Care Management
Care Management
Therapy available via Telehealth
Mental health is just as important as physical well-being. The uncertainties and disruptions in our lives caused by illness or the Covid-19 pandemic can trigger psychological or emotional distress.
Our FCS Behavioral Health team is available to support you if you are experiencing stress, anxiety, insomnia or any other emotional difficulties.
We are able to offer a one-time supportive phone call free of charge, or ongoing therapy services virtually to assist you during these special circumstances or at any time throughout your treatment. *
* Ongoing telehealth therapy will be billed to your insurance; copays will apply.
Need to talk? Help is here when you need it
Therapy services are provided by the experienced and compassionate licensed professionals on our FCS Behavioral Health team.
Call 855-327-6112 to be connected to a therapist, Monday through Friday. An operator will inform the Behavioral Health team of your request and you will receive a call from a therapist by 7 p.m. that day. Phone sessions also available.
What is Care Management?
Care Management is an emerging program at Florida Cancer Specialists that utilizes a team approach to deliver quality care to our patients. The Care Team consists of YOU (our patient), your physician/nurse practitioner, the RN Care Manager, pharmacist, nutritionist, clinic nurses and several others. The Care Team is designed to optimize each patient’s health status and quality of life. You will have an individualized care plan that is developed through collaboration between you, your physician and the Care Team.
There are three phases of Care Management:
Navigation
In this initial phase, a member of the lay-navigator team will introduce you and your family to care management and explain the purpose, focus and approach of care management. The lay-navigator will call you to assist with the required paperwork, review your medications list and allergies, and update general demographic information. Your physician and other members of the Care Team will also have access to this information, which will enhance delivery of the quality care you deserve. The lay navigator will assign you to your RN Care Manager and send you that person’s biography.
Active Care Management/Triage
The second, or acute, phase will be very important as you begin active treatment. During treatment, side effects can occur. Your personal RN Care Manager will be instrumental in working with you and your physician to manage any symptoms you may experience and to ensure your comfort and quality of life.
In addition to coordinating your care, your Care Manager is also available for emotional support and to act as a point of contact for you.
Communication is of extreme importance; your RN Care Manager will collaborate with you and all other members of the team to be sure that your individualized care plan is followed and updated, as needed.
Survivorship
There are more than 14 million cancer survivors in the United States alone, and that number is expected to grow as we continue winning the battle against cancer. By definition, you become a survivor at the time of diagnosis and will continue to be a survivor through the rest of your life.
There are three phases of survivorship, including:
- Diagnosis of your cancer
Survivorship is introduced at the time you are initially diagnosed with cancer. This phase is highlighted by our commitment to your education about your disease and the latest treatment options available, as well as world-class personalized care. - Treatment of your cancer
During this phase, your individualized plan of care is developed and implemented by your personal Care Team. - Life after cancer
This may be the most important phase of survivorship. You will be assigned a Survivorship Coordinator to assist you after your treatment is completed. A tailored plan of care will be developed by your Care Team that will allow you to resume your busy life.
Survivorship: Care Beyond Cancer
FCS is dedicated to providing patients with continued personalized care after treatment to help patients live to their fullest potential. Though many patients go on to lead very healthy, normal lives, we acknowledge that life may never be the same as it was before diagnosis. There can be long-term and late effects of chemotherapy and radiation, including on-going emotional stress, as well as the patient’s desire to prevent cancer recurrence. Our survivorship RN care managers are here to assist you and help address these issues with a variety of recommendations.
Talk with Your Doctor
The physicians at FCS encourage patients to take an active role in their own care. Talking with your doctor will assure that all aspects of your cancer treatment work together to provide the best outcome.
FCS Integrative Oncology and Wellness Services
As the leading oncology treatment provider in Florida, we focus beyond the medicine to strengthen the mind and body. Our approach to wellness care is to offer safe, evidence-based opportunities, education and resources to our patients. Services vary by location, so please consult with your physician. We encourage patients to discuss the use of complementary therapies with their physician.
Wellness Services
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Nutrition Counseling and Cooking Classes: Balanced nutrition is a very important part of cancer treatment, as well as survivorship and prevention. Nutrition is offered in over 50 FCS sites with the intention of being available to all by the end of 2021. Virtual cooking classes are conducted via Zoom meeting bimonthly.
Despite the changes that can occur during cancer treatment that affect appetite and taste buds, our goal is for patients to maintain a diet with a wide variety of whole foods. When patients are able to do so, dietary supplements are usually unnecessary. Our cooking classes and nutritional consultations can assist in meeting that goal. For patients who wish to use nutritional supplements, including botanicals for purported antitumor effects, it is recommended that they consult with their physician.
Eating and drinking well during cancer treatment supports the healing process. The primary nutrition goal during cancer treatments is to maintain muscle mass and energy. Patients who choose the right foods to stay strong and nourished tend to have more strength and energy, better tolerance of treatment-related side effects, lower infection risk and faster healing and recovery.
Our FCS team of registered dietitians have all obtained certification as specialists in oncology nutrition, and provide education, support and nutritional counseling for cancer patients. Learn more here: FLCancer.com/oncology-nutrition
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Exercise: Physical activity decreases the risk of cancer occurrence and recurrence. Studies also show that patients who exercise on a regular basis tolerate their treatments better, as well as improve their quality of life and emotional well-being, and lessen the severity of fatigue. Physical activity may include activities such as walking, biking or swimming, and should be based on ability and level of endurance. In some locations, FCS partners with other organizations, such as the YMCA, to offer targeted activity and exercise programs specifically designed for cancer patients.
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Meditation: Patients may use meditation to help reduce anxiety, pain, stress, sleep problems and depression. Meditation can help patients and caregivers let go of negative thoughts and reach a more peaceful state of mind and feel more physically relaxed. It is also useful for maintaining general wellness.