Cancer Rehabilitation Program

2014– Volume 7 Patient Newsletter

www.hoacny.com The Mission of Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY is to provide the highest level of quality care in a healing environment for the mind, body and spirit of patients dealing with cancer and blood disorders.

Cancer Rehabilitation Program

In this issue: NEW! Our Cancer Rehabilitation Program! 



2013 Spirit Award



CancerConnects



HOA Patient Portal

For the Mind, Body & Spirit - Services for our patients 



Clinical Research

We’re not miles away ... Just miles ahead! 

Integrative Medicine and Wellness Programs 

HOA is the only QOPI Certified cancer practice in Central New York! 

Medicare and the Payer Circuit 

Connecting Recovery to Survivorship Read more on Page 5

Quote for the Quarters

――If you don't know where you're going, any road'll take you there‖ ― George Harrison

PAGE 2

HE MA T O LO G Y - O NC O LO G Y A S S O C I A T E S O F C E NT R A L NE W Y O R K

2013 Spirit Award—Maria Grice! Maria Grice, HOA’s Chief of Radiation, Imaging and Cancer Rehabilitation Services was the recipient of the 2013 Spirit Award. The Spirit Award is an award from HematologyOncology Associates that is given annually to an employee who consistently demonstrates an exemplary team spirit, passion for excellence and commitment to our mission. It is a great honor because it is an award that is given by the employees of HOA through a nomination process. Maria is a special individual and leader and her nominations underscored her ability to motivate, appreciate, support and succeed. Here are some quotes from her nominations: “One of the most outstanding things about Maria is how she has the ability to see the best in people and nurture those qualities to help them succeed”, “I nominate Maria because she is the team spirit that keeps us going on occasions too numerous to count”, “In times of crisis, Maria will be called to help with a patient, she has a calming effect and is very empathetic and will work tirelessly for the good of the practice”. Congratulations Maria!

Connecting Recovery to Survivorship (continued from Page 1) Please allow us to introduce Janine Capucilli! She is the Director of our new Cancer Rehabilitation Program. Janine is a licensed physical therapist receiving her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Upstate Medical University, in Syracuse. She received her certification in lymphedema management from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies and is Vodder trained in manual lymphatic drainage. She brings over 10 years of clinical experience working extensively with cancer patients. She is also certified by the Lymphology Association of North America. Combining her expertise in the field of lymphedema management with her passion for treating patients with cancer, she developed a comprehensive Cancer Rehabilitation Program for the patients of HOA. Our Cancer Rehabilitation Program helps patients get back to doing the things they love. This component to cancer treatment enhances the services currently offered at HOA and is consistent with our holistic approach to care. Our rehabilitation program is a part of our complementary therapy and wellness programs and like other modalities connects recovery to survivorship. (Continued on page 5)

HE MA T O LO G Y - O NC O LO G Y A S S O C I A T E S O F C E NT R A L NE W Y O R K

PAGE 3

CancerConnects is pleased to continue their work to facilitate connections for everyone throughout Central New York who has been diagnosed with cancer. If you are interested in connecting with a cancer survivor mentor or if you’re interested in becoming a mentor to cancer patients, please contact CancerConnects.

www.cancerconnects.org or (315) 634-5004 Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY has made it even easier for you to communicate with us through our online Patient Portal.

We currently have more than 2,400 izing our patient portal.

patients

successfully util-

Sign Up Today! Creating an account is as easy as 1,2,3 1. Give us your email address 2. Receive an invitation by email 3. Click on the link to create your account

Once you’re registered, you can enjoy all the features through our website. Go to www.hoacny.com and click on “My Chart”

PORTAL NEWS

This secure website offers many convenient features that can save you time. Some of the things you can accomplish with our secure website are: ask a nurse a question; ask a question about your bill; pay your bill online; request medical records; request a prescription refill; ask a question about an appointment; and you can now receive a clinical summary from your last MD/NP/PA appointment—including your lab work!

PAGE 4

HE MA T O LO G Y - O NC O LO G Y A S S O C I A T E S O F C E NT R A L NE W Y O R K

For the Mind and Spirit More Support for our Patients * Free to All !!

Support Group for Recurrent &

Look Good… Feel Better

Metastatic Disease

Cosmetology professionals will help you with make-up application, dry skin, discolored nails, choice and care of a wig, scarves, turbans and hats. Please call and register for sessions in East Syracuse & Cayuga, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida and St. Lawrence Counties.

This support group is dedicated to providing guidance to those cancer patients with recurrent and metastatic disease. The unique aspects of this journey are explored with patients who are experiencing similar challenges. This group meets the 1st & 3rd Monday of each month from 4-5:30 pm at Brittonfield in the 3rd floor conference room and is facilitated by Gussie Sorensen, LCSW-R and Beth Connelly, RN, NP.

American Cancer Society 6725 Lyons St., East Syracuse Call 1-800-227-2345 Breast Cancer Support Group

Second Wednesday of each month from 4—5:30 in the Brittonfield Board Room, 3rd Floor Facilitated by Gussie Sorensen, Katie Tindal and Emeline McShane

Caregivers Support Group This group provides support for caregivers of cancer patients and provides a place for discussion regarding ongoing challenges that are encountered with the caregiver role. The group meets the 1st Monday of each month from 45:30pm in the 3rd Floor Boardroom located at our Brittonfield Office. The group is facilitated by Kate Flannery, LCSW and Kathy Snyder, RN, NP.

Young Adult Programs 

Brain Tumor Family Retreat 

Women & Men’s Oncology Programs 

315-434-9477 www.campgooddays.org The mission of Healing Harmonies is to create partnerships between the musicians and local healthcare and wellness providers, with the intent to bring live music with therapeutic benefits to patients, their families, and healthcare staff in CNY. Music has been recognized to have immense benefits for patients through stress and anxiety reduction, lessening the side effects of chemotherapy, and reducing the amount of pain medication needed before and after surgical procedures. We are pleased to offer this to our patients.

Healing Harmonies

HE MA T O LO G Y - O NC O LO G Y A S S O C I A T E S O F C E NT R A L NE W Y O R K

PAGE 5

Clinical Research Department What is a CCOP? A Community Clinical Oncology Program allows a medical practice to work with the National Cancer Institute to formally access clinical research trials and cancer control and prevention studies for patient participation. Through our CCOP, our staff and patients have had the opportunity to contribute to the improvement of cancer care and prevention since 1986! There are about 50 CCOPs in the United States and only 2 in New York State—Hematology-Oncology Associates and a practice on Long Island. We’re so proud of that fact! HOACNY is the only CCOP in the country not affiliated with a large cancer center or university—a well kept secret! This National Cancer Institute partnership allows our practice to bring cutting edge clinical trials and cancer control and prevention studies to Syracuse, New York. We can offer investigational drug therapies and cutting edge treatments to our patients—and they don’t need to travel to Philadelphia, Buffalo, Rochester, Texas, Boston, Minnesota or New York City! If you have any questions about participating in clinical trials, or if you would like more information, please contact the Research Department by calling: 315-472-7504 (x1350)

Connecting Recovery to Survivorship (continued from Page 1) HOA’s interdisciplinary approach allows therapists to work closely with a patient’s oncology team to establish individualized plans of care. It’s not uncommon for cancer survivors to experience side effects during or following their treatment for cancer. Growing evidence supports functional exercise training as a safe and effective approach to reduce unwanted side effects and improve physical functioning and general wellbeing, beginning with a cancer diagnosis. Patients can be referred for an evaluation to HOA’s Cancer Rehabilitation Program by their Surgeon, Oncologist, Radiation Oncologist, Physician, Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant. We are dedicated to helping our patients become stronger and healthier so they can get back to doing the things they enjoy!

PAGE 6

HE MA T O LO G Y - O NC O LO G Y A S S O C I A T E S O F C E NT R A L NE W Y O R K

les away i m t o n e r ’ We iles ahead m t s u J …

Hematology-Oncology Associates Comprehensive Outpatient Treatment and Support Services ◊ Chemotherapy and Radiation ◊ Clinical Research ◊ CyberKnife® ◊ Clinical Laboratory ◊ Pharmacy ◊ CT and Other Diagnostic Testing ◊ Patient and Family Counseling and Support Group Services

A beautiful and healing atmosphere is provided as a haven of opportunity for the mind, body and spirit. Check out the Wellness Center’s schedule of classes and services on the web! www.hoacny.com — Wellness Center (315)234– HOPE

◊ Nutritional Counseling ◊ Integrative/Complementary Therapy ◊ Art Therapy ◊ Community Educational Programs

Amenities ◊ State of the Art Facilities ◊ Boutique at Brittonfield

◊ Imaging Services ◊ Flat Screen TV’s in Infusion

◊ Patient Internet Access in Infusion

◊ Free Parking

◊ Patient Education Area ◊ Electronic Medical Record

HOA is the only QOPI Certified Cancer Center in Central New York

Many thanks to Dr. Benny Wong for entertaining our patients, their caregivers and our employees!

Oncology groups can achieve certification by demonstrating policies & practices consistent with the highest standards of care. This prestigious designation identifies those practices that not only scored high on the key QOPI quality measures, but meet rigorous safety measures established by ASCO and the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS).

HE MA T O LO G Y - O NC O LO G Y A S S O C I A T E S O F C E NT R A L NE W Y O R K

PAGE 7

Integrative Medicine /Wellness Programs 315-234-HOPE Integrative or Complementary Therapies

are services that support your current medical treatment and are never intended to replace it. They are for patients who are seeking wellness or well being of not only the physical body, but of the mind, body and spirit.

Massage * Reiki * Healing Touch * Yoga * CranioSacral Therapy * Foot Reflexology Light Therapy * Meditation * Acupuncture * Tai-Chi * Zumba * and more Offered at our Brittonfield Office &/or The Wellness Center at Medical Center West Please visit our website or call Anne at 234-4673 for details or to set up an appointment

Second Sunday Spiritual Gathering at 10am at the Wellness Center

Did you know that the Hematology-Oncology Fun Committee raised over $30,000 in 2013! This allowed our employees to help dozens of patients, their caregivers and cancer related foundations! Patient and family support comes to us through the purchase of raffle tickets for baskets, T-Shirts, donations and most importantly, for supporting our JEAN DAYS!

Thanks for the Support!

HE MA T O LO G Y - O NC O LO G Y A S S O C I A T E S O F C E NT R A L NE W Y O R K

PAGE 8

Medicare and the Payer Circuit Congressman Dan Maffei 423-5657 Senator Kirsten Gillibrand 448-0470

Senator Charles Schumer 423-5471

The Affordability Care Act law was passed in 2010, and as a result, New York State has developed their own health insurance exchange website:

www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov If you have any questions about the NY State Health Exchange, (called “NY state of health”), the customer service phone number is 855-355-5777. Hematology Oncology Assoc. of Central New York participates with the following insurance companies that are on the NY State Insurance Exchange: 

Fidelis Care



Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield



Today’s Options



MVP Health Care

If you need further assistance about the insurance companies that we participate with ,please call us at 315-234-2812 or toll free 888-777-2812.

Important Note to Patients: Please DO NOT change your Medicare plan before you call us! (315) 234-2812 Difficult decisions regarding access to care have been precipitated by Medicare and legislative changes. Insurance companies would like to emulate the Medicare changes that continue to challenge and stress our patient services. Together, we can prevent this. The need to critically assess every insurance company’s reimbursement is now mandated by medical practices. We can no longer participate with every insurance company. We will not allow the level of care or expertise you have come to expect and trust be diminished. Please stay connected and support our decisions to fight for you—our valued patients. When open enrollment comes to your employer— please make sure you sign up for an insurance we participate with—taking care of you is very important to us!