There are times when you just need some basic information about your health care team and standard Center procedures. This is the place for that information. Here you will find details regarding:
In addition to our physicians, the Center is staffed by experienced, Oncology Certified registered nurses. Our nurses specialize in cancer care and have the specific expertise to support and guide you through your experience with cancer.
The Center is open for office hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Center is closed on weekends and major holidays. When you call the Center you will first speak with a receptionist who will direct your call to the appropriate department based on your needs. Our nurses will respond to patient or family phone calls. Your nurse can manage most of your questions including side effects, treatment questions, and new symptoms. She will consult with your physician, discuss your condition and instruct you as to your doctor's recommendations.
If you need to reach a physician outside of regular office hours, please call our medical exchange at 314-608-7434. Your call will immediately be directed to the physician in our group who is on call. PLEASE NOTE if ever you feel that you are in an emergency situation, go IMMEDIATELY to the nearest hospital emergency room.
If a test (laboratory, x-ray, scan, etc.) has been ordered for you, results will usually be available within 24 hours of the test being performed. Often, results are available within a few hours. Your doctor or nurse will let you know when to expect test results. You may call the Center during regular office hours to speak with your nurse or doctor about test results. Please inform us ahead of time if you will allow a family member to request results for you.
Chemotherapy:
Registered pharmacists and certified pharmacy technicians mix all I.V. chemotherapy and supportive care medications. The pharmacy team is specialized in cancer treatment and supports the physicians and nurses by providing clinical drug information as well as ensuring safe and accurate medication use. We benefit from the access to knowledge and experience of a network of oncology pharmacists across the U.S.
Retail Pharmacy:
The same pharmacy that mixes your chemotherapy treatments can also fill your prescriptions that are written by your cancer doctor. Having your prescriptions filled after your office visit or during your treatment can save a trip on the way home. Many patients appreciate this convenience. We can also identify potential problems before you leave the office, resolve them immediately after consultation with your nurse or doctor, and eliminate delays in therapy. We stock difficult to find medications specific to cancer treatment including injectables for home use, oral chemotherapy, and pain medications. We accept most major prescription cards and submit all claims on-line.
There are many questions and issues with medications. Please do not hesitate to call anytime you have a question or concern about your medicine. Pharmacy hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and we can be phoned directly at 314-523-5500.
Prescription Refills:
It is helpful for you to keep a current, written list of your medications. Most medication refills can be approved over the phone. The information needed for a medication refill is on the prescription bottle label: pharmacy phone number, prescription number, medication name and directions. You can either call your nurse with the request or call your pharmacy and they will call the office for refill authorization.
A few notes about medications:
Some narcotic pain medications require written prescriptions for refill and cannot be phoned to the pharmacy.
Some medications require insurance pre-authorization before they can be filled. Your nurse can help with this, but it may take some extra time to complete.
A good time to get written refills is during a visit with your doctor.
To avoid running out of a medicine, call for a refill a few days before your last dose.
If you are coming to the Center for your first visit with us it is important to bring any medical records, test results or films relating to your condition, a current list of your medications, and your insurance cards. We encourage you to bring someone with you to share in listening to your discussion with and recommendations from your doctor. It may also be helpful to bring a list of questions or concerns you have to discuss with your doctor.
As you return for follow-up visits, a list of medications and questions you have are always helpful. We will also need to know any time there are changes in your insurance or contact information.
In order for us to receive records from your primary care or other physician, you will need to sign a release allowing those records to be sent to us. If we need to send your records to another physician, we will need a similar signed release, which includes the receiving doctor's name and contact information. Please allow one week's notice for processing and mailing of your records.
The physicians at the Center for Cancer Care and Research are considered specialists, not primary care physicians. If your insurance is an HMO, a referral from your primary care physician is necessary. A good rule of thumb is if you were required to choose a primary care physician when you signed up for your insurance, you probably need a referral.
Insurance issues can be complex and confusing. Please contact our referral and billing specialists if you have questions regarding your insurance and our services.
