In cancer care, early detection helps save lives, with delays in diagnosis and treatment which can potentially lead to significant negative impacts on patient outcomes.
With the objective to accelerate cancer detection and care for the Riverbend region, the OSF Moeller Cancer Center is launching a new Rapid Diagnostic Clinic (RDC), a specialized service specifically designed to save lives by helping patients get clear answers sooner - with personalized care.
“Even without a confirmed diagnosis, patients with a concern for cancer can be evaluated quickly, tested and referred to a specialist using our new Rapid Diagnosis Clinic,” says Angela Halliday, MBA, MSN, RN, OCN, director of oncology services, OSF Moeller Cancer Center in Alton (2200 Central Avenue). “The Rapid Diagnosis Clinic removes barriers to ensure timely management and follow-up of any abnormal results, coordinating care as needed and managing referrals.”
As one of only a small number of similar programs in the United States, patients can self-refer to the RDC or receive referrals from a primary care provider (PCP) or an emergency room visit. The RDC’s cancer care coordinator reviews incidental findings on scans completed at OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center. “If there’s potential concern for a malignancy (i.e. cancer), the coordinator follows the patient to ensure the PCP is aware of the results and will follow to see if recommended follow-up is ordered,” says Halliday. “This acts as a triple check to ensure or even lessen the chances of an incidental finding not be addressed.”
An “incidental finding” is an unexpected finding like a tumor, mass or nodule discovered on a scan or test which recommends timely follow-up. This process will also help with workups for patients with vague symptoms of cancer. Vague symptoms of cancer can include:
- Recurrent night sweats/fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme fatigue
- Persistent cough or hoarseness that does not resolve
- New lumps
- New persistent pain
- Changes in bowel/bladder
The Rapid Diagnosis Clinic’s care team at OSF Moeller Cancer Center includes double board-certified hematology and medical oncologist Manpreet K. Sandhu, MD, Brandy Bumgardner, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, and Dana Matesa, RN.
Dr. Sandhu has been developing personalized oncology care plans for patients with OSF Moeller Cancer Center for close to 13 years.
Ms. Bumgardner, serving in an advanced practitioner nurse role, has been an oncology services Mission Partner at OSF Moeller Cancer Center for the past six-plus years and possesses a total of more than 10 years of nursing experience.
Ms. Matesa brings more than eight (8) total years of oncology services nursing experience – with the last five-plus at OSF Moeller Cancer Center – to her role as cancer care coordinator.
“If you have test results or symptoms that could suggest cancer, our team works fast to review your information, explain what’s happening and guide you to the next steps in your care,” says Halliday.
In the short amount of time that the Rapid Diagnosis Clinic at OSF Moeller Cancer Center has been operational, patient referrals have come from Riverbend region hospital emergency departments in Alton and Jerseyville, and primary care and specialty care provider offices in Madison and Jersey counties.
“The OSF Moeller Cancer Center’s Rapid Diagnosis Clinic is going to make a tremendous impact on the lives of patients living with a cancer diagnosis,” says Lisa Schepers, DNP, MBA, RN, NE-BC, interim president of OSF Saint Anthony's Health Center. “Wondering, ‘What if?’ while waiting for a diagnosis is an anxiety-inducing situation for any patient or caregiver, and our new rapid diagnosis clinic helps shorten that wait time dramatically. This is a major step forward in how OSF Saint Anthony’s delivers care, setting a new standard for our community.”
Primary care providers (PCP) and patients can call (618) 433-7607 to connect with the Rapid Diagnosis Clinic at OSF Moeller Cancer Center.
More information on the oncology services offered through the OSF Moeller Cancer Center can be obtained by visiting www.osfsaintanthonys.org.