After Hours Care
For our Medical Oncology patients, there is a doctor available 24 hours a day. If you call during business hours, the operator will get some information from you and contact the triage nurse. If you call after office hours, your call will be taken by our answering service. They will contact the doctor and if necessary the doctor will call you back to get more information and give you instructions.
Please call 505.727.3040 if:
- Any change from your baseline that you feel needs immediate attention
- Blood in urine or stool, urinary urgency or frequency
- Diarrhea not improved with 8 tablets of Imodium in 24 hours)
- Dizziness/lighteadedness
- Fever of 100.5 F - call immediately
- Nausea not improved with medications
- New onset of falling
- Uncontrolled vomiting (2 or more episodes in 24 hours)
Financial Counseling
Understanding the benefits and limitations of your health insurance policy can be challenging, but it's important to learn exactly what your coverage provides. Contact the customer service number on your insurance card, or visit the plan's website to obtain your specific coverage details, annual deductible and out of pocket maximum costs. After plan members reach their annual deductible, most plans will pay for treatment at a certain percentage, leaving the member with the remaining balance. If you're prescribed treatment with us our financial counselors may be able to help by helping you understand the financial resouces and assistance programs that you may be eligible for.
Lovelace Women's Hospital, Breast Care Center - 505.727.7829
Lovelace Cancer Center, Medical Oncology - 505.727.3072
Pain Management
A certain amount of pain is to be expected with certain treatments. Your care team will ask you questions about your pain in an effort to understand your pain and to find the best method for controlling it. They will ask you to describe the pain (sharp, dull, stabbing, burning, pressure), and may ask you to rate your pain on a scale of 0 to 10. There are a variety of options for the management of pain. Pain cannot always be completely relieved, but our goal is to maintain your pain at a level that is acceptable to you. Your care team will be available to discuss which options are right for you. Some pain medication may cause side effects. These side effects may include drowsiness, nausea and constipation. If you experience any of these side effects, tell your care team immediately. It's important to remember, you are the best judge of your pain and how well your pain control plan is working. We are here to assist you in gaining the best pain relief possible within the limits of safe practice.