in connection
                  therewith, or (v) if it would likely subject Agent to in
                  personam jurisdiction in any location where it is not then so
                  subject.

                           9.3.3 Agent's Right to Require Instructions in
                  Performance of Duties. If Agent, in its sole and absolute
                  discretion, requests instructions from the Required Lenders
                  with respect to any act or action (including the failure to
                  act) in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan
                  Document for which the approval of the Required Lenders or all
                  Lenders is not otherwise required, Agent shall be entitled, at
                  its option, to refrain from such action, or to continue such
                  inaction, unless and until Agent shall have received such
                  instructions, and Agent shall incur no liability by reason of
                  so acting or refraining from action. No Lender shall have any
                  right of action whatsoever against Agent as a result of



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                  Agent's acting or refraining from acting hereunder or under
                  any other Loan Document in accordance with the instructions of
                  the Required Lenders in such a case.

                           9.3.4 Agent's Reliance on Others in Performance of
                  Duties. Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully
                  protected in relying, upon any note, writing, resolution,
                  notice, statement, consent, certificate, telex, teletype or
                  facsimile message, order or other documentary,
                  teletransmission or telephone message believed by it in good
                  faith to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent
                  or made by the proper Person. Agent may consult with legal
                  counsel (including counsel for Borrower), accountants and
                  other experts selected by it with respect to all matters
                  pertaining to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and
                  its duties hereunder and thereunder and shall not be liable
                  for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good
                  faith in accordance with the advice of such counsel (including
                  counsel for Borrower), accountants or experts.

                           9.3.5 Sharing of Information. Except as otherwise
                  expressly provided in this Article IX, Agent shall have no
                  duty or responsibility, either initially or on a continuing
                  basis, to provide any Lender with any credit or other
                  information concerning the business, prospects, operations,
                  properties, financial or other condition or creditworthiness
                  of the Consolidated Entities or any other Person that may come
                  into its possession, whether before the making of the initial
                  Loans or at any time or times thereafter. All notices to be
                  given to Borrower by a Lender hereunder shall be concurrently
                  given to Agent and all other Lenders.

                  9.4 Indemnification of Agent. To the extent Agent is not
reimbursed by or on behalf of Borrower, and without limiting the obligation of
Borrower to do so, Lenders will reimburse and indemnify Agent, from and against
any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions,
judgments, suits, costs, expenses (including attorneys' fees and expenses) or
disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever that may at any time (including
at any time following the indefeasible repayment in full of the Loans) be
imposed on, incurred by or asserted against Agent in any way relating to or
arising out of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions
contemplated thereby or any action taken or omitted by Agent under or in
connection with any of the foregoing, and in particular will reimburse Agent for
out-of-pocket expenses promptly upon demand by Agent therefor; provided,
however, that no Lender shall be liable for any portion of such liabilities,
obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs,
expenses or disbursements finally determined by a court of competent
jurisdiction and not subject to any appeal or pursuant to arbitration to have
resulted from Agent's gross negligence or reckless or willful misconduct. Agent
may offset any amounts due Agent by any Lender against obligations of Agent to
that Lender.

                  9.5 No Representations by Agent. Each Lender acknowledges
that neither Agent nor any of its officers, directors, employees, attorneys,
accountants or agents has made



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any representation or warranty to it regarding the Consolidated Entities, the
Revolving Credit Loan, the Collateral or otherwise relating to this Agreement.
Agent shall not be responsible to any Lender for any recitals, statements,
information, representations or warranties herein or in any other Loan Document
or in any document, instrument, certificate or other writing delivered in
connection herewith or therewith or for the execution, effectiveness,
genuineness, validity, enforceability, perfection, priority or sufficiency of
this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the financial condition of the
Consolidated Entities or any other Person, or be required to make any inquiry
concerning either the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions
or conditions of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or the financial
condition of the Consolidated Entities or any other Person or the existence or
possible existence of any Unmatured Default or Event of Default.

                  9.6 Independent Investigations by Lenders. Each Lender
acknowledges that, independently and without reliance upon Agent or any other
Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed and may deem
appropriate, (i) it has made its own appraisal of and investigation into the
business, prospects, operations, properties, financial and other condition and
creditworthiness of the Consolidated Entities in connection with its decision to
enter into this Agreement and extend credit to Borrower hereunder, and (ii) it
will continue to make its own credit analysis, appraisals and decisions in
taking or not taking action hereunder.

                  9.7 Notice of Default. Agent shall not be deemed to have
knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Unmatured Default or Event of
Default, other than any Unmatured Default or Event of Default arising out of the
failure to pay any principal, interest, fees or other amounts payable to Agent
for the account of Lenders, unless Agent has received written notice from
Borrower or a Lender describing such Unmatured Default or Event of Default and
stating that such notice is a "notice of default." In the event that Agent
receives such a notice, Agent shall give notice thereof to Lenders as soon as
reasonably practicable; provided, however, that if any such notice has also been
furnished to Lenders, Agent shall have no obligation to notify Lenders with
respect thereto. Each Lender shall promptly give Agent such a notice upon its
actual knowledge of an Unmatured Default or an Event of Default; provided,
however, that the failure of any Lender to deliver such notice in the absence of
gross negligence or reckless or willful misconduct shall not affect its rights
hereunder or under the other Loan Documents.

                  9.8 Funding of Loans Pursuant to Borrowing Notices. Promptly
following receipt of notice from Agent that a Borrowing Notice has been
submitted, and provided that all conditions to funding are believed to have been
satisfied, each Lender shall transfer to a designated account with Agent that
Lender's Pro Rata Share of the requested funding. The transfer of funds shall
occur within the time required for funding under this Agreement; provided,
however, no Lender shall be obligated to fund a LIBOR Loan earlier than two (2)
Business Days after its receipt of notice of the borrowing from Agent. Should
any Lender fail to timely fund its Pro Rata Share of a requested Loan, Agent
may, but shall be under no obligation whatsoever to, advance to Borrower the
defaulted Lender's Pro Rata Share of the



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<PAGE>   72



requested Loan. If such an advance is made, it shall be deemed an advance by
Agent for the account of the defaulting Lender and shall bear interest at the
rate applicable to the Loan funded by the advance, payable on demand.

                  9.9  Agent in its Individual Capacity. With respect to its
Commitments, and the Loans made by it, Agent shall have the same rights and
powers under the Loan Documents as any other Lender or holder of a Note and may
exercise the same as though it were not performing the duties specified herein;
and the terms "Lenders," "Required Lenders," and any similar terms shall, unless
the context clearly otherwise indicates, include Agent in its individual
capacity as a Lender. Agent may accept deposits from, lend money to and
generally engage in any kind of banking, trust, financial advisory or other
business with the Consolidated Entities or any of their respective Affiliates as
if it were not performing the servicing duties specified herein, and may accept
fees and other consideration from Borrower for services in connection with this
Agreement and otherwise without having to disclose or account for the same to
Lenders.

                  9.10 Holders. Agent may deem and treat the payee of any Note
as the holder thereof and Lender hereunder for all purposes hereof unless and
until a written notice of the assignment, transfer or endorsement thereof
purportedly executed by the payee, as the case may be, shall have been filed
with Agent. Any request, authority or consent of any Person that, at the time of
making such request or giving such authority or consent, is the holder of any
Note according to Agent's information, shall be conclusive and binding on any
subsequent holder, transferee, assignee or endorsee, as the case may be, of such
Note or of any Note or Notes issued in exchange therefor.

                  9.11 Successor Agent. Agent may resign at any time upon sixty
(60) days' prior written notice to Borrower and Lenders. Agent may be removed
upon Agent's insolvency, liquidation or the appointment of a receiver for Agent,
by action of the Required Lenders, at any time upon sixty (60) days' prior
written notice to Borrower and Agent. Such resignation or removal, as the case
may be, shall take effect upon the appointment of a successor Agent as provided
herein. The Required Lenders will appoint from among Lenders a successor Agent.
If no successor Agent shall have been appointed within such sixty (60) day
period, Agent may appoint, after consulting with Lenders and Borrower, a
successor agent from among Lenders, who shall serve as Agent until such time, if
any, as the Required Lenders shall have appointed a successor Agent as provided
hereinabove. Upon the written acceptance of any appointment as Agent hereunder
by a successor Agent, such successor Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become
vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Agent,
and the retiring Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations
hereunder and under the other Loan Documents. After any retiring Agent's
resignation as Agent, the provisions of this Article shall inure to its benefit
as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was Agent.

                  9.12 Sharing of Payments, etc. Each Lender agrees that if it
shall, through the exercise of a right of banker's lien, set-off, counterclaim
or otherwise, obtain payment with



                                       65

<PAGE>   73



respect to the Obligations which results in its receiving more than its Pro Rata
Share of the aggregate payments with respect to all of the Obligations, then (a)
such Lender shall be deemed to have simultaneously purchased from the other
Lenders a share in the Obligations so that the amount of the Obligations held by
each of Lenders shall continue to equal their respective Pro Rata Shares, and
(b) such other adjustments shall be made from time to time as shall be equitable
to insure that Lenders share such payments ratably. No Lender shall exercise its
banker's lien, set-off or other right to accomplish such payment absent Agent's
prior consent.

                  9.13 Separate Liens on Collateral. Each Lender agrees with the
other Lenders that, with the exception of security interests in deposit accounts
and like property in the possession of a Lender as expressly provided for in
this Agreement, it will not take or permit to exist any Encumbrance in its favor
on any of the Collateral or other property of any of the Consolidated Entities
other than Encumbrances securing the Obligations due to all Lenders pursuant to
the Loan Documents.

                  9.14 Payments Between Agent and Lenders. All payments by Agent
to any Lender, and all payments by any Lender to Agent, under the terms of this
Agreement shall be made by wire transfer in immediately available funds to the
receiving party's address specified for notices in this Agreement. If any of
Lenders fail to pay when due any sum payable to Agent, then, except as otherwise
provided in Section 9.8 hereof, such sum shall bear interest until paid at the
interest rate per annum for overnight borrowing by the payee from the Federal
Reserve Bank for the period commencing on the date such payment was due and
ending on, but excluding, the date such payment is made.

                  9.15 Assignments and Participations. Absent the approval of
the other Lenders, no Lender shall assign its interest in the Revolving Credit
Loan without first offering to sell such Lender's interest to the other Lenders
to be closed Pro Rata to the Lender(s) who may elect to purchase such interest.
Such offers to sell shall be made in writing, shall provide the other Lenders
ten (10) days to accept or reject, and shall allow an additional ten (10) days
to close. Lenders may sell participation interests in their interests in the
Revolving Credit Loan as long as the terms of such participations establish that
no participant will be regarded as a Lender under this Agreement.

                  9.16 Bankruptcy Provisions. Should any of the Consolidated
Entities become a party to a case under the Bankruptcy Code, each Lender shall
be entitled to file its own claim, to the extent such a filing may be necessary.
Agent shall review each claim before being filed by a Lender to assure that the
claim is filed on a basis consistent with Agent's records and Agent's legal
positions taken pursuant to this Agreement. Should any of the Consolidated
Entities become a party to a reorganization proceeding under the Bankruptcy
Code, each Lender shall be recognized as the holder of a separate claim for the
purpose of the approval or rejection of a Plan under 11 U.S.C. ss. 1126, may
freely vote such claim, and the provisions of that Section shall control the
other provisions of this Agreement that otherwise require the consent of the
Required Lenders or all Lenders in certain circumstances. Agent



                                       66

<PAGE>   74



shall continue to administer the Revolving Credit Loan on behalf of Lenders, as
they may be amended by any adopted Plan of Reorganization.

                  9.17 Foreclosure of Collateral. In the event of a foreclosure
of any Collateral, Agent may issue a credit bid for the account of all Lenders,
up to the amount of the then outstanding Obligations. Any Property acquired at
such a foreclosure (or acquired by Agent through a conveyance in lieu of
foreclosure) shall be held and administered by Agent for the benefit of all
Lenders pursuant to the terms of this Article IX.

                  9.18 Procedures for Notices and Approvals. All notices given
among Lenders and Agent with respect to this Agreement or the other Loan
Documents shall be given in the manner provided in this Agreement. Additionally,
should Agent request Lenders' approval of any matter, each Lender shall respond
in writing within five (5) Business Days after the Business Day on which the
request was received. If a Lender fails to so respond, it shall be deemed to
have approved the action proposed by Agent.

                  9.19 Amendments to Article IX. No provision of this Article IX
may be amended or waived absent the prior written consent of all Lenders and
Agent. Borrower's approval shall not be required for the amendment or waiver of
any provision of this Article IX; provided, however, Borrower's written consent
shall be required for any amendment of this Article IX that would eliminate the
position of Agent.

                              X. GENERAL PROVISIONS

                  10.1 Notices. All communications relating to this Agreement or
any of the other Loan Documents shall be in writing and shall effective when be
delivered by mail, overnight courier, special courier, telecopier or otherwise
to the following addresses:

                           if to Borrower:

                           Response Oncology, Inc.
                           Attn: Mary E. Clements
                           1775 Moriah Woods Blvd.
                           Memphis, Tennessee 38117
                           Telecopier: (901) 683-7277



                           With a Copy To:

                           Baker, Donelson, Bearman & Caldwell
                           Attn: John A. Good, Esq.
                           165 Madison Ave.
                           20th Floor



                                       67

<PAGE>   75



                           Memphis, Tennessee 38103
                           Telecopier: (901) 577-2303

                           If to NationsBank or Agent:

                           NationsBank of Tennessee, N.A.
                           Attn: David H. Dupuy
                           1 NationsBank Plaza
                           Nashville, Tennessee  37239
                           Telecopier: (615) 749-4951

                           With a Copy To:

                           Boult, Cummings, Conners & Berry, PLC
                           Attn:  John E. Murdock III, Esq.
                           414 Union Street, Suite 1600
                           Nashville, Tennessee  37219
                           Telecopier: (615) 252-2380

                           If to Union Planters:

                           Union Planters National Bank
                           Attn: Leonard McKinnon
                           6200 Poplar Avenue
                           Memphis, Tennessee 38119
                           Telecopier: (901) 580-5451

                           If to AmSouth:

                           AmSouth Bank of Tennessee
                           Attn: Cathy M. Wind
                           333 Union Street Suite 200
                           Nashville, Tennessee 37201
                           Telecopier: (615) 291-5257


                  Any party may change its address for receipt of notice by
written direction to the other parties hereto.

                  10.2 Renewal, Extension, or Rearrangement. All provisions of
this Agreement relating to Obligations shall apply with equal force and effect
to each and all promissory notes executed hereafter which in whole or in part
represent a renewal, extension for any period, increase, or rearrangement of any
part of the Obligations originally represented by any part of such other
Obligations.



                                       68

<PAGE>   76



                  10.3 Application of Payments. Amounts received with respect to
the Obligations shall be applied (i) first, to any expenses due Lenders or
Agent, (ii) second, to accrued and unpaid interest under any of the Obligations,
(iii) third, to reduce the unpaid principal portion of the Obligations (other
than those arising from Hedge Agreements) in such manner as determined by Agent,
and (iv) fourth, to any Obligations arising under Hedge Agreements (apportioned
pro rata among them if more than one).

                  10.4 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in
counterparts with all signatures or by counterpart signature pages, and it shall
not be necessary that the signatures of all parties be contained on any one
counterpart. Each counterpart shall be deemed an original, but all of them
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

                  10.5 Negotiated Document. This Agreement and the other Loan
Documents have been negotiated by the parties with full benefit of counsel and
should not be construed against any party as author.

                  10.6 Consent to Jurisdiction; Exclusive Venue. Borrower hereby
irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for
the Middle District of Tennessee and of all Tennessee state courts sitting in
Davidson County, Tennessee, for the purpose of any litigation to which Lenders
or Agent may be a party and which concerns this Agreement or the Obligations. It
is further agreed that venue for any such action shall lie exclusively with
courts sitting in Davidson County, Tennessee, unless Lenders and Agent agree to
the contrary in writing. This election applies only for the limited judicial
proceedings that may apply as set forth in the provision of this Agreement
electing binding arbitration for the resolution of disputes and does not impair
the effect of that provision in any way.

                  10.7 Not Partners; No Third Party Beneficiaries. The
relationship of Lenders and Borrower is that of lenders and borrower only, and
neither is a fiduciary, partner or joint venturer of the other for any purpose.
This Agreement has been executed for the sole benefit of Lenders, and no third
party is authorized to rely upon Lenders' rights or duties hereunder.

                  10.8 No Reliance on Lenders' Analysis. Borrower acknowledges
and represents that, in connection with the Obligations, Borrower has not relied
upon any financial projection, budget, assessment or other analysis by Lenders
or Agent upon any representation by Lenders as to the risks, benefits or
prospects of Borrower's business activities or present or future capital needs
incidental thereto, all such considerations having been examined fully and
independently by Borrower.

                  10.9 No Marshaling of Assets. Lenders and Agent may proceed
against collateral securing the Obligations and against parties liable therefor
in such order as they may elect, and neither Borrower nor any surety or
guarantor for Borrower nor any creditor of Borrower shall be entitled to require
Lenders or Agent to marshal assets. The benefit of any rule of law or equity to
the contrary is hereby expressly waived.



                                       69

<PAGE>   77



                  10.10 Impairment of Collateral. Lenders or Agent may, in their
sole discretion, release any Collateral securing the Obligations or release any
party liable therefor. The defenses of impairment of collateral and impairment
of recourse and any requirement of diligence in collecting the Obligations are
hereby waived.

                  10.11 Business Days. If any payment date under the Obligations
falls on a day that is not a Business Day, or if the last day of any notice
period falls on such a day, the payment shall be due and the notice period shall
end on the next following Business Day.

                  10.12 Participations. Lenders may, from time to time, in their
sole discretion, and with concurrent notice to Borrower, sell participations in
any credit subject hereto to such other investors or financial institutions as
it may elect. Lenders and Agent may from time to time disclose to any
participant or prospective participant such information as they may have
regarding the financial condition, operations, and prospects of Borrower.

                  10.13 Standard of Care; Limitation of Damages. Lenders and
Agent shall be liable to Borrower only for matters arising from this Agreement
or otherwise related to the Obligations resulting from such Lender's or Agent's
gross negligence or reckless or willful misconduct, and liability for all other
matters is hereby waived. Lenders and Agent shall not in any event be liable to
Borrower for special or consequential damages arising from this Agreement or
otherwise related to the Obligations.

                  10.14 Incorporation of Schedules. All Schedules and Exhibits
referred to in this Agreement are incorporated herein by this reference.

                  10.15 Indulgence Not Waiver. Lenders' or Agent's indulgence in
the existence of a default hereunder or any other departure from the terms of
this Agreement shall not prejudice Lenders' or Agent's rights to declare a
default or otherwise demand strict compliance with this Agreement.

                  10.16 Cumulative Remedies. The remedies provided Lenders and
Agent in this Agreement are not exclusive of any other remedies that may be
available to Lenders and Agent under any other document or at law or equity.

                  10.17 Amendment and Waiver in Writing. No provision of this
Agreement can be amended or waived, except by a statement in writing signed by
the party or parties against whom enforcement of the amendment or waiver is
sought. Waivers and amendments may be executed by Agent on behalf of Lenders,
subject to the requirements of Article IX hereof requiring the consent of some
or all of Lenders under certain circumstances.

                  10.18 Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the respective successors and assigns of Borrower and
Lenders, except that Borrower shall not assign any rights or delegate any
obligations arising hereunder without the



                                       70

<PAGE>   78



prior written consent of Lenders. Any attempted assignment or delegation by
Borrower without the required prior consent shall be void.

                  10.19 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the other written
agreements among Borrower, Lenders and Agent represent the entire agreement
between the parties concerning the subject matter hereof, and all oral
discussions and prior agreements are merged herein. Provided, if there is a
conflict between this Agreement and any other document executed
contemporaneously herewith with respect to the Obligations, the provision in
this Agreement shall control.

                  10.20 Severability. Should any provision of this Agreement be
declared invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions
hereof shall remain in full effect.

                  10.21 Time of Essence. Time is of the essence of this
Agreement, and all dates and time periods specified herein shall be strictly
observed.

                  10.22 Applicable Law. The validity, construction and
enforcement of this Agreement and all other documents executed with respect to
the Obligations shall be determined according to the laws of Tennessee
applicable to contracts executed and performed entirely within that state.

                  10.23 Captions Not Controlling. Captions and headings have
been included in this Agreement for the convenience of the parties, and shall
not be construed as affecting the content of the respective Sections.

                  10.24 Arbitration. Any controversy or claim between or among
the parties hereto including but not limited to those arising out of or relating
to this instrument, agreement or document or any related instruments, agreements
or documents, including any claim based on or arising from an alleged tort,
shall be determined by binding arbitration in accordance with the Federal
Arbitration Act (or if not applicable, the applicable state law), the Rules of
Practice and Procedure for the Arbitration of Commercial Disputes of
J.A.M.S./Endispute or any successor thereof ("J.A.M.S."), and the "Special
Rules" set forth below. In the event of any inconsistency, the Special Rules
shall control. Judgment upon any arbitration award may be entered in any court
having jurisdiction. Any party to this Agreement may bring an action, including
a summary or expedited proceeding, to compel arbitration of any controversy or
claim to which this Agreement applies in any court having jurisdiction over such
action.

                           10.24.1 Special Rules. The arbitration shall be
                  conducted in Nashville, Tennessee and administered by J.A.M.S
                  who will appoint an arbitrator; if J.A.M.S. is unable or
                  legally precluded from administering the arbitration, then the
                  American Arbitration Association will serve. All arbitration
                  hearings will be commenced within 90 days of the demand for
                  arbitration; further, the



                                       71

<PAGE>   79



                  arbitrator shall only, upon a showing of cause, be permitted
                  to extend the commencement of such hearing for up to an
                  additional 60 days.

                           10.24.2 Reservation of Rights. Nothing in this
                  arbitration provision shall be deemed to (i) limit the
                  applicability of any otherwise applicable statutes of
                  limitation or repose and any waivers contained in this
                  arbitration provision; or (ii) be a waiver by any Lender of
                  the protection afforded to it by 12 U.S.C. Sec. 91 or any
                  substantially equivalent state law; or (iii) limit the right
                  of any Lender (a) to exercise self help remedies such as (but
                  not limited to) setoff, or (b) to foreclose against any real
                  or personal property collateral, or (c) to obtain from a court
                  provisional or ancillary remedies such as (but not limited to)
                  injunctive relief, writ of possession or the appointment of a
                  receiver. Lenders and Agent may exercise such self help
                  rights, foreclose upon such property, or obtain such
                  provisional or ancillary remedies before, during or after the
                  pendency of any arbitration proceeding brought pursuant to
                  this instrument, agreement or document. Neither this exercise
                  of self help remedies nor the institution or maintenance of an
                  action for foreclosure or provisional or ancillary remedies
                  shall constitute a waiver of the right of any party, including
                  the claimant in such action, to arbitrate the merits of the
                  controversy or claim occasioning resort to such remedies.

                  10.25 Facsimile Signatures. This Agreement may be executed by
facsimile signatures, and shall be effective when Agent has received telecopy
transmissions of the signature pages executed by all parties hereto; provided,
however, that all parties shall deliver original executed documents to Agent
promptly following the execution hereof.

                  Executed as of the date first written above.

                                RESPONSE ONCOLOGY, INC., Borrower

                                By:
                                   ------------------------------------------
                                Title:
                                      ---------------------------------------
                                NATIONSBANK OF TENNESSEE, N.A., as
                                Agent

                                By:
                                   ------------------------------------------
                                Title:
                                      ---------------------------------------

                                NATIONSBANK OF TENNESSEE, N.A., as a
                                Lender, Issuing Bank and Swingline Lender




<PAGE>   80



                                 By:
                                    ---------------------------------------
                                 Title:
                                       ------------------------------------

                                 UNION PLANTERS NATIONAL BANK,
                                 as a Lender


                                 By:
                                    ---------------------------------------
                                 Title:
                                       ------------------------------------
                                 AMSOUTH BANK OF TENNESSEE,
                                 as a Lender


                                 By:
                                    ---------------------------------------
                                 Title:
                                       ------------------------------------




<PAGE>   81






                                                                EXHIBIT 2.5.1(B)
                           BORROWING/CONVERSION NOTICE

TO:               NationsBank of Tennessee, N.A., Agent

LENDERS:          NationsBank of Tennessee, N.A.           Date:         , 199
                  Union Planters National Bank                  ---------     -
                  AmSouth Bank of Tennessee

BORROWER:         Response Oncology, Inc.

                  This notice is delivered under the First Amended and Restated
Loan Agreement (as renewed, extended and amended, the "Loan Agreement") dated as
of April 21, 1997, between Borrower and Lenders. Terms defined in the Loan
Agreement have the same meanings when used -- unless otherwise defined -- in
this request.

                  Borrower requests a Loan under the Loan Agreement as follows:

The requested draw is from the Revolving Credit Loan.

Borrowing Date(1)                                                        , 199 
                                                               ----------     -
Amount of Borrowing                                                           
                                                               ----------------
Type of Borrowing(2)                                                           
                                                               ----------------
For LIBOR Loans, the Interest Period(3)                                  months
                                                               ----------


Select one:
                           The proceeds of the requested Loan shall be disbursed
                  ----     to Borrower as provided in the Loan Agreement. The
                           purpose of the requested Loan is (select one for this
                           Loan):

                                 New advance for a Permitted Acquisition
                           -----
                                 New advance for capital expenditures other than
                           ----- Permitted Acquisitions

                                 New advance for IMPACT Center or ancillary
                           ----- service development

                                 New advance for working capital
                           -----

                           The proceeds of the requested LIBOR Loan shall be
                  ----     applied to the payment of Borrower's existing Prime
                           Rate Loan, this new Loan being a conversion of a
                           Prime Rate Loan to a LIBOR Loan
                                                                               
- ---------------------------

     (1)Same Banking Day for Prime Rate Loans, second following Banking Day for
        LIBOR Loans 
     (2)LIBOR or Prime Rate Loan.
     (3)1, 2, 3, 6 or 12 months.
 


<PAGE>   82



                           The proceeds of the requested LIBOR Loan shall be
                  ----     applied to the payment of the following LIBOR Loan,
                           subject to all requirements of the Loan Agreement,
                           this new Loan being a conversion of a LIBOR Loan to a
                           different LIBOR Loan:

                                      Date:
                                           -----------------------------
                                      Amount:
                                             ---------------------------
                                      Interest Period:
                                                      ------------------

                           The proceeds of the requested Prime Rate Loan shall
                  ----     be applied to the payment of the following LIBOR
                           Loan, subject to all requirements of the Loan
                           Agreement, this new Loan being a conversion of a
                           LIBOR Loan to a Prime Rate Loan:

                                      Date:
                                           -----------------------------
                                      Amount:
                                             ---------------------------
                                      Interest Period:
                                                      ------------------

                                      Date:
                                           -----------------------------
                                      Amount:
                                             ---------------------------
                                      Interest Period:
                                                      ------------------

                  If this draw request relates to an acquisition, attached
hereto as Exhibit A are calculations of financial covenants as they will exist
both before and after the closing of the acquisition. These calculations
demonstrate continued compliance with all financial covenants before and after
the acquisition.

                  Borrower certifies that on the date hereof and on the date of
the above Borrowing Date -- after giving effect to the requested Loan -- (a) all
of the representations and warranties in the Loan Documents will be true and
correct in all material respects -- unless they speak to a specific date or the
facts on which they are based have been changed by transactions contemplated or
permitted by the Loan Agreement, (b) no Event of Default or Unmatured Default
will exist, and (c) all conditions to Borrower's right to receive the requested
Loan under the Loan Agreement have been satisfied.

                        RESPONSE ONCOLOGY, INC., Borrower


                                            By:
                                               --------------------------------
                                            (Name)
                                                  -----------------------------
                                            (Title)
                                                   ----------------------------



<PAGE>   83



                                                                     EXHIBIT 1.2

                             ACQUISITION CERTIFICATE
                     SUBMITTED BY RESPONSE ONCOLOGY, INC. TO
                    NATIONSBANK OF TENNESSEE, N.A., AS AGENT


                  This Acquisition Certificate ("Certificate") is delivered
under the First Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (as renewed, extended and
amended, the "Loan Agreement") dated as of April 21, 1997, among RESPONSE
ONCOLOGY, INC. ("Borrower"), a Tennessee corporation; AMSOUTH BANK OF TENNESSEE,
a Tennessee banking corporation, NATIONSBANK OF TENNESSEE, N.A., a national
banking association, and UNION PLANTERS NATIONAL BANK, a national banking
association (collectively "Lenders"); and NATIONSBANK OF TENNESSEE, N.A., in its
capacity as Agent for Lenders ("Agent"). Capitalized terms defined in the Loan
Agreement have the same meanings when used in this Certificate.

                  This Certificate is submitted with respect to (CHECK ONE):

                  A. _____ An acquisition (i) for which Agent's approval is not
required under the Loan Agreement as a Permitted Acquisition and (ii) that will
not result in Borrower's inclusion of any additional Acquisition EBITDA.
Therefore, this submission is for Lender's information only. THIS CERTIFICATE IS
SUBMITTED AT LEAST FIVE (5) BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE ANTICIPATED CLOSING OF
THE ACQUISITION.

                  B.______ An acquisition (i) for which Agent's approval is not
required under the Loan Agreement as a Permitted Acquisition and (ii) that
Borrower intends to result in Borrower's inclusion of additional Acquisition
EBITDA. Therefore, this submission constitutes Borrower's request that the
target's financial statements submitted herewith be approved as sufficient under
the definition of Acquisition EBITDA under the Loan Agreement.
THIS CERTIFICATE IS SUBMITTED AT LEAST FIVE (5) BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE
ANTICIPATED CLOSING OF THE ACQUISITION.

                  C._______ An acquisition (i) for which Agent's approval is
required under the Loan Agreement as a Permitted Acquisition and (ii) that
Borrower intends to result in Borrower's inclusion of additional Acquisition
EBITDA. Therefore, this submission constitutes Borrower's request that the
proposed acquisition be approved as a Permitted Acquisition and that the
target's financial statements submitted herewith be approved as sufficient under
the definition of Acquisition EBITDA under the Loan Agreement. THIS CERTIFICATE
IS SUBMITTED PRIOR TO BORROWER'S ENTERING INTO A BINDING OBLIGATION TO CLOSE THE
ACQUISITION. AGENT SHALL RESPOND WITHIN FIVE (5) BUSINESS DAYS BUT MAY REQUIRE
LONGER BEFORE FINAL APPROVAL OR DENIAL IF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NEEDED.





<PAGE>   84



                  Borrower certifies and submits the following:

                  The acquisition ____ does ___ does not involve the acquisition
of, or the creation of, a corporate entity or other entity that will be a
Consolidated Entity and which is therefore required to be pledged to Lender.

                  No Unmatured Default or Event of Default now exists, and none
will be caused by the consummation of the proposed acquisition. Without limiting
the foregoing, no financial covenant under the Loan Agreement will be breached
by the consummation of the proposed transaction. Pro forma financial statements
showing the effect of this acquisition on all financial covenants are attached
to this Certificate.

                  Following is a brief description of the acquisition target by
location, size, number of physicians, type of practice and other key elements:

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                  IF SELECTION B ABOVE APPLIES:

                  Accompanying this Certificate are the financial statements of
the acquisition target that Borrower requests be approved as the basis for
inclusion of Acquisition EBITDA arising from the proposed acquisition.

                  IF SELECTION C ABOVE APPLIES:

                  Accompanying this Certificate are the financial statements of
the acquisition target and such other information as Borrower believes necessary
to enable Lenders to assess the proposed transaction. Borrower shall submit such
additional information in this regard as Agent may request.

                  This is not a draw request; all draw requests shall be
submitted separately.

                           Dated the     day of      , 199 .
                                     ---        -----     -

                             RESPONSE ONCOLOGY, INC.


                             By:
                                -------------------------------------

                             Title:
                                   ----------------------------------

<PAGE>   85




                                    APPROVAL


                  Agent hereby confirms its approval of the following matters:

                  ____ If A above applies, Agent acknowledges receipt of this
Certificate and confirms that the acquisition may proceed.

                  ____ The inclusion of Acquisition EBITDA arising from the
acquisition described above is approved.

                  ____ The transaction described above is approved as a
Permitted Acquisition.
                         

                           Dated the    day of       , 199  .
                                     --        ------     --

                                               NATIONSBANK OF TENNESSEE, N.A.,
                                               as Agent

                                               By:
                                                  -----------------------------
                                               Title:
                                                     --------------------------





<PAGE>   1


                                                                      EXHIBIT 11

STATEMENT RE:  COMPUTATION OF FULLY DILUTED PER SHARE EARNINGS
(Dollar amounts in thousands except per share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       Years Ended December 31,
                                                   --------------------------------
                                                     1997        1996         1995
                                                   --------    -------     --------
<S>                                                <C>         <C>         <C>
Net earnings per common share
Weighted average shares outstanding                 11,506      7,942         7,007
Net effect of dilutive stock options and
  warrants based on the treasury stock method          156        304           164
                                                   -------     ------       -------
Weighted average shares and common stock
  equivalents                                       11,662      8,246         7,171
                                                   -------     ------        ------
Net earnings                                       $ 4,202     $  910        $2,314
Common stock dividend to preferred
  shareholders (1)                                      (3)        (3)           (3)
                                                   -------     ------        ------
Net earning to common shareholders                 $ 4,199     $  907        $2,311
                                                   =======     ======        ======
Diluted per share amount (2)                       $  0.36     $ 0.11        $ 0.32
                                                   =======     ======        ======
</TABLE>


(1)   In December 1997, 1996, and 1995, the Board of Directors approved a
      Common Stock dividend of 306 shares to the stockholders of record of
      Series A Convertible Preferred Stock as of December 15, 1997, 1996, and
      1995 that was paid January 1998, 1997, and 1996 respectively. The market
      value of the Common Stock distributed as of each period was approximately
      $3,000.

(2)   The assumed conversion of the preferred stock would have an immaterial
      effect (less than 1/10 of $.01) in all periods, and therefore that 
      calculation has been omitted.

(3)   All share and per share amounts have been restated to reflect a 
      one-for-five reverse split effected November 2, 1995.





<PAGE>   1


                                                                      EXHIBIT 21

LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


COMPANY                                                         STATE OF INCORPORATION
- -------                                                         ----------------------
<S>                                                             <C>
IMPACT Center of Albany, LLC                                          Tennessee
IMPACT Center of Bayonne, LLC                                         New Jersey
IMPACT Center of Billings, LLC                                        Tennessee
IMPACT Center of Fort Smith, LLC                                      Tennessee
IMPACT Center of Glendale, LLC                                        Tennessee
IMPACT Center of Mobile, LLC                                          Tennessee
IMPACT Center of Mt. Diablo, LLC                                      Tennessee
IMPACT Center of Northridge, LLC                                      Tennessee
IMPACT Center of St. Johns, LLC                                       Tennessee
IMPACT Center of Tri-City Medical Center, LLC                         Tennessee
IMPACT Center of Washington, D.C., LLC                                Tennessee
Response Acquisition Company, Inc.                                    Tennessee
Response Oncology of Fort Lauderdale, Inc.                             Florida
Response Oncology of Miami Beach, Inc.                                 Florida
Response Oncology of St. Petersburg, Inc.                              Florida
Response Oncology of Tamarac, Inc.                                     Florida
Response Oncology of Treasure Coast, Inc.                              Florida
Response Oncology of West Fort Lauderdale, Inc.                        Florida
Response Oncology Management of South Florida, Inc.                    Florida
South Florida Response Oncology, Inc.                                  Florida

</TABLE>






<PAGE>   1


                                                                      EXHIBIT 23


ACCOUNTANT'S CONSENT

The Board of Directors
Response Oncology, Inc.

We consent to incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (No.
33-45616) on Form S-8, the Registration Statement (No. 33-21333) on Form S-8 and
the Registration Statement (No. 333-14371) on Form S-8 of Response Oncology,
Inc. of our report dated February 26, 1998, relating to the consolidated balance
sheets of Response Oncology, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and
1996, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders'
equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1997, which report appears in the December 31, 1997 annual report
on Form 10-K of Response Oncology, Inc.


                                                    KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Memphis, Tennessee
February 26, 1998






<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FORM
10-K FOR THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                              JAN-1-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                           2,425
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   20,040
<ALLOWANCES>                                     3,130
<INVENTORY>                                      2,772
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                41,149
<PP&E>                                          13,282
<DEPRECIATION>                                   9,727
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 151,693
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           22,703
<BONDS>                                         44,025
                                0
                                         27
<COMMON>                                           120
<OTHER-SE>                                      66,201
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   151,693
<SALES>                                        101,920
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               101,920
<CGS>                                           49,132
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   89,897
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 1,529
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               3,125
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  6,778
<INCOME-TAX>                                     2,576
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              4,202
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     4,199
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     $.36
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     $.36
        

</TABLE>


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