There are several things to consider before starting chemotherapy. Here are common questions we receive and links to other resources. Please click on each question for the answer.
If you have other questions or need more information, please call our office at 505.727.3040.
Treatment Information
Chemotherapy uses medication to shrink or eliminate the cancerous tumor over time. Chemotherapy may be used to cure cancer (by eliminating the cancer cells), control the cancer (by slowing it’s growth or stopping it from spreading) or ease cancer symptoms for advanced stage patients (by shrinking tumors that may be causing pain).
Your medical team will develop a treatment “cycle” for your chemotherapy. It is often given several times over weeks or months. There are periods of rest built into the plan so that your body has time to recover.
Chemotherapy is administered on site at our office and you are welcome to bring one guest with you.
- To learn more Click here.
Yes. Your treatment plan may use one drug or a combination of drugs to treat your cancer. This is determined by your medical team.
The types of chemotherapy we deliver are:
- Injection
- IV infusion
- Oral
- To learn more click here.
Chemotherapy is considered a “systemic” treatment, meaning it affects your entire body. There are often side effects from chemotherapy, including hair loss, nausea or fatigue. Luckily, many of these side effects can be managed. Be sure to talk to your medical oncologists about any concerns you may have.
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A benign tumor is a noncancerous growth that does not invade other tissues and generally has a favorable prognosis.
A malignant tumor is cancerous and can invade and destroy nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body (called metastasis). A malignant condition may be associated with an unfavorable prognosis.
For more helpful information about medical oncology and chemotherapy, visit these websites:
Patient Information
We ask that your primary care provider or specialist refer you to our clinic. This will allow our providers to speak with them regarding your condition and understand your medical history.
If you are self referred, please provide a copy of your current medical records to our office. Our physicians will review prior to setting up an appointment.
- To download new patient forms, click here.
Hematology Oncology Associates, PC providers are approved for most major insurance carriers and health plans. We will submit your claim and any secondary claims to any insurance company under the benefit coverage you specify.
Specialty co-payments are due at the time of service as outlined in your contract with your insurance carrier. Ultimately, the patient is responsible for payment of the account, including any balance not covered by insurance such as deductibles. We will send you a balance statement for any amount you owe after insurance.
If you do not have medical insurance and/or you are concerned about paying for your procedure, please contact us. We will work with you in setting up a payment plan.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding billing, please contact us at 505.727.3040, and we will direct you to the appropriate representative.
- For a list of insurance plans Lovelace accepts, click here.
Lovelace Cancer Care is committed to offering patients the best quality care available and recognizes that many patients today face obstacles that may keep them from the medical care they need.
Our Patient Financial Counselor can help you access programs able to provide financial assistance for out-of-pocket amounts for chemotherapy medications, including deductibles, co-pays, and coinsurance. While cost-sharing foundations can help those who are under-insured, pharmaceutical companies can provide assistance for the uninsured.
To learn more about these programs, please contact our Patient Financial Counselor at 505.727.3040.