VCU Massey Patient Resource Guide

Amessagefromthedirector

WelcometoVCUMasseyComprehensiveCancerCenter,thefirstinanewgenerationof cancercentersthatintegratesthecommunity'sneedsineverythingwedo-fromthe researchlaboratorytothetreatmentroom.

Ioftensay"oneteam,onefight"inmydialogueaboutMassey'swork,andyouwillsoon realizewhatthatphrasemeans.Whileyoumayenterourcancercenterasoneindividual, youleaveonyourfirstdayasanallyinourmissiontoimproveandsavelives.You becomeapartofthesupportsysteminplaceforyouandinplaceforthepatientswho camebeforeyourdiagnosis,duringyourtreatmentandintoyoursurvivorship.

InJune2023,MasseyreceivedcomprehensivedesignationfromtheNationalCancer Institute (NCI). Itisanindicationofourexcellenceincancerresearch,communityoutreach andengagementandinthetrainingofthebestandbrightestprofessionalsinthefieldof oncology.Itpositivelyimpactsourclinicalcareandcommitmenttoofferyouthelatestand mostadvancedcancertreatments.

Ourscopeoftreatmentsandservicesincludescutting-edgeclinicaltrials,offering tomorrow'sstandardsofcaretotoday'spatients.Clinicaltrialsprovideadditionaloptions acrossthecontinuumofcare.Theyalsoofferhopeandassurancetopatientsthat,no matterthetypeorseverityofthedisease,Masseycanandwilldeliverfirst-class, individualizedcancercare.

WearehonoredthatyouentrustMasseywithyourcare,andwepledgetoserveyouwith compassion,respectandpersonalattentionduringyourtimewithus.

Oneteam,onefight,indeed.

RobertA.Winn,M.D.

DirectorandLipmanChairinOncology

VCUMasseyComprehensiveCancerCenter

Amessagefromthedeputydirector

WelcometoVCUMasseyComprehensiveCancerCenter-abeaconoflightforthose affectedbycancer.

Weknowfirsthandthatmentionofthewordcancercanintroduceahostoffears,emotions andquestions.Fromthemomentacancerdiagnosisisshared,Masseypatientsbecomeour priority.Althoughthecancerjourneyisuniquetoeachpatient,wearededicatedtowalk alongsideeachofyouthrougheverystepofyourjourney.

AtMassey,ourfocusiscommunity-allwalksoflifethatstepsintoourclinics.Wevalue everypatient,caregiver,family,supporterandtreatmentteammemberthatstepintoour clinics.You'llfindpeopleatMasseytrulywantthebestoutcomesfortheirpatients,likeyou.

Massey'sapproachtocancercarerestsinacommunity-to-benchmodel.Simplyput,wework withnearbycommunitiesthatarethemostaffectedbycancertounderstandtheirlivesbefore andafteracancerdiagnosis.

In2023,weearnedtop-tierrecognitionfromtheNCI,thenation'sprincipalauthorityoncancer researchandtraining.NowasanNCI-designatedComprehensiveCancerCenter,wewill continuetostrengthencommunicationamongtreatmentteams,improveservicedeliveryand elevatethepatientexperience.

Fromcare,toresearchandfundraising,Masseyphysicians,advancedpracticeproviders, nurses,navigators,socialworkers,patientsupportservices,cancerresearchers,board membersandadministrationtouchourpatients'livesinsomecapacity.OurcultureatMassey remains unifiedinitsmission: ToreducethecancerburdenforallVirginians.

ThankyouforchoosingMasseyforyourcare.Ouraccomplishedteamisreadytoprioritize yourhealth.

PaulaM.Fracasso,M.D.,Ph.D.,F.A.C.P

DeputydirectorandSeniorVicePresident,CancerServiceLine

VCUMasseyComprehensiveCancerCenter

VCUHealthmissionandvision

YourcancercareisprovidedbyVCUMasseyComprehensiveCancerCenter,whichisapart ofVCUHealth.VCUHealthisthenameusedforallareasofpatientcare,medicalresearch andmedicaleducationatVCU.

OurmissionatVCUHealthisfocusedonpreservingandrestoringhealthforallpeoplein Virginiaandbeyondthroughinnovationinservice,researchandeducation.Anacademic medicalcenter,VCUHealthiscommittedtopushingthelimitstoadvancemedicineand improvethehealthofthecommunitiesweserve.

Withmorethan800physiciansacross200clinicalspecialtiesatVCUHealth,westriveto improvethequalityoflifeforallthoseweserve.VCUHealthiscommittedtodeliveringhealth careinamannerthatrespectsdiversityandinclusivitywiththefullintentofensuringoptimal patientexperienceandachievingbetterhealthoutcomesforall.

The Adult OutpatientPavilion (AOP) opened in 2021 and is a state-of-the-artfacilityand serves as the primarylocation for Massey outpatientclinics on the downtownRichmond VCU Health campus.

Acomprehensivecancercenterforthe21stcentury

Weareproudtointroduceourcomprehensivedesignationthroughourcommunity-centric approachtocancercare.AsadesignatedComprehensiveCancerCenterbytheNational CancerInstitute(NCI),Masseyisnowoneofanelitegroupofcomprehensivecancercenters inthecountry,rankinginthetop4%ofcancercentersnationwide.

ThisdesignationisthehighestrecognitionfromtheNCIandreflectsourscientificleadership, depthandbreadthofresearch,effectivecommunityoutreachandcancertrainingand education.

AtMassey,wetakeamultidisciplinaryapproachtocancercare,whichmeansthatyourcare teamwillconsistofseveralcancerspecialistsamongmanydisciplines,thatwillcreatea personalizedplanfortreatingyourcancer.

Masseyaimstointegratecommunityinputintoeverythingwedoinordertoclosehealthcare gapsacrossrace,ethnicityandgeography.Ourteamiscommittedtounderstandingthe impactofcancerinthecommunitiesweserve.Ourvisionistoachieveaworldwithoutcancer.

Mydiagnosis

Typeofcancer:________________________

Stageofcancer:_______________________

Diagnosisdate:________________________

HospitalwhereIreceivedmydiagnosis:_______________

Understandingtreatmentoptions

Canceristreatedinseveralways,dependingoneachperson'shealth,typeandstageof cancer.Whenyouarediagnosedwithcancer,yourdoctorwilldevelopatreatmentplanspecific toyouandyourneeds.

AtMassey,weencouragepatientstoofferinput,askquestionsandexpressconcernstoyour doctorandtreatmentteam.Playinganactiveroleindevelopingyourtreatmentplancan promoteabetterexperiencethroughoutyourcancerjourney.

Beforedecidingonacancertreatmentwithyourphysicianandhealthcareteam,youshould understandtheexpectedbenefits,sideeffectsandrisks.Consideraskingyourdoctorand/or nursethequestionsprovidedinthe QuestionstoAskMyDoctor sectionfromthisguide.

Itisalsoimportanttogatheryourpastmedicalhistoryandfamilyhistory,includinganyknown priorgenetictestingresultsandinformation,tosharewithyourproviderduringthetreatment decision-makingprocess.

Understandingtreatmentoptions

Formanypeoplewithcancer,treatmentisaprocessthatisdesignedtomeettheirneeds. Physiciansplantreatmentsbasedonseveralkeyfactors,suchasthetypeandstageofthe cancer,aswellastheperson'sage,healthandlifestyle.

Thetreatmentofcancermayincludechemotherapy,radiation,surgeryandothertypesof medicinesdesignedtotargetthedisease.Yourdoctormaydecidetogiveonetreatmentfirst beforeanother,together,oracombinationofdifferenttypes.

Additionally,cancertreatmentmayalsoincludeaclinicaltrial,whichisverycommoninmany patientsforawidevarietyofcancertypes.Belowyouwillfindcancertreatmenttermsthatyour doctormayrefertothroughoutthetreatmentprocess.

Massey'steamofexpertsareheretohelpyouunderstandandlearnaboutthedifferenttypes ofcancertreatments,alongwithotherhelpfulinformationtoassistyouthroughoutyourjourney withcancer.Foreducationalresourcesabouttreatmentandbeyond,pleasescantheQRcode beloworclickhere.

Surgery

•Type/description:__________________________

•Date:

Chemotherapy

•Startdate:

•Finishdate:

.#ofcycles:____________________________

•Frequency:____________________________

•Nameofdrug(s):_________________________

•Othermedicationstakenfortreatment:

•Sideeffectsexperienced:_______________________

lmmunotherapy

•Startdate:

•Finishdate:

.#ofcycles:___________________________

•Frequency:____________________________

•Othermedicationstakenfortreatment:

•Sideeffectsexperienced:_______________________

Radiation

•Startdate:

•Finishdate:

•#offractions:

•Frequency:____________________________

MYPERSONALTREATMENTPLAN

Hormonetherapy

•Startdate:

•Finishdate:

•Frequency:___________________________

Additionalnotes&importanttreatmentinformation:

MYMEDICATIONS

Remembertowritedownallofyourmedications,includingmedicinethatisnotforyourcancer treatment.Itisalsoimportanttotellyourdoctorandpharmacistaboutanymedicationthatyou aretaking,includingasupplementorvitamin.

Medication For/purposeDosage

HowoftenPharmacy nametakennumber

Mymedications,continued

Medication For/purposeDosage

HowoftenPharmacy nametakennumber

MYPRIMARYHEALTHCARETEAM

Nursenavigator:___________________________

• Phonenumber:

MedicaIoncologist/hematologist: ____________________

•Nursepractitioner:__________________________

•Nurse&phonenumber________________________

Radiationoncologist:_________________________

•Nurse&phonenumber:________________________

Surgicaloncologist:__________________________

•Nursepractitioner:__________________________

•Nurse&phonenumber:________________________

Surgeon:_______________________________

•Nursepractitioner:__________________________

•Nurse&phonenumber:________________________

Supportivecarephysician:________________________

•Nurse&phonenumber:________________________

Survivorshipclinicphysician:______________________

•Nurse&phonenumber:________________________

Socialworker:

•Phonenumber:

Registereddietician:__________________________

•Phonenumber:

Primarycarephysician:_________________________

•Phonenumber:

Otherspecialistsandcontactinformation:

SecondopinionsIhavereceived (list physician, location and contact information):

ClinicaltrialsImaybeeligiblefor (list physician, location, and contact information):

Itisimportantforyoutobeabletotalkopenlywithyourcancercareteamandunderstandyour diagnosisandtreatmentoptions.Yourdoctorandcareteamareavailabletoyouandwantto answerallofyourquestions.Pleaseremembertowritedownallofyourquestions.It'shardto remembereverythingduringonevisit,sohavingalistwillhelp.Thequestionsbeloware providedbytheAmericanCancerSociety.

Questionstoaskwhenyouaretoldyouhavecancer

•ExactlywhatkindofcancerdoIhave?

•Whereisthecancerlocated?

•Whatisthestageofmycancer?Whatdoesthismean?

•WhatothertestswillIneedbeforewecandecideontreatment?

•Whatisthegoalofmytreatment?

•Willtreatmentcuremeorhelpstopthecancerfromspreading?

Questionstoaskwhenplanningforyourtreatment

•WhatshouldIdotogetreadyfortreatment?

•WillIneedaspecialdietorachangeinmyphysicalactivity?

•WillIbeabletoworkduringtreatment?

•HowlongwillIneedtoplantobeoutofwork,ifrecommended?

•WhatsideeffectswillIhave?

•WhenshouldItellmydoctorornurseaboutmysideeffects?

•HowmuchwillIhavetopayfortreatmentandwillmyinsurancecoverit?

•Howlongwillthetreatmentlast?Whenandwherewillitbedone?

•Howwillweknowifthetreatmentisworking?

•Whatarethechancesthecancerwillcomebackafterthistreatment?

•Whatclinicaltrialsareavailablethatmighttreatmycancer?Wherearetheylocated?

•Doyourecommendobtaininga2ndopinionformycancer?Wheredoyourecommend?

•WillIbeabletohavechildrenaftertreatment?

Questionstoaskwhentreatmentends

•HowoftenwillIseemydoctorandcareteamaftertreatmentends?

•Whatismyfollow-upplanaftertreatmentends?

•DoIneedaspecialdietaftertreatment?

•Whattypeofexerciseshould/canIdo?

•HowwillIknowifthecancerhascomeback?

•Whataresigns/symptomsIshouldwatchfor?

Cancertreatmentinvolvesmorethanonedoctorandnurse.Masseyusesamultidisciplinary approachtocancercare.Thismeansthatyourtreatmentisdiscussedbyateamthatis

concernedwithallaspectsofyourcare.Thefollowingisalistingofpeoplewhoaregenerally involvedincancercareatMassey.Yourteammaynotinvolveallofthemandmayinvolve othersnotlistedhere.

Physicians

• Attendingphysician(MD/DO): Anexperiencedphysicianinchargeofthemedicalteam andpatientcare

• Fellow(MD/DO): Aphysicianwhohasgraduatedfrommedicalschool,completed residencyandisspecializinginoneareaofmedicalcare.

• Gynecologiconcologist: Aphysicianwhospecializesinsurgeryandtreatmentof gynecologiccancers.

• Hospitalist: Aphysicianwhospecializesinprovidingandmanagingthecareandtreatment ofhospitalizedpatients.

• Intern(MD/DO): Aphysicianintrainingwhohasgraduatedfrommedicalschool.

• Medicaloncologistorhematologist: Anattendingphysicianwhohascompletedtraining ininternalmedicineandafellowshipinoncologyorhematology(careofblooddisorders).

• Neuro-oncologist: Aphysicianwhospecializesinthecareofcancersofthebrainand nervoussystem.

• Oncologist: Aphysicianwhospecializesincancerdiagnosisandtreatmentandcan providelongtermfollow-upcare.

• Oncogeneralist: Aprimarycaredoctortrainedintreatingandmanagingthecomplex needsofadultcancersurvivors.Anoncogeneralistcanaddressthelateandlong-termside effectsfromcancertreatmentthroughoutsurvivorship.

• Palliativecarespecialist: Aphysicianwhospecializesinrelievingsufferingbymanaging thepainandsymptomscausedbyseriousillnessormedicaltreatments.

Physicians,continued

• Pathologist: Aphysicianwhospecializesinthediagnosisandclassificationofdiseases bylaboratorytests,suchasexaminationoftissueandcellsunderthemicroscope.The pathologistdetermineswhetheratumorisbenign(notcancerous)ormalignant (cancerous)anddeterminesthecelltypeandgrade.

• Plastic/reconstructivesurgeon: Aphysicianwhohascompletedmedicaltrainingin generalsurgeryandafellowshipinplasticsurgery.Forcancerpatients,plasticsurgeons reconstructandrestorethepart(s)ofthebodyaffectedbycancersurgery.

• Radiationoncologist: Aphysicianwhoisspecializedinusingradiationtotreatcancer.

• Radiologist: Aphysicianwithspecialtrainingindiagnosingdiseasesbyinterpretingxraysandothertypesofimagingstudies;forexample,mammograms,CTscans, magneticresonanceimaging(MRI),andpositronemissiontomography (PET) scans.

• Resident(MD/DO): Aphysicianintrainingwhohasgraduatedfrommedicalschooland completedaninternship

• Surgeon: Aphysicianwhohascompletedmedicaltrainingingeneralsurgeryanda surgicalspecialtysuchascolorectalsurgery,genitourinarysurgery,headandneck surgery,neuro-oncologysurgery,orthopedicsurgery,orthoracicsurgery.

• Surgicaloncologist: Aphysicianwhohascompletedmedicaltrainingingeneral surgeryandafellowshipincancersurgery

• Otherspecialistphysicianswhomaybeinvolvedinprovidingcancercare:

oCardio-oncologistoGastroenterologist

oDermatologistolnterventionalRadiologist

oEndocrineoncologyspecialistoPulmonologist

HEALTHCARETEAMDEFINITIONS

Nursing

• Certifiedmedicalassistant(CMA): ACMAisalicensedteammemberwhoassists registerednurseswithpatientcare

• Certifiedregisterednurse(CRN): ACRNisaregisterednursewhohascompletedand receivedcertificationinaspecialty,suchasadministrationofchemotherapy.

• Clinicalresearchnurse: Aclinicalresearchnurseisaregisterednursewhoworks primarilywithresearch-basedtreatmentsknownasclinicaltrials.

• Licensedpracticalnurse(LPN): AnLPNisateammemberwhoprovidesroutine nursingcareunderthesupervisionofaregisterednurseorphysician.

• Nursenavigator: Anursenavigatorisaregisterednurse(RN)withexpertiseinguiding patientsthroughthehealthcaresystemandcomplexityofcancercare.Nursenavigators connectpatientstotheircareteamandresourcesneededfromtimeofdiagnosis,through treatmentandbeyond.

• Nursepractitioner(NP): AnNPisaregisterednursewhohasadvancedtrainingand educationenablingthemtoprovideabroadrangeofhealthcareservicesunderthe supervisionofaphysician.

• Patientcaretechnician(PCT): APCTisanunlicensedteammemberwhoassists registerednurseswithpatientcare.

• Registerednurse(RN): AnRNisapersonwhoiseducatedandlicensedbythestateto providenursingcare.

Otherimportantcareteammembers

• Chaplain: Ateammemberwhoprovidesspiritualcareandsupporttopatientsandtheir families.Thechaplaincanarrangeforaspiritualritualoravisitfromyourspiritualleader.

• Clinicalpsychologist: ApsychologisthasaPhD,whichisaDoctorofPhilosophydegree, inPsychology.Aclinicalpsychologistmayhelpwithpsychologicalconcernssuchasthe fearsandemotionalchangesthatoftencomewithacancerdiagnosis

• Clinicalsocialworker(LCSW/MSW): AclinicalsocialworkerhasaMasterofSocialWork degree.Socialworkershelppatientsandtheirlovedoneswithavarietyofneedsincluding supportivecounselingforadjustmenttodiagnosisandtreatment,supportgroupfacilitation andconnectiontocommunityresources

• Geneticcounselor: Geneticcounselorsarehealthcareprofessionalswhoarecertifiedand trainedtoprovidegenetictestingandtohelpfamiliesunderstandgeneticdisorders.They canhelpdeterminefamilyhealthhistory,associatedcancerrisksanddevelopprevention andtreatmentplans,wherenecessary.

• Occupationaltherapist(OT): Aprofessionalwhohelpsmaximizeaperson'sabilitytocare forthemselveswiththerapyandmedicaldevices.

• Patientaccessrepresentative(PAR): Ateammemberresponsibleformakingsurewe haveyourmostup-to-dateinsuranceinformationandobtainssignaturesforformssuchas ConditionsforHealthCareServices.

• Pharmacist: Aprofessionalwithadvancededucationinmedicationusewhoworkswith yourphysicianonthemanagementandproperdosingofyourmedications.

• Physicaltherapist(PT): Aprofessionalwhotreatsinjuryordysfunctionwithexercise, therapyandmedicalequipmenttoimprovemovementandstrength

• Physicianassistant(PA): Aphysicianassistantisateammemberwithadvanced educationandtraining,whoworksunderthesupervisionofaphysician

• Registereddietician(RD): Aprofessionalwhoassessesaperson'snutritionalneedsand designsdietplanstomeetthoseneeds.

• Speechlanguagepathologist(SLP): Aprofessionalwhoevaluatesandtreatspatients withspeech,communicationandswallowingdisorders.

Otherimportantcareteammembers,continued

• Stylistandcosmetologist: Thestylistcanmeetwithpatientsatthebedsideorinthewig salontohelpprepareforpotentialhairloss,fitandstylefreewigs,andaddressskincare concernsasaresuItoftreatment.

• Volunteer: Apersonwhodonatesmanyhoursofservicetohelpmakeyourclinicvisitor hospitalstaymorecomfortableforyou,yourfamilyandvisitors

MyChart

VCUHealthofferspatientportalservicesutilizingMyCharttoallowpatientstoeasilyaccess theirpersonalhealthinformationandoverallhealthsummary.Thisnewtechnologyprovides patientswiththeabilitytocommunicatewiththeirdoctorandaccesstestresults,request medicationrefillsandmanagetheirappointments.

•MyChartaccessisalsoavailablethroughyourmobiledevicebydownloadingthe"VCU HealthMyChart"apponyouriPhoneorAndroid,bysearchingyourappstore.

•ItisimportanttonotethatwhileMyChartprovidespatientswiththeconvenienceof accessingtheirpersonalmedicalinformation,testresults(suchasimagingresultsand bloodwork)maybevisibletoyoupriortoascheduledappointmentwithyourphysician.

•Shouldyouhavequestionsand/orconcernsaboutresultsreceivedthroughMyChart, pleasecontactyourphysicianoranymemberofyourhealthcareteam.

•Pleaseclickthe"MyChart"linkaboveformoreinformationandinstructionstodownload onyoursmartphoneortablet.

Triageandurgentcare

Ifyouareexperiencingsymptomsorconcernsthatyouwishtobeassessedbyyourcancer careteam,pleasecontactyourdesignatedclinicviaphoneduringnormalhoursofoperation (MondaythroughFriday,8:00a.m.-4:30p.m.).

•Itisimportanttoplaceadirectcalltoyourclinicandrefrainfromsendingsymptomatic and/orurgentcaremessagesviaMyCharttoensuretimelyfollowupfromyourprovider.

•Forassistanceoutsidehoursofoperation,pleasefollowinstructionsprovidedbytheclinic andtreatmentteaminwhichyouareseenorcontactVCUHealthtelepageat (804)828-0951tospeakwiththeafterhoursproviderforyourclinic.

• Please note, any person that is or believes to be experiencing a medical emergency should call 911 immediately and/or report directly to the nearest emergency department for further evaluation.

Masseyiscommittedtoworkingtowardafuturewithoutcancer.Everyday,wearediscovering newandbetterwaystotreatandpreventcancer.OnewayinwhichMasseyconductsresearch isthroughclinicaltrials.Clinicaltrialsareresearchstudiesthatevaluatenewmedicaltreatments anddevicesandincreasescientificunderstandingofawidevarietyofdiseases.

Belowyouwillfindgeneralinformationaboutclinicaltrialsincancercare.Ifyouareinterested inlearningmoreaboutclinicaltrialsforyourspecificcancer,orhavequestionsandconcerns relatedtotreatment,youareencouragedtotalkwithyouroncologistandcareteam.

Foradditionalinformationaboutclinicaltrials,visittheMasseywebsite.

Clinicaltrialsandcancercare:Frequentlyaskedquestions(FAQs)

• Whyareclinicaltrialsofferedtopatients? Clinicaltrialsareofferedtopatientsasan additionaltreatmentoptiontoconsider.Inhealthcare,offeringclinicaltrialsisstandardand isnotexclusivetoacertaintypeofpatientorcondition.Insomeinstances,aclinicaltrialis theonlytreatmentoption.

• Whatisclinicaltrial? Aclinicaltrialinvolvesresearchwithindividuals,commonlyreferred toasparticipants,withtheintenttoaddtomedicalknowledge.Therearetwomaintypesof clinicalstudies:clinicaltrials(alsocalledinterventionalstudies)andobservationalstudies.

oInaclinicaltrial,participantsreceivespecificinterventionsaccordingtotheresearch planorprotocolcreatedbytheinvestigators.Theseinterventionsmaybemedical products,suchasdrugsordevices;procedures;orchangestoparticipants'behavior, suchasdiet.Clinicaltrialsmaycompareanewmedicalapproachtoastandardone thatisalreadyavailable,toaplacebothatcontainsnoactiveingredients,ortono intervention.Someclinicaltrialscompareinterventionsthatarealreadyavailableto eachother.Whenanewproductorapproachisbeingstudied,itisnotusuallyknown whetheritwillbehelpful,harmful,ornodifferentthanavailablealternatives(including nointervention).Theinvestigatorstrytodeterminethesafetyandefficacyofthe interventionbymeasuringcertainoutcomesintheparticipants

oInanobservationaltrial,investigatorsassesshealthoutcomesingroupsofparticipants accordingtoaresearchplanorprotocol.Participantsmayreceiveinterventions(which canincludemedicalproductssuchasdrugsordevices)orproceduresaspartoftheir routinemedicalcare,butparticipantsarenotassignedtospecificinterventionsbythe investigator(asinaclinicaltrial).

Clinicaltrialsandcancercare:FAQs,continued

• Whatisthepurposeofaclinicaltrial? Ingeneral,clinicaltrialsaredesignedtoaddto medicalknowledgerelatedtothetreatment,diagnosis,andpreventionofdiseasesor conditions.Somecommonreasonsforconductingclinicalstudiesinclude:

oEvaluatingoneormoreinterventions(forexample,drugs,medicaldevices, approachestosurgeryorradiationtherapy)fortreatingadisease,syndrome,or condition

oFindingwaystopreventtheinitialdevelopmentorrecurrenceofadiseaseorcondition. Thesecanincludemedicines,vaccines,orlifestylechanges,amongotherapproaches oEvaluatingoneormoreinterventionsaimedatidentifyingordiagnosingaparticular diseaseorcondition

oExaminingmethodsforidentifyingaconditionortheriskfactorsforthatcondition

oExploringandmeasuringwaystoimprovethecomfortandqualityoflifethrough supportivecareforpeoplewithachronicillness

• Whydopatientsdecidetoparticipateinclinicaltrials? Itvariesbasedonthepatient, howeverherearesomereasonsastowhytheymaydecidetoparticipate:

oOthertreatmentoptionsdidnotwork

oThereisnoothertreatmentoption

oTheywanthelpresearcherslearnmoreaboutcertainhealthproblems

oTheywanttobeabletohelpfuturepatientsbasedontheoutcomesoftheclinicaltrial

oItiscompletelyvoluntaryandapatientcanstopparticipationatanytimethroughout theprocess

• Whenandhowarepatientsofferedclinicaltrials? Usually,theclinicalteamwillpresent clinicaltrialsoptionstopatientsduringanyclinicvisitwhendiscussingtreatmentoptions basedonthestudy'seligibilitycriteria

oPatientscanalsolookforclinicaltrialsviaclinicaltrials.gov

oPatientscanbeengagedthroughopencommunicationandeducation

oPatientsshouldneverbecoercedintoparticipatinginaclinicaltrial

Clinical trials can offer hope and new opportunities that you wouldn't get access to otherwise. Don't look at these [clinical trials] as experiments, look at them as opportunities.

AndrewPoklepovic,M.D.

Masseyassociatedirectorforclinicalresearch

Clinicaltrialsandcancercare:FAQs,continued

• Whatarephasesofaclinicaltrialandwhatdoesthismean? Clinicalresearchtrials progressinanorderlyseriesofsteps,calledphases.

o Phase0/ExploratoryPhase: involvesdosingaverysmallandlimitednumberof subjects(patients)withaverysmallandlimitedrangeofdosesforaspecificperiodof time

o Phase1/EarlyPhase: testsanexperimentaltreatmentonasmallgroupofoften healthypeople(20to80)tojudgeitssafetyandsideeffectsandtofindthecorrect drugdosage

o Phase2: usesmorepeople(100to300).WhiletheemphasisinPhaseIisonsafety, theemphasisinPhaseIIisoneffectiveness.Thisphaseaimstoobtainpreliminary dataonwhetherthedrugworksinpeoplewhohaveacertaindiseaseorcondition. Thesetrialsalsocontinuetostudysafety,includingshort-termsideeffects.Thisphase canlastseveralyears

o Phase3: gathersmoreinformationaboutsafetyandeffectiveness,studyingdifferent populationsanddifferentdosages,usingthedrugincombinationwithotherdrugs.The numberofsubjectsusuallyrangesfromseveralhundredtoabout3,000people.Ifthe FDAagreesthatthetrialresultsarepositive,itwillapprovetheexperimentaldrugor device

o Phase4: takesplaceaftertheFDAapprovesuseordrug/device.Adeviceordrug's effectivenessandsafetyaremonitoredinlarge,diversepopulations.Sometimes,the sideeffectsofadrugmaynotbecomeclearuntilmorepeoplehavetakenitovera longerperiodoftime

• Isitfreetoparticipateinclinicaltrials? Thecosttoapatientonaclinicaltrialwillvary dependentonvariousfactors

oIfitisstandardofcare,itwillbebilledtopatient'sinsurance

oIfsolelybeingdoneforresearchpurposes,itisusuallycoveredbytrialfunding oSomestudiesmaycompensatepatientsfortheirtimeortravel

oTheinformedconsentformwillexplainanycostsorpaymentsifapplicable

Clinicaltrialsandcancercare:Factsv.Myths

• Myth: Clinicaltrialsarethelastresort.

o FACT: Waitinguntilothertreatmentsareexhaustedlessensapatient'schanceofbeing eligibleforaclinicaltrial.Thebesttimetomakeadecisionaboutparticipatinginatrial isatthetimeoffirstdiagnosisandeverytimeanewtreatmentdecisionmustbemade.

oMassey'steamofexpertsworktogethertodeterminethebestindividualizedtreatment planrightforyou.Whenappropriate,treatmentoptionsmayincludeaclinicaltrial.

• Myth: Patientsonclinicaltrialsonlygetsugarpills,andIwon'tgetthetreatmentIneed.

o FACT: Sugarpills(placebos)areseldomusedincancerclinicaltrialsandarenever usedifaknown,effectivetreatmentisavailable.Patientsenrolledinclinicaltrials alwaysgetthebesttreatmentavailable.

oIfanewdrugisbeingtestedaspartofatrial,onegroupofpatientsmightreceivethe currentbeststandardtreatmentplusthenewdrug,whileanothergroupmayreceivethe currentbeststandardtreatmentplusaplacebo.

oComparingtheresultsofthetwogroupsenablesresearcherstodetermineifthenew drugismoreeffectivethanthecurrentstandardtreatment.

oTheonlytimeaplacebowouldbeusedaloneisifthereiscurrentlynostandardtreatment orifanewcancerpreventionmeasureisbeingtestedforpeoplewithoutcancer.

• Myth: ParticipatinginaclinicaltrialmeansIama"guineapig"beingusedforexperiments.

o FACT: Whileitistruethatthepurposeofaclinicaltrialistoansweramedicalquestion, itdoesnotmeanthatyouwillnotgetexcellentcarewhileinthestudy.

oWhileinaclinicaltrial,youmayneedtodothingsorhaveextratestsaspartofthe clinicaltrialand/ortoensureyoursafety.Patientswhodoparticipateinaclinicaltrial arecloselymonitoredbytheirphysicianandcareteam.

oPatientsareencouragedtoaskquestionsatanytimetofeelconfidentaboutyour treatmentdecision.

oAllclinicaltrialsarereviewedbyspecialgroups,suchasanInstitutionalReviewBoard, sotheyareconductedinasafemanner

• Myth: OnceIdecidetoparticipateinatrial,Icannotchangemymindorleavethestudy.

o FACT: Patientsenrolledinaclinicaltrialmaychoosetoleavethestudyanytime throughouttheprocessanditisthepatient'srighttochoose.Clinicaltrialparticipants choosetoleaveastudyformanyreasons.

oItisimportanttocommunicateyourwishesandtreatmentgoalstoyourdoctorand treatmentteamtomakeaninformeddecisionrightforyou.

AtVCUHealthandVCUMasseyComprehensiveCancerCenter,wearecommittedtoa smoothpatientexperienceforallofthosewhomweserve.Weunderstandtheneedfor accurateandreliableparkingandwayfindinginformation.Locatedinthenextpagesinthis resourceguide,youwillfinddetailedinformationaboutaccess,directionsandparkingfor Massey'smaincampus,thatincludeslocationsthroughouttheGreaterRichmondarea.

VCUHealthWayFinderapp

TheVCUHealthWayFinderapplicationprovidesturn-by-turndirectionsforthedowntown RichmondcampusatVCUMedicalCentertoensurepatientsareeasilyabletofindtheircorrect clinicorunitlocation

•Onceyou'vearrivedonourcampus,youcaneasilyfindyourwaythroughVCUHealth buildings,including:

oAdultOutpatientPavilion

oCriticalCareHospital

oGatewayBuilding

oMainHospital

oNorthHospital

oPatientandvisitorparkingdecks

•ToaccessVCUHealthWayFinder,clickthislinktoviewwayfindingonyourcomputeror phone,orbydownloadingtheapplicationforyouriPhoneorAndroidbyvisitingyourapp store

•AdditionalwayfindinginformationatotherVCUHealthlocationsmaybefoundhere.

VCUMasseyComprehensiveCancerCenter:Richmondcampus

• VCUMedicalCenter: to access Gateway, Main Hospital, Critical Care Hospital and North Hospital (valet parking available at all locations)

o GatewayBuilding: 1200EastMarshallStreet,Richmond,VA23298

o NorthHospital: 1300EastMarshallStreet,Richmond,VA23298

o MainHospital: 1200EastMarshallStreet,Richmond,VA23298

o PatientandVisitorParkingDeck isaccessibleat550North12thStreet (from Leigh Street, turn RIGHT onto 12th street)

Open24hoursdailytoallpatientsandvisitors

Ticketvalidationforareducedparkingisavailableatinformationdesksthroughout VCUMedicalCenter

• VCUMedicalCenterDowntownRichmondOutpatientClinics: to access Massey oncology clinics, infusion, radiation therapy and radiology sites.

o AdultOutpatientPavilion(AOP): 1001EastLeighStreet,Richmond,VA23298

o FreevaletparkingisavailabletoMasseypatientsattheGROUNDLEVEL entranceon11thstreet (from11thstreet,take LEFT intoparkingentrance)

TicketvalidationisavailableinMasseycliniclocations(floors2-6)

Valetparkingisalsoavailableatthe10thstreetAOPentranceforadailyrate.

Pleasenote,freevaletparkingforMasseypatientsisnotavailableatthis entrance.

oPatientsandvisitorsmayalsoself-parkatAOPaccessingthe10thstreetentrance

• AmbulatoryCareCenter: 417North11thStreet

oValetparkingavailableforaflatrateof$5.00daily

oParkingalsoavailableat PatientandVisitorParkingDeckat550North12thStreet

Ticketvalidationforareducedrateisavailableatinformationdesk

VCUMasseyComprehensiveCancerCenter:Otherlocations

MasseyComprehensiveCancerCenteratStonyPoint

• Medical/surgicaloncologyclinics,infusion,radiationtherapy,breasthealth, colorectal,medicalspecialtyclinics,andradiology: 9000StonyPointParkway, Richmond,VA23235

o Freeparkingisavailableforallpatientsandvisitorsatthislocation

• Gynecologiconcologyclinic: 9105StonyPointParkway,2ndfloor,Richmond,VA23235

oFreeparkingisavailableforallpatientsandvisitorsatthislocation

MasseyComprehensiveCancerCenteratHanoverMedicalPark

• Radiationoncology: 8222MeadowbridgeRoad,Mechanicsville,VA23111

oFreeparkingisavailableforallpatientsandvisitorsatthislocation

MasseyComprehensiveCancerCenteratMaylandMedicalCenter

•3470MaylandCourt,Richmond,VA23233

•Freeparkingisavailableforallpatientsandvisitorsatthislocation

MasseyComprehensiveCancerCenteratGreengate

•3400HaydenparkLane,Henrico,VA23233

•Freeparkingisavailabletoallpatientsandvisitorsatthislocation

Outlined in this section, you will find important information regarding yourmedical care at VCU Health, VCU Medical Center and VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. If you have questions about information and/or resources related to your specific treatment location, please ask a member of your care team. Youmany also find more information by visiting the website using the links above.

Patient Resources: VCU Health andVCU Medical Center

• Patient billing: You may receivetwo billing statements forservicesreceived atVCU Health. If youreceive two bills, yourinsurance planmay requiretwo separatecopays, coinsurance and deductible amounts. The informationbelowis applicableto allVCU Health patients among all hospital andsatelliteclinic locations.

o A bill from VCU Health hospital related services such as radiology, labs or pharmacy.

o A bill from VCU Health MCV Physicians for services provided by doctors, such as clinic visits and interpreting test results.

• For questions or concerns about your bill, or to make payment options or arrangements, please call (804) 523-7001 or (844) 370-5323 (toll free) to speak to a customer service representative or via email.

• Financial assistance: VCU Health is proud of its mission to provide quality care to all who need it. If you do not have health insurance and worry that youmay notbe able to pay in full for your care, wemay be able to help. It is important that you let us know if you will have trouble paying your bill.

o Financial assistance is provided based on patients' income, assets and needs. Contact the Financial Counseling Call Center at (804) 828-0966.

• Language and communication services: VCU Health provides communication and language services to those who prefer and/or require speaking a language other than English for their health care communication.

o Notify your health care provider if you or a family member has a language or communication preference and/or requirement. Our goal is to provide quality service by decreasing barriers to health care for limited-English proficient, deaf and/or hard of hearing patients who receivecarehere. All services are free of charge to the patient.

o Trainedmedical interpreters across various languages are available to facilitate communication between you or a family member and health care providers. Over-thephone and video interpreting is also available throughout the hospital 24/7.

o Free translation of health care documents or paperwork is also available as a free service to VCU Health patients.

PatientResources:VCUHealthandVCUMedicalCenter, continued

• Pharmacy:

o AdultOutpatientPavilion: 1stFloor,1001E.LeighStreetRichmond,VA23298, (804)628-6895

o StonyPoint: 9000StonyPointParkway,Richmond,VA23235,(804)828-8659

o AmbulatoryCareCenter: 1stFloor,417N.11thStreet,Richmond,VA23298, (804)828-8329

o ShortPumpPavilion: 2ndFloor,11958W.BroadStreet,Henrico,VA23233 (804)828-9977

o VCUHealthSpecialtyPharmacy: 1030WilmerAvenue,Suite300,Richmond,VA23227, (877)814-3475

• Informationdesks: Theinformationdesksarethecentralinformationlocationforpatients, visitorsandguests.

oThedesksareconvenientlylocatedonthegroundand1stfloorsoftheAOP,ground floorsofGatewayBuilding,CriticalCareHospital,NorthHospitalandAmbulatoryCare Center.Theycanprovideaccuratedirectionsandcanalsogivethelocationof hospitalizedpatientstovisitors.

• ThreeBearsGiftShop: Flowers,balloons,giftsandmanymoreitemsareavailablefor purchaseintheThreeBearsGiftShop,locatedonthefirstflooroftheCriticalCareHospital.

oThegiftshopisopenMondaythroughFridayfrom9a.m.-5p.m.;Saturdayfrom11a.m. -5p.m.;andtheyareclosedonSundays.

oPurchaseanddeliverycanalsobearrangedbycallingtheThreeBearsGiftShopat(804) 828-5999.

PatientResources:VCUHealthandVCUMedicalCenter, continued

• Foodandbeverage: VCUHealthhasvariousfoodoptionsavailabletopatientsandvisitors. AtVCUMedicalCenter,youwillfindmanydiningoptionsonthefirstflooroftheMain Hospital,groundflooroftheGatewayBuildingandonthegroundflooroftheAdult OutpatientPavilion

• Wifi: VCUHealthoffersfreeWi-Fiforpatients,familiesandvisitors.ToaccessWi-Fi, connecttothe VCUHealth_guest networkandcompletethebriefaccountregistrationform. oIfyouhaveanyproblemsregisteringorsigningin,pleasecontactourInformation SystemsServiceDeskat(804)828-6447.

• Chapel: ThehospitalchapelisonthesecondfloorintheMainHospital.Unlessotherwise reserved,thechapelisavailable24hoursadayforpatients,familiesandfriends.Itisaquiet placethatcanbeanoasisduringatumultuoustime.Youcanfindfoldingchairsinanalcove attheverybackoftheroom.

• DogsonCall: TheDogsonCallTherapyDogprogramprovidescomplementaryservicesto enhancethewell-beingofpatients,staffandstudentsthroughcanine-assistedinterventions.

oWhilewecannotguaranteeavisitduetohighdemands,wemakeeveryefforttomeet requestsatapprovedlocationsthroughoutthehospitalandcertainsatellitelocations.

oPleasecontact(804)828-0922formoreinformationortomakeavisitrequest.

• ArtsinHealthcare: ForinformationregardingArtsinHealthcareatVCUHealth,please contactthefollowingareas:

o Musictherapy: (804)827-9962

o Artinstruction: (804)828-1771

• HealthandWellnessLibrary: TheHealthandWellnessLibraryisapartnershipwithVCU Healthtoprovidepatientsandthecommunitywithresources,rangingintopicsabouta specificdisease/condition,nutrition,treatmentinformationandgeneralcommunity resources.Thelibraryisstaffedwithexpertstohelpyoufindtheinformationyouneedand mayalsoserveasaquietspaceifyouareinbetweenappointments.

o Location: GatewayBuilding,VCUMedicalCenter(groundfloor)

o Hours: 10a.m.-4p.m.MondaythroughFriday.

oFormoreinformation,pleasecall(804)828-2432orvisitthelibrarywebpage.

PatientResources:VCUMasseyComprehensiveCancerCenter

• Geneticcounseling: Cancergeneticcounselorshelppeopleunderstandandadaptto inheritedriskforcancer.Masseyoffersgeneticcounselingbylicensedgeneticcounselors, certifiedbytheAmericanBoardofGeneticCounseling.

oGeneticcounselorshelppeoplebothwithandwithoutcancertodevelopacancer preventionand/ortreatmentplanforthemandtheirfamilies.Servicesmayincludeafull rangeoftestingforinherited(genetic)mutationsforalltypesofcancers,aswellas accesstoclinicaltrials.Ourcancergeneticcounselorsserveaspartofa multidisciplinarycancercareteam.

0Ifyouwouldlikemoreinformationand/orareinterestedingeneticcounseling,talkto yourphysicianwhomayplaceareferralforgeneticcounseling.

• Survivorshipcare: Webelievethatcancersurvivorshipstartsatthetimeofdiagnosisand understandtheimpactcancerhasonaperson'slife.Massey'sSurvivorshipProgramis centeredonhelpingthosewithcancerthrivethroughoutandbeyondtreatment.Usinga patient-centeredapproach,ourprogramisabletoaddresscomplexpatientneedsfromthe timeofdiagnosis,throughouttreatment,andbeyond.Ourteamiscommittedtoenhancing thequalityoflifeforalldiagnosedwithcancer.

o Location: Massey'ssurvivorshipclinicislocatedattheAOPonthedowntowncampus andtheStonyPointcliniclocation.

0Torequestanappointment,call(804)828-7999,ordiscusswithyourhealthcare provider.

• Tobaccocessation: Masseyofferstwotobaccocessationprogramsforpatientsthat provideeducationandsupporttoquitsmoking:

o ABreathofFreshAir: Designedforpatientswithahistoryofcancerwhowanttostop usingtobacco,thisprogramoffersfreeeducationandpeersupportgroups.

Formoreinformationortosignupforagroup,pleasecall(804)628-8920oremail.

o WeCanQuit: Thisfreecommunity-basedserviceconnectspeoplewith"QuitCoaches" andotherresourcestohelpthemstopusingtobacco.

Formoreinformation,pleasecontact(804)628-0896oremail.

PatientResources:VCUMasseyComprehensiveCancerCenter

• IntegrativeHealth: Massey'sIntegrativeHealthprogramoffersholistic,evidence-based programsandresourcesthatsupportthemind,bodyandspirittoenhancethequalityoflifefor patientsandfamiliesthroughtheircancerjourney.Ourprogramisgroundedinfourpillarsof care,eachfeaturingavarietyofservicesthataimtofulfillourpatients'needs,rangingfrom walkingforwellnesstosupportgroups,throughouttheirexperiencewithcancer.Ourprograms aredesignedtosupportpatientsholisticallyinthefollowingareas:

a Nutrition: Massey'snutritionofferingsareatruehighlightofourprogram.Weareproudto offeraweeklyfarmstand(May-December)topromotehealthyeatingforcancerprevention andduringcancersurvivorship.

a Physicalactivity: Exerciseisnotonlyrecommendedforcancerprevention,butalsobefore, duringandaftercancertreatment.Massey'sRAMblewalkingprogramisproudtopromote healthexerciseforallpatientsandtheirlovedones.Besuretocheckoutourprogram calendarforourtwicemonthlyRAMbleofferings.

a Psychosocial: Psychosocialprogramsareaimedatemotionalandpracticalsupportfor cancerpatientsandtheirlovedonesthroughoutthecancerjourney.Thisapproachincludes supportgroupofferings,alongwithcosmeticcareinourConfidentlyMewigandbeauty salon.

a Mind/body: Themind/bodypillarofcarefocusesontheself,withanemphasisonexploring practicesofmindfulness,gratitudeandspiritualcaretocultivateacceptanceandenhanced copingwithlife'schallenges.Masseyoffersfreeyogaclassestopatientsandcaregivers, alongwithaccesstoarttherapyduringinfusionsessions.

•Patientresourcelibrariesthatareequippedwithresourcesontopicsrangingfromspecifictypes ofcancer,treatments,sideeffects,supportivecareandsurvivorship.

a IntegrativeHealthResourceCenter: AdultOutpatientPavilion(groundfloor)

Contact:(804)828-8478

a LoisTraniPatientResourceLibrary: StonyPoint9000building(2ndfloor)

Please note, any integrative health approaches are not intended to be in place of professional medical care. Patients are advised to consult with their physician before starting any integrative practice, as some may interfere with medical care.

TosubscribetoourHealthinHarmonye-newsletterandscheduleof monthlyevents,pleasescantheQRcode.

PatientResources:VCUMasseyComprehensiveCancerCenter

• TheHealingSpace: Designedasaplaceofrespiteandhealingforpatientsandtheirloved ones,facultyandstaff,theHealingSpaceprovidesasettingthathelpspromoteoverall healthandwell-being.

a Cutting-edgeaudiovisualtechnologyandlightingcomplementthebuilt-invideowall, offeringanimmersiveexperiencethathelpsharmonizethemind,bodyandspirit.

oTheHealingSpaceislocatedonthegroundflooroftheAOP.

• Medical-LegalPartnership: Medical-LegalPartnership(MLP)Richmondisabletoassist cancerpatientswithavarietyoflegalneedssuchaswills,employmentconcernsrelatedto cancer,housingandfinancialplanningandcounseling.

oFormoreinformationortospeakwithanMLPrepresentative,contact(804)517-9110or email.

• ConfidentlyMeSalon: Masseyisproudtoofferfreewigfittingsandcosmeticservices annuallytoourpatients.AttheConfidentlyMeSalon,patientsareabletomeetwitha licensedcosmetologisttoassesstheirpersonalneedsandgoals.

oThesalonislocatedonthe5thflooroftheAOP.Pleasecallortext(804)678-9307to scheduleanappointment.

• HealingGarden: Massey'shealinggardenofferscancerpatientsandcaregiversachance tobearoundnatureandtoescapethestressandstimulationofaclinicalenvironment.

oAccessthegardenthroughthelobbyofMassey'sGoodwinResearchLaboratory, locatedat401CollegeStreet;thegardenisopenMonday-Friday,9a.m.-5p.m.

• AdvancedCarePlanning: Thisprocesshelpsyoutounderstandandexpressyour personalgoalsandwishesforfuturehealthchoicesandengageindecision-making.

oMassey'steamofoncologysocialworkersaretrainedtoassistyouinplanningand decision-makingforfuturehealthcareneeds.

oFormoreinformationonadvancedcareplanningand/oradvancedirectives,please discusswithyourhealthcareteamforareferraltoyouroncologysocialworker.

Massey volunteersand donorslaid the groundworkfor The Healing Space (picturedto the left), involved in planning,designand operational support.The Healing Space opened at the AOP in November2023.

PatientResources:Community-basedresources

Listedbelow,youwillfindcommonlyusedresourcesbypatientsandfamiliesexperiencinga cancerdiagnosis. If you need additional resources specific to your diagnosis and medical care, please ask your patient nurse navigator, oncology social worker, or any member of your care team .

• Generalinformationaboutlifewithcancer

o AmericanCancerSociety(ACS): 1-800-227-2345;www.cancer.org

o AmericanSocietyforClinicalOncology: www.cancer.net

o CancerSupportCommunity: 1-888-793-9355;www.cancersupportcommunity.org

o CancerCare: 1-800-813-HOPE(4673);www.cancercare.org

o CancerHopeNetwork: 1-877-HOPENET(1-877-467-3638); www.cancerhopenetwork.org

o ColorectalCancerAlliance: 1-877-422-2030;www.ccalliance.org

o NationalCancerInstitute(NCI): 1-800-4-CANCER;www.cancer.gov

o NationalCoalitionforCancerSurvivorship: 1-877-622-7937; www.canceradvocacy.org

o NationalLGBTQCancerProject: www.lgbtcancer.org

o Oncolink: www.oncolink.org

• Transportation

o AccessChesterfield: Reservationsmustbemadeinadvance.Fornextdayservice, call(804)745-1818,betweenMondayandFriday,from5:30a.m.-4p.m.

o ACSRoadtoRecovery: ACSoffersavolunteer-basedprogramthatmaybeableto provideridestotreatment.Tomakeariderequest,pleasecall1-800-227-2345.Itis importanttorequestyourridewellinadvanceofyourappointmentasitmaytake severalbusinessdaystocoordinateyourride.

o GRTCCareVan: ToapplyforeligibilityfortheGRTCparatransitservice,pleaseapply atwww.adaride.comorbyphoneat1-877-232-7433,betweenMondayandFriday, from11:00a.m.-7:00p.m.

o Medicaidtransportationschedulinginformation: ForMedicaidmembers,contact thetransportationormemberservicesnumberonthebackofyourinsurancecard. Callthesenumberstoconfirmyourbenefitsandtotalnumberoftrips.Someplans allowmemberstoaddtransportationbenefitstotheirplan;membersmustmakethis requestdirectly.

Youwillneedyourappointmenttime,dateandaddress. Ridereservationsmustbemade3-5daysinadvance.

o SeniorConnectionsRichmondAreaAgencyonAging: FortheRideConnections HotLine,pleasecall1-804-672-4495.

PatientResources:Community-basedresources,continued

• Copayandmedicalneedsassistance

o CancerCare: www.cancercare.org;1-800-813-HOPE(4673)

o LeukemiaLymphomaSociety: www.lls.org;(804)673-5690

o NeedyMeds: www.needymeds.org;1-800-503-6897

o PANFoundation: www.panfoundation.org;1-866-316-7263

o PatientAdvocateFoundation: www.patientadvocate.org;1-800-532-5274

o Sister'sNetwork: sistersnetworkcentralva.org;(804)447-4027

• Lodgingduringtreatment

o TheDoorways: IfyouaretravelingtoaVCUHealthlocationandlivegreaterthan30 milesaway,youmaybeeligibletostayatTheDoorwaysduringyourtreatment. Formoreinformation,pleasecontactyouroncologysocialworkerand/ornurse patientnavigator.YoumayalsocontactTheDoorwaysat(804)828-6901orvisit www.thedoorways.org.

Generalcommunityresources

•Foramorecomprehensivelistofcommunityresources foraspecificneed,pleasescantheQRcodetotheright onyourphoneorvisitwww.help1rva.org.

•Youmayalsocontactyouroncologysocialworker, nursenavigatororanymemberofyourhealthcareteam formorespecificresourcesthatmaymeetyourneeds.

ImportantVCUHealthSystemphonenumbers

• CareCoordination: (804)828-2273

• ClinicalAdministrator(afterhours): (804)628-0034

• CorporateCompliance: (804)828-0500

• EthicsCommittee: (804)628-3844

• GeneralInformation: (804)828-9000

• PastoralCare: (804)828-0928

• PatientCenteredServices: (804)628-0400

• PatientParkingOffice: (804)828-1437

• RiskManagement: (804)828-1707

PatientRightsandResponsibilities

VCUHealthiscommittedtoimprovingthequalityofandaccesstopatientcareinCentral VirginiaandthroughouttheCommonwealthbyprovidingsuperior,compassionateand innovativepatientcaretoimprovethehealthofallmembersofthecommunitiesweserve.

•Wedothisbypartneringwithpatientsandfamilies,alongwiththeirsupportnetworks,to promoteopencommunication,safetyandparticipationintreatmentplanning.

•Formoreinformationandtoaccessthepatientbillofrights,visitourwebpagehere.

NoticeofNon-Discrimination

AllpatientshavetherighttoreceivecareatVCUMedicalCenterwithoutdiscriminationdueto age,race,ethnicity,religion,culture,language,physicalormentaldisability,socioeconomic status,sex(sexualorientation,genderidentityorexpressionandpregnancy),protected veteranstatus,maritalstatus,geneticinformationoranyotherprotectedcharacteristicsunder applicablefederal,stateorlocallaw.

•IfyoubelievethatVCUMedicalCenterhasfailedtoprovidetheseservicesor discriminatedinanotherwayonthebasisofrace,color,nationalorigin,age,disabilityor sexyoucanfileagrievancewith:

o PatientResourceCoordinator,VCUMedicalCenter,Box980143,Richmond,VA 23298(804)628-0400

SPEAKUPforsafety

Researchshowsthatpatientswhotakepartindecisionsabouttheirhealthcarearemorelikely tohavebetteroutcomes.Here'ssomeadviceonhowyou,asapatient,canmakeyourcarea positiveexperience.

• Speakup

0Ifyoudon'tunderstandsomethingorifsomethingdoesn'tseemright

0Ifyouspeakorreadanotherlanguageandneedaninterpreterortranslatedmaterials

aIfyouneedmedicalformsexplained

aIfyouthinkyou'rebeingconfusedwithanotherpatient

aIfyoudon'trecognizeamedicineorthinkyou'reabouttogetthewrongmedicine

aIfyouarenotgettingyourmedicineortreatmentwhenyoushould

aAboutyourallergiesandreactionsyou'vehadtomedicines

• Payattention

aCheckidentification(ID)badgeswornbydoctors,nursesandotherstaff

aDon'tbeafraidtoreminddoctorsandnursestowashtheirhands

• Educateyourself

aSoyoucanmakewell-informeddecisionsaboutyourcare

0Askdoctorsandnursesabouttheirtrainingandexperiencetreatingyourcondition

0Askforwritteninformationaboutyourcondition

aFindouthowlongtreatmentshouldlast,andhowyoushouldfeelduringtreatment

aAskforinstructiononhowtouseyourmedicalequipment

• Advocates(familymembersandfriends)canhelp

aGiveadviceandsupport,whilerespectingyourdecisionsandvalues

aAskquestionsandwritedownimportantinformationandinstructionsforyou

aMakesureyougetthecorrectmedicinesandtreatments

aGoovertheconsentform,soyouallunderstandit

aGetinstructionsforfollow-upcare,andfindoutwhotocallifyourconditiongetsworse

• Knowaboutyournewmedicine

aAskforinformationaboutit,includingbrandandgenericnames,aswellassideeffects

°Findoutifitissafetotakewithyourothermedicinesandvitamins

0Askforaprintedprescriptionifyoucan'treadthehandwriting

• Useaqualityhealthcareorganizationthat

aHasexperiencetakingcareofpeoplewithyourcondition

aYourdoctorbelieveshasthebestcareforyourcondition

aIsaccredited,meaningitmeetscertainqualitystandards

aHasaculturethatvaluessafetyandquality,andworkseverydaytoimprovecare

• Participateinalldecisionsaboutyourcare

aDiscusseachstepofyourcarewithyourdoctor,andsharemedicalhistory&medicationlist

aDon'tbeafraidtogetasecondorthirdopinion

MASSEY COMPREHENSIVE C TCERCENTER

ACancerCenterDesignatedbythe NationalCancerInstitute