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I Am An Administrator

Administrators in all settings of care are at the center of the whirlwind of change sweeping through healthcare and oncology— the shift to new payment models; growing requirements for data collection and reporting; EHR systems; marketplace pressures; budget constraints and staffing; and more. ACCC is pleased to offer select curated content contributed by administrators, industry experts, and others involved in the operations and management aspects of cancer care delivery.

Featured Administrator Programs

Cancer Program Fundamentals

The Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) Cancer Program Fundamentals offer peer-developed, foundational information on the basic areas encompassed in the development of a cancer program. This resource provides a broad, high-level overview of the services included within a cancer program with links to standards, accrediting organizations, and additional resources.
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Let's Be Clear: Communicating to Improve the Patient Experience

Cancer treatment regimens are increasingly complex. How health literate is your healthcare organization? Use ACCC's gap assessment tool to identify areas for improvement.
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Making the Case for New Staff

ACCC developed a series of five discipline-specific business briefs to show how comprehensive cancer care services improve patient care and the patient experience and justify hiring of new staff.
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From Oncology Issues

An Optimal Care Coordination Model for Medicaid Patients with Lung Cancer: Finalization of the Model and Implications for Clinical Practice in the United States
Randall A. Oyer, MD, et al.

In this article, the authors discuss revisions to the Optimal Care Coordination Model following beta testing to develop the final version, rationale for significant revisions, and nationwide dissemination of the Model.
Implementing a Transportation Hub: A Holistic Approach to a Systemic Problem
Rachel Marquez, BS, MPH

Patients with cancer who face transportation barriers often find themselves at a crossroads: They must either continue to piece together various forms of assistance to try to complete a treatment regimen and protocol or throw in the towel altogether. Instead of reacting to patients’ needs after they fall out of compliance with their specified treatment, we pledged to proactively offer and find transportation assistance that meets all patient needs.
Carrie's TOUCH: Supporting Black Women with Breast Cancer
Maddelynne Parker and Tammie Denyse, M. DIV., MCL

With disparate breast cancer outcomes, lack of messages of hope, and limited available support for Black women, Rev. Tammie and her late sister were inspired to co-found Carrie’s TOUCH in 2006.
Community Oncology Can Close the Gap in Cancer Research
Amanda Patton, MA

One of the ways in which community oncology is helping to close gaps in cancer research is through participation in the National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program clinical trials. The Lahey Health Cancer Institute, a part of the Beth Israel Lahey Health System, continues to expand access to clinical trials and, in particular, the NCI National Clinical Trials Network into the community by partnering with affiliated community hospitals.
A Nurse Navigator Led Community-Based Cardio-Oncology Clinic
Rachel Zirkelback, BA, et al.

Dr. Vijay Rao and Dr. Eric Stephen Rubenstein returned from a Global Cardio-Oncology Society meeting g with the realization that they could do much more to protect patients with cancer from potential cardiac toxicity of chemotherapy. The two shared one goal: to prevent the cancer survivor of today from becoming the heart failure patient of tomorrow.
Trending Now in Cancer Care
Alexandria Howson, PhD

Rather than fielding its annual Trending Now in Cancer Care survey while cancer programs were experiencing unprecedented challenges due to the extended public health emergency, ACCC chose to facilitate conversations with its members to capture the lived experiences of the most pertinent issues impacting oncology practice and care delivery.
Reflections on a Career: A Conversation with ASCO's Dr. Richard Schilsky
Barbara A. Gabriel, MA

Oncology Issues sat down with Dr. Schilsky to look back on his career and look forward to future research breakthroughs in this era of COVID-19 and beyond.
Compliance: Behavior Health Assessment and Intervention for Oncology Patients
Leveraging Technology to Reduce Hospital and Emergency Room Admissions and Identify Patient Comorbidities
Larry E. Bilbrey, et al.

It is well documented, even beyond Tennessee Oncology's OCM experience, that patients with cancer generally have some type of hospital-related costs during their disease treatment. Understanding the impact of these real-time alerts and data, Tennessee Oncology formed a Care Transformation Team with the focus of addressing admissions in real time, as well as follow-up care for discharges.
Views: Developing Effective Cancer Program Leadership
Barbara Schmidtman, PhD, MAOL, CNMT

As the senior director of cancer services at Spectrum Health Lakeland in St. Joseph, Mich., I led a breakout session at the 37th [Virtual] ACCC National Oncology Conference in September 2020, where I shared tips for effective and positive leadership in oncology. The first step to becoming an effective leader is to understand the type of leader you are—even if you hold an informal leadership position.
Issues: Recent Trends in White Bagging and Brown Bagging
Kristin Ferguson, DNP, RN, OCN

Over the last several months, ACCC members have experienced a rising trend of payer-mandated white and brown bagging. ACCC will continue to monitor and update members about issues related to white and brown bagging.
An Optimal Care Coordination Model for Medicaid Patients with Lung Cancer: Results from Beta Model Testing
Matthew P. Smeltzer, PhD, MSTAT, et al.

In 2016, the Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) initiated a three-year multiphase project to develop an Optimal Care Coordination Model (OCCM) for Medicaid patients with lung cancer that would help assess and strengthen care delivery systems by facilitating and expanding access to multidisciplinary coordinated care.
Driving Oncology Forward
Krista Nelson, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, FAOSW

This next year, as we emerge out of COVID-19’s shadow and into a landscape that has been forever altered by the worldwide pandemic, it is important that we reflect on what we witnessed this past year—not only the suffering but the “wins.”
How Oncology Can Help Improve Vaccination Rates
Sibel Blau, MD

Oncologists may not be on the frontline taking care of patients with COVID-19 in intensive care units or emergency departments, but we do have the chance to advocate for vaccination to win the race against this deadly virus.
Views: Hiring a Genetic Counselor in a Lean Labor Market
Stephanie A. Cohen, MS, LCGC

Given the demand for their skills and the competitive market, genetic counselors can afford to be selective in their employment choices. Hospitals and clinics must therefore be creative in their recruiting efforts and offer competitive packages.
Improving Care of Advanced Cancer Patients with a Dedicated Palliative Radiotherapy Team
By Kavita Dharmarajan, MD, MSc

Due to radiation oncology’s focus on disease, palliative radiation therapy often involves lengthier courses than necessary and extended wait times, posing financial and logistical challenges for patients. Mount Sinai Hospital’s Department of Radiation Oncology and the Tisch Cancer Institute established a specialized service model to increase the use of short-course radiation treatments, reduce the lengths of hospital stay, and improve access to palliative care services.
An Inpatient and Outpatient Nursing Collaborative Improves the Patient Experience
By Christine Shike, RN, BSN

When SwedishAmerican Regional Cancer Center found itself unable to quantify performance in inpatient oncology, it saw an opportunity to break down barriers in communication and education between the inpatient and outpatient setting.
Patient Care Connect
By Warren Smedley, MSHA, MSHQS, and Gabrielle B. Rocque, MD

Though the concept of patient navigation is not new, the use of lay navigation teams across the continuum of a cancer journey is a novel approach to care coordination. Integrating lay navigators into the healthcare team empowers the clinical team to work at a higher level within the scope of their training.
Beyond the Classroom: Students Improve Access to Supportive Care Services
By Bridget LeGrazie, APN; Brie Bernhardt, MSW, LSW; and Lisa Rosenberry, MS, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C

In 2016 Virtua Cancer Program saw approximately 2,400 analytic cases across three ncampuses. Our two full-time (FTE) social workers were challenged to meet this high patient demand, and it soon became clear that improvements were needed
A Perfect Fit: Mentoring Experienced RNs to Meet Oncology Clinic Demand
By Lexine Thall, MN, RN-BC, AOCN, and Kristina Chase, BSN, RN, OCN

The ongoing balancing act of staffing and retention is one of the most challenging issues in healthcare today. In specialty areas such as oncology, staffing presents an even more difficult challenge. Finding qualified individuals with the right experience to fill open positions can be a taxing, time-consuming task.
Adverse Event Management in the Community-Based Immuno-Oncology Clinic

With increasing approvals of new immunotherapy agents and new indications for existing agents, more cancer patients are receiving immunotherapy in the community. Coordinated management of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) for these patients remains a growing challenge.
Piloting a Patient Resource Navigator System
Jennifer Klemp, PhD, MPH; Jeff Wright; Teri Banman, BSN, RN, OCN; and Terry Tsue, MD, FACS

The University of Kansas Cancer Center and Patient Resource, LLC, have collaborated on a navigation and patient education system, coordinating oncology patient care and providing personalized education for individuals with a new or potential primary oncology diagnosis.
Compliance: Oncology Coding Update 2018

The 2018 Medicare final regulations, code updates, and other reimbursement changes will bring significant compensation shifts for oncology providers.
Growing a Patient Transportation Program
Sherry Laniado, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C

Transportation is not only a practical problem, but also an emotional impediment that can cause a tremendous amount of stress and anxiety to an already overwhelmed patient.
The NET Program
Linda Bily, MA

Stony Brook Cancer Center staff and patients appreciate the bus service and what it entails: reduced travel time for patients, less fatigue for patients, a knowledgeable driver, and coordination with oncology services.
Building a Comprehensive Oncology Rehabilitation Program
Paula J. Bauer, RN, MSN, OCN

TMMC’s commitment to relieve disability and improve the quality of life of cancer survivors includes program development of exercise, diet, relaxation techniques, and numerous other rehabilitation interventions.
Oncology Disease-Site Process Mapping: Coordinating Care Across the Continuum
Tricia Strusowski, RN, MS, and Matthew Shoemaker

Learn how oncology disease-site process mapping can streamline your cancer program’s operations and decrease duplication of services.
The Role of the Oral Oncology Nurse Navigator
Mary K. Anderson, BSN, RN, OCN; Michael J. Reff, RPH, MBA; Rebecca S. McMahon, MHA, BSN, RN, OCN; and Deborah R. Walters, RN, OCN

While oncology programs and practices must take into account numerous considerations when ramping up their oral chemotherapy services, this article focuses on one unique and very important role to facilitate this transition: the oral oncology nurse navigator.
The Oncology Nursing Fellowship Program
Sandy Balentine, MSN, RN, OCN, MBA, and Valerie Quigley, BSN, RN, OCN

Productivity and staffing in an ambulatory oncology infusion center can be challenging. A shortage of skilled applicants to fill staffing needs adds further challenges. Such was the case at The Valley Hospital in northeast New Jersey.

ACCCBuzz Blog Posts

FROM THE ACCCBUZZ BLOG

Medical Nutrition Therapy Act Would Benefit Medicare Recipients
August 24, 2021
If passed, the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act could expand Medicare Part B to cover medical nutrition therapy services for patients with cancer, who need to maintain their strength and keep a health body weight during treatment. ACCCBuzz shares more about this legislation and why its benefits are essential for oncology.
How Quality Improvement Can Reduce Inequities in Care
By Emily Mackler, PharmD, BCOP
August 17, 2021
In a recent summit addressing the role of advanced practitioners (APs) in eliminating health disparities, participants felt strongly that APs have an important part to play in ensuring patient access to quality cancer care.
Early Palliative Care Program Proactively Meets Patient Needs
July 22, 2021
Palliative care services are an important element of comprehensive cancer care. However, patients are not usually introduced to palliative care providers until their services are needed. Read how Cancer Care Associates of York—a community-based private practice in York, Penn.—is changing this by identifying high-risk patients suitable for palliative interventions up front and allowing patients to access palliative care services as early as possible.
New Legislation Expands Access to Clinical Trials
By Matt Devino, MPH
July 14, 2021
Beginning January 2022, CMS will be required to cover for Medicaid patients the routine costs associated with participating in clinical trials. Learn what states and provider organizations can do to leverage this mandate to address barriers to care in the community and reduce inequities in clinical trial participation.
Integrating Community Paramedics into the Cancer Care Team
July 08, 2021
Through a partnership with Albuquerque Ambulance Service, a local community paramedic group that is a division of Presbyterian Healthcare Services, Presbyterian enables qualifying patients with cancer access to certain clinical interventions and wellness checks in their homes from a specialized paramedicine oncology team. The goal of the program is to reduce patient utilization of the ED and reduce inpatient admissions by addressing some patients’ treatment-related symptoms at home.
Managing COVID+ Oncology Patients at Home During Treatment
July 07, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic posed many new complications for cancer programs and practices across the United States. To keep COVID-19-positive patients with cancer out of the hospital where they could potentially infect others, Inova Schar Cancer Institute in Fairfax, Va., implemented remote patient monitoring technology to continually track patients’ vitals while they are at home and in between their outpatient treatments.
Addressing ED Incidental Imaging Findings Through Navigation
July 06, 2021
When a patient presents for care in an emergency department (ED), unexpected issues unrelated to their chief complaint may be flagged. To help patients better navigate our complex healthcare system after receiving news of an incidental finding during an ED visit, the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Adult ED and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center partnered to follow-up with these patients after their discharge to help them initiate the appropriate follow-up care.
Cancer Care’s Road to Recovery from the Global Pandemic
July 01, 2021
An interview with Debra Patt, MD, PhD, MBA, FASCO, Executive Vice President, Public Policy and Strategic Initiatives, at Texas Oncology. Learn about what you can expect from Dr. Patt's keynote at the 38th ACCC National Oncology Conference.
State by State: Advocacy for Patient Access to Quality Cancer Care
By Matt Devino, MPH
June 30, 2021
“State legislators play a significant role when it comes to health insurance oversight, regulation, and innovation.” – National Council of State Legislatures. Learn how oncology state societies are advocating for greater access to fertility preservation services for patients with cancer, including insurance coverage for these services.
Mobile App Eases Patient Cost-of-Care Conversations
June 29, 2021
Financial toxicity in oncology is a long-standing issue for patients with cancer. As increasing costs related to cancer care put financial strain on patients, so too do the indirect costs of a cancer diagnosis and treatment—travel, childcare, and other daily living needs. Learn how 2021 ACCC Innovator Award winner Dr. Lauren Hamel at Wayne State University School of Medicine; Karmanos Cancer Institute has set out to address current trends in treatment-related cost discussions between patients and their care team members through a mobile app to make these conversations a vital part of patients’ treatment plans.
Pride Month & Equality in Cancer Care
June 28, 2021
“I had difficulty trusting providers enough to seek the care that I needed. When my partner saw something unusual on my back and I had to try a new dermatologist, I had to be dragged kicking and screaming to his office,” says Scout, PhD, MA, executive director of the National LGBT Cancer Network. Learn more about the needs of LGBTQ patients and how you can help create a safe, inclusive space.
Tips for Helping Relieve Patients of Financial Burden
June 25, 2021
Knowing what co-pay assistance each patient needs and where to find it—often in short order—is key to successfully securing funding and ultimately enabling access to necessary treatment. These four key steps can help financial advocates obtain patients co-pay, premium, or travel assistance from independent patient foundations.
Virtual Reality Brings Patient Education to Life
June 23, 2021
Effective patient education helps patients better understand their diagnoses and participate in shared decision-making with their providers. Douglas Holt, MD, chief resident of radiation oncology at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, UCHealth-Oncology Services, is taking patient education to the next level: virtual reality.
Building Relationships: The Foundation for a Successful Service Line
By Amanda Henson, MSHA, MBA, FACHE 
June 22, 2021
"Upon assuming my role in Baptist Health’s new oncology service line, I knew it was essential for me to continue strengthening my relationships with the physicians and leadership at the nine Baptist hospitals across Kentucky and Southern Indiana," says ACCC Board Member Amanda Henson, MSHA, MBA, FACHE. Learn how she achieved clinical, operational, and financial efficiencies to facilitate reliable, quality patient care across all sites while in her role.
New Louisiana Law Bans White Bagging
By Matt Devino, MPH
June 17, 2021
On June 1, 2021, the Governor of Louisiana signed legislation that banned “white bagging” in the state, ensuring that health insurers cannot refuse to pay for approved physician-administered drugs and related services to covered patients. It is the first such law in the United States.
Cancer Survivors Share Their Stories
June 15, 2021
ACCC Raises Awareness for National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week
June 14, 2021
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Oncology Center of Excellence, Project Community, has designated June 17 to June 23 as National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week. The week coincides with Juneteenth—an important date in our nation’s history that marks and celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. By participating in the #BlackFamCan social media effort, ACCC is building support and sharing knowledge with key stakeholders about the importance of including Black patients in cancer clinical trials and genetic databases for oncology research to improve access and effect change in cancer care delivery.
Advocacy in Action: Putting Guardrails Around Step Therapy
June 10, 2021
The delivery of the right treatment to the right patient at the right time is a hallmark of quality care. Step therapy applied to oncology can needlessly and dangerously derail a patient's care.
Notes on Nursing: Staying a Nurse
By Robin B. Atkins, RN, OCN
June 08, 2021
This is the first post in the blog series, “Notes on Nursing,” in which Robin Atkins shares her thoughts about her career as an oncology nurse. Here, she talks about not only why she became an oncology nurse, but also why she chooses to STAY a nurse.
ACCC Virtual Hill Day Brings Together Members, Lawmakers
June 04, 2021
“For me, this experience was excellent, and I felt prepared with the preparation ACCC offered,” said Jared Kast, RT(T), MHA. The successful ACCC Virtual Hill Day—held May 12, 2021—brought together ACCC members and state lawmakers. Learn more about what issues were discussed and members' experiences in this new virtual format.