Specialized Urgent Care for Cancer Patients Expands in Philadelphia

Access to specialized urgent care for cancer patients is improving in Philadelphia, responding to the unique needs of this vulnerable population. The expansion of oncology urgent care clinics aims to provide timely medical assistance for patients experiencing side effects from treatment, minimizing their reliance on emergency rooms.

Ellie Wilson, a Pennsylvania resident diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in July 2023, described her anxiety while waiting in a crowded Philadelphia emergency room. “You have parents with their young children who are coughing, stifling, sneezing … and that’s all coming out in the air,” she said, expressing concern for her compromised immune system. Wilson’s situation is not uncommon; oncology patients often face complications that necessitate urgent care.

Cancer treatments like chemotherapy frequently lead to side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues. When immediate appointments are not available, patients often seek help in emergency departments, where they may encounter infectious diseases. To combat this issue, cancer centers in Philadelphia are developing specialized clinics that cater specifically to oncology needs.

Innovative Solutions at Major Cancer Centers

The University of Pennsylvania’s Abramson Cancer Center has recently taken significant steps to enhance patient care. Its Oncology Evaluation Center now operates 24/7, extending its hours to accommodate patients who require urgent intervention outside normal clinic hours. “We wanted a solution for our patients so they could spend as much time as possible outside the hospital while still being safely monitored,” said Lindsey Zinck, chief nursing officer at the center.

Originally established in 2016, the center expanded its weekday hours and began weekend visits earlier this year. Zinck noted that the increased availability was in response to patients needing transfusions and urgent care after hours. “Our emergency department does a wonderful job for emergencies, but sometimes our patients need care that can’t wait for clinic hours,” she added.

The demand for oncology urgent care has grown over the past decade as more patients undergo complex treatments. As treatment options have expanded beyond traditional chemotherapy and radiation to include immunotherapy, patients may experience new and potentially severe side effects. Dr. Christopher D’Avella, a faculty member at the Penn Center for Cancer Care Innovation, pointed out the necessity for specialized care environments where patients can receive close monitoring for these new challenges.

Streamlined Care and Improved Patient Experience

Another significant player in this field is Temple University’s Fox Chase Cancer Center, which opened its Direct Referral Unit in 2011. This clinic adopts a proactive approach by allowing patients to call a dedicated line to report their symptoms. According to Kristin Manley, clinical director of the Hospitals Program at Fox Chase, this system helps prevent long waiting times in the emergency department. “We’re able to narrow down what our top three things that could be causing this,” she explained, ensuring that patients receive tailored care upon arrival.

The integration of these specialized urgent care clinics is not only about efficiency but also about improving health outcomes for cancer patients. By addressing the specific needs of this demographic, Philadelphia’s cancer centers are working to reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and hospital admissions, ultimately enhancing the quality of care.

As these initiatives continue to evolve, they represent a significant step forward in addressing the healthcare needs of cancer patients in the region. The collaborative efforts of major cancer centers aim to create a more responsive healthcare environment, ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate care tailored to their unique challenges.