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About Our Practice (under construction, not
quite finalized)
As you receive your care at Hematology Oncology, P.C., you will get to know the
various members of our staff, each with skills and a specific job to help meet
your needs. Our patients always come first. Please, never hesitate to ask a
question or let us know if there
is anything we can do to better meet your needs or to make anything easier for
you.
Our Physicians
Each of our physicians has extensive training, experience, and advanced
certifications in Hematology (blood), Oncology (cancer) and Internal Medicine.
In addition, they hold certifications as Fellows in the American Academy of
Physicians (F.A.C.P.), and Diplomats in American Board of Internal Medicine (D.A.B.I.M.)
Clinical appointments at hospitals and universities allow them to serve as
mentors to students and future generations of doctors. In addition, each participates in on-going continuing education, seminars, and national
conferences.
One of our physicians is always available to you. Never hesitate to call if you
have questions or concerns.
| Our Practice Administrator:
Lee Ricards |
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| Our Director of Nursing:
Deanna Xistris, (A.P.R.N., A.O.C.N.) |
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Our Nurse Practitioners The health care team includes Nurse Practitioners (Master’s prepared)
who work in close collaboration with our doctors and assume a wide range of roles.
They use their advanced education to keep patients comfortable and healthy by
specializing in symptom management. They also assess acute and chronic problems that occur during chemotherapy, provide
patient education, and make referrals to support services. |
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Our Nurses Deanna, (A.P.R.N., A.O.C.N.), is the Director of Nursing for Hematology Oncology,
P.C. The nursing team consists of Oncology Nurses with advanced training and
certification in chemotherapy administration and oncology nursing. In addition
to administering your therapy, they are knowledgeable about support services and
ways
to minimize potential side effects of therapy. Each is dedicated to doing their
best to individualize your treatment sessions and make them as easy as possible.
As you get to know each other, please share any concerns you might have so that
we can best meet your needs. |
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Our Laboratory
Brian (BSMT, ASCP) is the supervisor of our on-site fully accredited
laboratory, staffed by skilled licensed medical technologists.
With your scheduled visit, you will first be called to the lab for blood
tests ordered by your physician. This may be a simple finger stick for a
blood count, or a phlebotomy (blood taken from your arm) for a more
comprehensive testing. |
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the decisions about your treatment are based on your lab results. You may be
asked to wait until the tests have been reviewed before you receive chemotherapy
or leave the office. Some test results are not immediately available. The
results of tests can be obtained from your doctor or nurse at your next visit or
you may call the office. There is a section in The Patient Companion for you to
keep a record of your test results, if you choose to do so. |
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Our Clinical Research
Hematology Oncology, P.C. has had an active clinical trial (research)
department for over 20 years. Trials have been conducted in cooperation with
pharmaceutical companies, the National Cancer Institute, ECOG (Eastern
Cooperative Oncology Group), SWOG (Southwest Oncology Group), Yale New Haven
Hospital, Columbia Presbyterian, Westchester Medical Center, NSABP (National
Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project), and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer
Center. |
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Our office maintains dedicated trained research staff to
conduct and promote high quality clinical research. Our commitment and
hope is to provide potentially promising therapies to patients through
research. Located within The Patient Companion is a specific section
that provides you with information regarding the clinical trial
(research) process.
Your physician will discuss clinical trials with you if one is appropriate for
you. |
| Sherri |
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Our Genetic Program Vicki (MS) is the genetic counselor and
coordinator of the Cancer Genetic Risk Program. The goal of this program is to
provide individuals with a clear and clinically relevant explanation about
genetic risk factors, in an atmosphere of support and education. Individuals
will meet with both the genetic counselor and a medical oncologist to discuss
the individual’s personal and/or family history of cancer. Together the genetic
counselor and medical oncologist will assess the individual’s risks and discuss
relevant genetic testing if appropriate. |
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Genetic counseling is typically
recommended for families where several members have developed cancer,
individuals have been diagnosed with cancer at an early age, or where a family
member has been diagnosed with more than once cancer. Hereditary cancers include
breast, ovarian, uterine, colon, prostate, melanoma, and certain types of
endocrine cancers.
Overall, the cancer genetics program
emphasizes early detection and identifies individuals whose family history puts
them at greater risk for cancer.
To book an appointment or for more
information please contact Vicki on: (203) 276-7693
New developments: The cancer genetics program is now
developing the first high risk colorectal cancer registry in Connecticut. This
registry aims to collect data from individuals with a high risk of developing
colorectal cancer and other related cancers, which will be used to provide the
relevant screening, education, genetic counseling and appropriate genetic
testing for individuals.
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Our Front Desk and Medical Records
Dana, Donna, Bonnie and Paige are often your first contact with our office.
During office hours they personally answer all phone calls and will help with
whatever needs and concerns you have, either directly or by forwarding your
message to the appropriate doctor, nurse or office staff. In addition, all
appointments and requests for medical record information are coordinated at the
front desk. |
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All medical records are confidential. Hematology Oncology, P.C. follows strict
patient privacy standards set by HIPAA. If you need copies of your medical
record or clinical reports, you must first sign an “Authorization for Release of
Information” form which is available at the front desk.
If you request a copy of your full chart, it is best to allow 1-2 days advance
notice. |
Our Business Office/Insurance
Matt, Mindy, Ron and Annamarie
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As insurance becomes more complicated, our staff continues to be available to
you to
help with questions and concerns about your treatments and your insurance
coverage.
It is very important that you keep them advised of any changes in your
insurance, since
this may seriously affect the coverage for specific treatment.
The e/Tablet you complete for each visit asks if you have any changes to your
telephone
number, address or insurance. An indication of “yes” sends an email to the
business
office to notify them of this change. Please stop in to give them the new
information,
either before or after your visit.
Be sure to bring your insurance card with you
to your
visits. If you have a copay, you will also make this in the business office.
The
direct
phone number for billing questions is (203) 327-6050.
Booking Tests with Donna and Susan
For your convenience, any special tests (x-ray, scans) that your
doctor orders can usually be scheduled through our office at the time of
your visit or will be called up if necessary. |
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| Transcriptionists: Elsie,
Chris and Gayle |
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