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Specialized
Technology
and Patient-Centered Environment
Centers
offer sophisticated technology within comfortable surroundings.
This environment is highly conducive to the patient's comfort
and recovery.
Specific
equipment varies from Center to Center and includes linear
accelerators for treatment of deepseated tumors, head/neck
tumors, breast tumors, skin and surface tumors. Brachytherapy
for treatment directly into affected areas, seed implantation
for prostate cancer, and strontium-89 for metastatic bone
pain are offered as well.
Other
equipment includes treatment planning simulators and a computer
system specially designed for treatment planning and verification.
Courtesy
transportation, wheelchair and stretcher service are available
for patients in need.
Cost
Containment
and Sound Business Management
It is
the policy of 21st Century Oncology to offer quality
care within a competitive cost structure.
In addition,
the centers offer global billing that includes professional
and technical charges within one comprehensive billing process.
Fees
and payment structures are discussed with patients following
the initial consultation. Financial counseling and flexible
payment plans are available as needed once a course of treatment
has been decided upon.
An Additional
Note on Research
Ongoing
clinical research is leading toward more effective cancer
treatments and 21st Century Oncology is committed to participating
in that research.
The centers'
primary affiliation is with the Radiation Therapy Oncology
Group, headquartered in Philadelphia and affiliated with a
number of major universities.
This
organization, with funding from the National Cancer Institute,
addresses such questions as how to determine the best dosage
and forms of radiation therapy as well as how best to combine
radiation therapy with other treatment modalities. The Centers
are also affiliated with the Southwest Oncology Group and
the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Program.
Patient
participation in research is completely voluntary and may
be discontinued at any time. Eligible patients are never included
without full disclosure and voluntary approval.
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