Sponsored: OSUCCC – James
A new center at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) gives patients direct, expedited access to diagnostic testing for cancer.
The goal, says OSUCCC – James Chief Medical Officer David Cohn, MD, MBA, is to reduce barriers to safe and timely cancer diagnoses, allowing patients to begin treatment as quickly as possible, no matter the circumstances. This has become even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in communities where access to health care is already limited.
“We’ve established this center to provide a point of contact where individuals who are suspected of having cancer can come to The James to be diagnosed and then connected with the appropriate oncologist,” says Cohn. “This center will help us direct patients to the right experts at the right time — minimizing delays and eliminating the burden on patients who are already concerned.”
The James Cancer Diagnostic Center offers a platform for expert evaluation and access to the appropriate diagnostic testing so that a cancer diagnosis can be made in a timely and precise manner, in a low-risk environment. Center visits can be virtual or in-person based on the patient’s preference.
“Navigating a cancer diagnosis and treatment can be stressful enough during ‘normal’ times; adding the uncertainty and fear of the COVID-19 pandemic threatens to make it truly overwhelming,” Cohn says. “We want the community to know we are here to help, and patients should feel safe turning to us for testing and cancer care. That starts with being connected to the right experts and the right tests to get answers to guide treatment.”
The Cancer Diagnostic Center is staffed by a team of oncology-trained advanced practice professionals and nurses and is overseen by physicians with oncology experience and expertise. The center is available for both self- or physician-referral. Center staff first identify and prioritize patient needs and concerns, and then coordinate appropriate testing and evaluation on behalf of the patient at facilities within The James and the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.
“When someone requires diagnostic testing, that doesn’t mean they have cancer, but it does mean that they need further evaluation. The reason that they’re coming to The James is not only the testing but also the consultation they’ll receive from our experts because there is no routine cancer,” Cohn says.
“For those who aren’t diagnosed with cancer, we can connect them with appropriate experts from across the Wexner Medical Center to address any issues that are affecting their health,” he adds. “For example, for someone with an abnormal lung X-ray who turned out not to have lung cancer but to have another lung disease instead, we can connect them with a pulmonologist who has expertise in that condition.”
To connect with The James Cancer Diagnostic Center or schedule another appointment, call The James Line at 614-293-5066.
