This is information of interest to patients.

• Bloodless Medicine and Surgery
  

  Cancer and some treatments may adversely affect your blood counts. The Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery evaluates and treats many cancer patients without the use of blood products. In fact, we are one of the only sites in the nation to successfully perform high dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue using bloodless techniques.



• Cancer Risk Evaluation Program
  

  The Cancer Risk Evaluation Program (CREP) is a clinical and research program designed to offer information, evaluation, and follow-up for people who are concerned about their increased risk for cancer due to a personal or family history. As part of the program we will help you understand the risk factors involved in hereditary cancer and outline a prevention plan that is based on your individual risk for developing cancer.



• HIV Oncology
  

  Created to provide multidisciplinary care to HIV patients, the HIV Oncology Program is committed to providing treatments for HIV-related malignancies such as Kaposi's sarcoma, lymphoma, and anorectal and cervical cancers. Our program specialized in all HIV-related hematology problems including anemia, low white blood counts and low platelet counts.



• Peripheral Stem Cell Transplant Program
  

  High dose chemotherapy with peripheral Stem Cell transplant is used most often for patients with multiple myleoma and high risk or recurrent lymphoma (Hodgkins disease, or non-Hodgkins lymphoma). These cancers have remission and cure rates that increase in relationship to the amount of chemotherapy that is given. High dose chemotherapy destroys not only cancer cells but also the stem cells in the bone marrow which divide and develop into the three main types of mature cells found in the blood: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.



• Integrated Breast Center at Pennsylvania Hospital
  

  Our multidisciplinary team of physicians and nurses work together to create the best possible treatment program. In addition, The Breast Center program participates in a variety of clinical trials and research, which offer the most up-to-date care and treatment available. Breast cancer patients and their families also have access to social workers, nutritionists, psychologists, oncology nurses, and chaplains to help support them through the cancer experience.



• The Sarcoma Program
  

  Our Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma program includes physicians from all fields necessary to properly treat bone or soft tissue sarcoma. Our patient-centered approach ensures that you and your family get the medical care and emotional support that you need. Our clinical trials program offers innovative approaches to treating these cancers with a focus on limb preservation and quality of life.



• Pain and Supportive Care Program: A Palliative Care Service
  

  Palliative care provides medical and non-medical interventions to relieve symptoms and help the patient and family maintain the best possible quality of life. It focuses on the patient, not the disease. This innovative, outpatient-based program is available to patients and families when a person is diagnosed with cancer.



• Social Work Services
  

  The diagnosis and treatment of cancer presents challenges not only to the patient, but also to their caregivers and loved ones. Obstacles and tasks characterize each stage of the disease process. Trying to overcome and accomplish these tasks and become overwhelming. Meeting with a social worker can help to normalize the situation and help both patients and their loved ones come to terms with this disease.



• Nutritional Counseling
  

  Eating well and utilizing nutrition, as a form of your personal attack against cancer, is important throughout treatment. Nutrition services offered at the Joan Karnell Cancer Center can help you develop your individualized nurtrition plan.



• Psychological Services
  

  To help patients cope with the psychological impact of cancer, the Joan Karnell Cancer Center at Pennsylvania Hospital offers psychological support services as an addition to standard medical care. Therapy is conducted primarily by clinical psychology interns and post-doctoral fellows from Pennsylvania Hospital's Department of Psychology. In addition, a staff psychologist is available to meet with patients.



• Chaplain/Pastoral Care
  

  Chaplains are available for spiritual direction and support, both in the inpatient and outpatient settings. A chaplain is an integral part of the Palliative Care team, which focuses on relief or suffering, physical, emotional, social, or spiritual in nature.

  For more information or to schedule and appointment with a chaplain at the Joan Karnell Cancer Center, call (215) 829-6466.



• Shiatsu Bodywork Massage
  

  The Joan Karnell Cancer Center has been offering shiatsu as a supportive care service for more than two years. It is a popular complementary therapy for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy, for patients regaining strength and functioning after completing cancer treatment, and for patients experiencing extended illness. Shiatsu is also popular with caregivers and family members.



• Music Therapy
  

  Music Therapy is the planned use of music experiences to address a range of issues related to illness and treatment, such as pain, nausea, depression, and stress. There are currently a variety of experiences available, including Music & Relaxation and Guided Imagery & Music. There experiences can help patients cope with their diagnosis and treatment, as well as promote overall well-being. Through the use of relaxation exercises, patients can reduce their stress, anxiety, and fear. Our music therapist can help patients to develop stress management techniques for use in the hospital as well as at home.



• Support Groups
  
  • Person to Person
  • Facing Forward: Breast Cancer Support Group
  • Navigating the Course: Esophageal Cancer Support Group
  • Healthy Balance - after Breast Cancer treatment
  • Breast Cancer Psychotherapy Group
  • Sickle Cell Anemia Support Group
  • Sarcoma Support Group
  • Lung Cancer Support Group
  • Bereavement Support Group


• Educational Programs
  
  • I Can Cope
  • Nutritional Well-Being
  • Look Good, Feel Better
  • Beating the Blahs
  • Strength for Caring
  • Healthy Cooking Demonstration Programs
  For more information about our support groups, please go to our website at www.pennhealth.com/karnell or call (215) 829-6466.


• Operating Hours
  

  Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After hours and on weekends, there is always a doctor on call and available in the event you require care. Our office can be reached by dialing (215) 829-6088 for the Center City Office or (610) 902-5950 for our Radnor Office. You will then be given instructions on how to contact the doctor on call.



• A Word About Appointments
  

  It is very important that you always make sure that you have a return appointment scheduled with your doctor before leaving the office. That way, we can ensure that your doctor is able to follow you closely at the necessary times based on your condition. If you receive chemotherapy treatments, you will need a doctors appointment as well as a treatment appointment.



• Dispensing Pharmacy
  

  Many prescription medications are now available in our office. Our medication dispensary offers the same brand name and generic pharmaceuticals available in your local pharmacy. You can have your prescriptions filled within minutes. You may use your prescription plan benefits to cover the cost of your medication, depending on your prescription coverage, we can dispense a 30 or 90 day supply. We also fill prescriptions for patients with no drug coverage; our costs are often lower than many local pharmacies. All prescription co-pays are due when you receive your medication via cash, check or credit card. For more information, ask your Physician or please call 215-829-6878 for our Center City Office or (610) 902-5950 for our Radnor Office.



• Medical Insurance- What You Should Know
  

  Medical insurance can be very confusing which is why we provide help in processing your insurance claims. It is very important that you let the front desk staff know of any change in your address, phone number or insurance information. It is not uncommon for people to move or benefits to change, so your assistance is needed in helping to keep your account updated and your claims filed correctly. On your first visit you will meet with one of our billing representatives. They will explain your insurance benefits to you and discuss any out of pocket expenses you may be responsible for.



• Insurance Tips
  

  Get the maximum benefit from your insurance policy!