Support Services

Karen, the
dietician, helped
me out a lot
because I had
a digestive
type cancer,
and many
foods weren’t
sitting well.

Doug Dunbar
Erie, PA

Doug Dunbar is a mechanical engineer. “By nature I go about looking for the best way to solve problems,” he says. “That’s why I sought out a second opinion.” Doug’s second opinion confirmed his choice of RCC for his cancer care. “This place is a well-oiled machine,” he explains, and since he accessed a variety of RCC’s services, the coordination was important to him. In particular, “Karen, the dietician, helped me out a lot because I had a digestive type cancer, and many foods weren’t sitting well. So we worked with Karen, and she helped me out – she gave me a lot of good tips.”

An experience with cancer can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. To help patients and families meet these challenges The Regional Cancer Center offers a full range of services addressing the medical, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs that may arise. In addition to an on-site laboratory, the services offered through the Erie center include pharmacy, radiology, social work, supportive/palliative care, financial counselor and dietitian.

Pharmacy

The Regional Cancer Center pharmacy is staffed by registered pharmacists who have specialized knowledge of cancer drugs. Chemotherapy drugs given during visits to RCC are prepared and dispensed by the pharmacy. These drugs are typically billed directly to insurance carriers, whenever possible.

The pharmacy also dispenses non-chemotherapy drugs that our physicians prescribe to support treatment or minimize side effects. The on-site pharmacy is convenient for many patients, who can have their prescriptions filled while they are receiving treatment or seeing their doctors. The pharmacists are available to discuss any aspect of drug therapy, including how a medication works, possible side effects and interactions. Non-chemotherapy prescriptions can also be filled at any outside pharmacy.

Radiology

The radiology department provides diagnostic and screening X-rays, mammography, including mobile mammography, CT scanning and PET/CT scanning.

Social Workers

For non-medical problems or concerns that arise as the result of a cancer diagnosis or treatment, the expertise of The RCC social workers is available to patients and families. The social workers can assist with transportation issues and financial needs, refer individuals to community agencies or home health organizations, and suggest support groups and educational resources.

Meet our Social Workers:

Supportive/Palliative Care Team

The Palliative Care Nurses assist patients with life-threatening illnesses, advanced chronic conditions, or those having difficulty managing symptoms. Regular assessments help or prevent problems before they become major issues, and education, counseling and other support is offered. Patients are referred to Sherri or Julie by their physician, other care providers, or simply asking to meet with them.

Meet our Palliative Care Nurse:

Financial Counselor

Insurance plans differ greatly from person to person, and reimbursement rates for primary, secondary and supplemental coverage can complicate insurance matters even more. The RCC financial counselor can help verify coverage and assess how insurance and other resources apply to services received. When a balance is anticipated, special payment plans can be arranged.

The Regional Cancer Center does not turn away patients because they are unable to pay. We have a financial assistance / community care policy to assist those in need. Inquiries for assistance are facilitated by the financial counselor.

Meet our Financial Counselor:

Donna McNeish

Dietitian

Good nutrition is especially important for people with cancer. RCC’s registered dietitian has special expertise in the area of cancer nutrition. She is available to assess patients’ individual dietary and nutrition needs and provide practical, scientifically based recommendations.
Meet our Dietitian:

Karen Schnaekel