The Oncology Service Line strives to ensure that every patient’s experience, from diagnosis through treatment and survivorship, leads to the best possible outcomes. Our Cancer Accountable Care Organization (Cancer ACO) physician leaders and entire care teams plan, coordinate and ensure that each patient has an individual plan of care based on their cancer care needs. Multidisciplinary cancer conferences bring together all of these providers for treatment planning discussions. Nurse Navigators who are experienced oncology nurses help cancer patients and their families cope with the stress of treatment and practical issues connecting them with community resources to ease the burden associated with their care journey.
The Memorial Hermann ACO was formed to optimize the continuum of care for cancer patients using Memorial Hermann-affiliated providers and facilities. The Cancer Registry helps track patients who are diagnosed and treated at Memorial Hermann. A new ACO for cancers of the digestive system is being formed.
Because cancer treatment involves many specialists, teams help determine how cancer care is personalized and delivered to patients through participation in cancer conferences. Other aligned specialists --such as gastroenterologists, urologists, pulmonologists, pathologists, diagnosticians-- all join the medical oncology, radiation oncology and oncology surgeons in planning cancer care. Participation by multidisciplinary physicians affiliated with Memorial Hermann Cancer Centers in cancer conferences increased by 30% in 2022.
Oncology Nurse Navigators support and inform cancer conferences also. These experienced oncology nurses work directly with cancer patients and their families to guide them through the process as a central point of contact, coordinating communication within the care team, helping patients connect with care options and educating them along the way. Nurse Navigators are a complimentary service offered by Memorial Hermann.