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OCHSNER CANCER INSTITUTE
When a cancer patient is seen for the first time at Ochsner, and every time thereafter, a dedicated team provides all aspects of the patient’s care.
Multidisciplinary cancer care is an integral part of the Ochsner Cancer Institute. A dedicated Oncology Nurse Navigator works with patients and referring providers to facilitate scheduling appointments and obtaining necessary clearances and records. Additionally, when a cancer patient is seen for the first time at Ochsner, and every time thereafter, a dedicated team provides all aspects of the patient’s care – whether the patient
is undergoing an operation to remove a tumor, receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or making the adjustment to life as a cancer survivor. An important part of this approach is what we call the meeting of the minds –
a regularly scheduled conference during which the multidisciplinary team meets to discuss the optimal treatment strategy for newly diagnosed cancer patients. Typically at these conferences, one of the cancer physicians presents the history leading up to the cancer diagnosis. The team reviews the patient’s radiologic studies and the pathology from the biopsies and then discusses optimal treatment options, often based on current National Comprehensive Cancer Network treatment guidelines and the best evidence-based medicine.
In 2012, the Ochsner Cancer Institute launched the Cancer Survivorship Clinic with the goal of evaluating all patients who have received treatment with curative intent.
In addition to welcoming patients who are currently being treated at Ochsner, the Cancer Survivorship Clinic staff also welcomes patients who have completed treatment and those whose cancer was treated outside the Ochsner system.
The Clinic is dedicated to establishing a continuum of care beyond the patient’s initial diagnosis and treatment that focuses on assessing each patient’s long-term medical risks. The patient’s comprehensive initial visit involves the preparation of a treatment summary plan that includes guidelines for future health management with the goal of improving quality of life. In addition, patients are offered counseling on psychological, social and financial issues related to their diagnosis. Subsequent visits are scheduled on an annual and as-needed basis.
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OCHSNEROUTCOMES