Cancer Center Plan Expansion
Clinical Cancer Center Articles
Coordinated Care Begins With One CallWhen the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Clinical Cancer Center opens in May, new patients will be able to begin their treatment journey with a single phone call (phone number effective March 31). Although it sounds like a simple idea, giving patients an easy way to access highly coordinated cancer care is a revolutionary concept in the world of medicine.
Sue Derus, executive director of cancer services for Froedtert & Community Health, explained that many hospitals do not give cancer patients a clear “entry point” into the care system. However, patients seeking care at the new Clinical Cancer Center will be able to get started with just one phone call. The local number is 414-805-0505. The toll-free line for statewide callers is 866-680-0505. Both lines will be answered by a trained access person who will connect callers immediately with the right program for their particular type of cancer.
“When you call the Clinical Cancer Center and identify your cancer,” Derus said, “you will be transferred immediately to the new patient coordinator for that program.” Working closely with the nurse coordinator, the new patient coordinator gathers all medical records, sets up appointments with doctors and organizes support services.
The nurse coordinator makes sure everything that needs to take place happens in the right order, in a timely way, in accordance with the most up-to-date care guidelines and standards. Most importantly, he or she serves as the single point of contact for all questions and concerns. “And it all happens with the patient making just one phone call,” Derus said.
Currently, five of the 13 disease-specific cancer programs at Froedtert & The Medical College offer streamlined access through a nurse coordinator. According to Derus, nurse coordinators will be in place for every program in time for the opening of the Clinical Cancer Center on May 19.
Last Review Date: March 28, 2008 Online Editor(s): Richard Petre |