7 minute read
Services for You: Specialty Pharmacy Care Management, Insurance & Financial Services, Palliative Care
We strive to provide you with the latest diagnostic services, so our list of available pathology and laboratory testing is constantly evolving to include the latest cutting-edge advancements. All pathology services are accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), an internationally renowned program that recognizes laboratories that go well beyond regulatory compliance in achieving the highest standards of excellence to positively impact patient care and safety. Genetic Testing & Counseling
Knowing risk factors for hereditary cancers early can be lifesaving, allowing for preventive measures that can preempt or prevent disease. We continue to expand our robust in-house testing capabilities, so that we can provide our patients with fast and accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, which leads to more positive outcomes.
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Supported by the latest technology, our specially trained genetics specialist is able to identify those who are at high-risk, refer them for consultation and genetic testing, discuss results in depth and, as needed, ensure they get timely preventive services to reduce future risk. For genetic counseling inquiries, email:
GeneticCounselor@FLCancer.com
Our state-of-the-art FCS Laboratory is equipped to provide next generation sequencing (NGS) clinical testing on solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. NGS testing allows pathologists to detect mutations in hundreds of different genes simultaneously, thus giving a more unique understanding of each patient’s individual diagnosis. This information can then be used to personalize therapy, increasing cure rates, and extending lives. Diagnostic Imaging
An important aspect of cancer diagnosis and treatment, diagnostic imaging provides a visual display of organs or tissues. We provide Computed Tomography (CT) scans, which use x-rays to create cross-sectional images of the body, and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans, which utilize nuclear medicine imaging. Physicians use these scans to accurately diagnose and identify the stage of cancer, determine optimum treatment, and assess patient responses to treatment.
We are dedicated to ensuring that our patients have access to the most advanced technologies that are available. In addition to the American College of Radiology accreditation, our scanners have the latest technologies to modify and track radiation doses per scan to ensure maximum patient safety.
For your convenience, we offer diagnostic tests at multiple FCS locations.
Services For You
For Oral Chemotherapy
Our in-house specialty oral oncology pharmacy Rx To Go, specializes in delivering oral chemotherapy and other specialty medications to our patients throughout Florida. Approximately 35% of all cancer drugs are available in pill form, including the newer targeted therapies.
Although oral medications offer more convenience for patients, it is critical that these drugs be filled and delivered on a timely schedule and that patients are closely monitored to ensure compliance in taking their medications. FCS In-House Pharmacy Advantages
There are several advantages for patients:
• FCS Oncology Pharmacists have real-time access to patient records and your physicians, so they can provide faster, superior service and guidance to assist you in understanding your medications
• Oral cancer drugs are in stock and available to fill your prescription immediately • Medications can be delivered to patients’ homes throughout Florida and in many other states • FCS Pharmacy Specialists are trained to aid with insurance qualifications and co-pays, making it easier to navigate paperwork and meet insurance requirements.
So, no matter where you live, if you are an FCS patient and you have been prescribed an oral cancer medication, you can sign up for Rx To Go and experience excellent support from our nationally-accredited in-house pharmacy.
For more information about our oral oncolytic pharmacy, visit our FCS website at FLCancer.com. Care Management
Care Management utilizes a team approach to help those patients who have qualified for a value-based care program, navigate through all phases of treatment. Patients are assigned a Care Manager, an oncology nurse who will assist you in managing your physical, psychosocial and emotional needs. An individualized care plan will be created in collaboration with your providers and care team, and then your RN care manager will review the plan with you.
Your Care Manager will work with you and your physician to manage any symptoms you may experience and to ensure your comfort and quality of life. Your Care Manager is also available for emotional support and to act as a point of contact for you. Following treatment, a tailored plan of care will be developed to help you resume your busy life as much as possible.
For more information about Care Management at FCS, visit FLCancer.com/CareManagement. Behavioral Health Services
Mental health is just as important as physical wellbeing. The uncertainties and disruptions in our lives caused by illness can trigger psychological or emotional distress. Our FCS Behavioral Health team is available to support you if you are experiencing stress, anxiety, insomnia or any other emotional difficulties. We are able to offer a one-time supportive phone call free of charge or ongoing therapy services virtually to assist you at any time throughout your treatment. Therapy services are provided by the experienced and compassionate licensed professionals on our FCS Behavioral Health team, who can also suggest a variety of resources, including integrative therapies and mindfulness techniques, to help cope with stress and anxiety.
Call (855) 327-6112 Monday thru Friday to be connected to a therapist. An operator will inform the Behavioral Health team of your request, and you will receive a call from a therapist by 7 p.m. that day. Nutrition Counseling
Balanced nutrition is a very important part of cancer treatment. Nutrition counseling is offered in nearly all FCS clinics, and virtual classes are conducted via Zoom meeting bimonthly.
For more information, visit our FCS website at: FLCancer.com/CareManagement. Palliative Care
Patients living with cancer or other serious illness and their caregivers face many choices and challenges.
Our FCS palliative care specialists understand cancer treatment and can provide recommendations to help manage pain and other symptoms and assist with decisions about other patient needs. Working in cooperation with your FCS physician and other members of your care team, they assist in making decisions based on the unique needs and goals of each patient and family.
Talk with your FCS physician or care team if you are interested in Palliative Care services.
Insurance & Financial Counseling
FCS is committed to being a supportive resource for our patients. All FCS offices have a dedicated Financial Counselor who will be your point of contact for any insurance related questions while you are in the office. You will meet with a Financial Counselor during one of your initial visits and at any time that you may have questions about your account or insurance coverage. A Financial Counselor will review your insurance benefits, financial obligations and assist you with any questions you may have regarding your account at any time during your visits.
Our business office team in Fort Myers, Florida will verify your insurance coverage, obtain authorizations, file your insurance claims and work directly with your insurance company. Contact our business office at (877) 327-2228 should any issues arise related to your insurance or visit FLCancer.com/Contact and click on “Billing Inquiries.”
If you are concerned about your ability to make a payment or have questions about your out-ofpocket expenses, our Financial Counselors can discuss payment options or patient assistance programs. They can also provide information regarding various foundations and funding that might be available. You may also contact our FCS Patient Financial Assistance Department at (877) 327-2228 to review any potential funding options for your care. Financial Policies
For your convenience, we will verify your insurance eligibility and benefits at the time of services or in advance of your appointment. Your insurance carrier will inform us of your financial responsibility for the care provided by FCS. In accordance with your insurance guidelines, we collect any co-payment, deductible or coinsurance amounts at the time of service.
If your insurance plan provides for direct reimbursement to our office, we are happy to file insurance claims on your behalf. We will make our best efforts to ensure that we have appropriately estimated your out of pocket responsibility for the first time, however your insurance Explanation of Benefits (EOB) will be the final determination of your out of pocket responsibility. Limited Nurse Visits
During your visits to FCS, you may meet with a nurse who will evaluate your condition on behalf of the physician in order to provide you with the best care. Please be aware that your insurance plan may initiate a financial responsibility when this charge is billed. It will be your responsibility to pay for any charges applied by your insurance company. Diagnostic Testing
As part of your care at FCS your physician may order additional diagnostic testing that will assist in monitoring your health. Please be aware that your insurance plan may initiate a financial responsibility when charges are billed for diagnostic testing, whether through a non-FCS diagnostic partner or FCS’ diagnostic services. Any information about the type of tests your physician is ordering can be discussed with your physician. Waivers
During your visit with your physician, you may make a choice to undergo a treatment that may not be covered by your insurance. If this situation occurs, a Financial Counselor will discuss this with you in advance of your treatment to review your options. In accordance with insurance guidelines, you will be asked to sign a waiver, so FCS has written confirmation of your decision. A waiver is not required for all treatment choices and your Financial Counselor will go over this in detail if your situation requires a waiver.