Urgent Care for Cancer Patients Expands Access in Philadelphia

Access to specialized urgent care for cancer patients in Philadelphia is improving as local clinics adapt to the growing needs of this vulnerable population. Many patients, like Ellie Wilson, who was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in July 2023, face significant health risks during standard emergency room visits.

While waiting for care in a Philadelphia emergency room, Wilson felt anxious due to the presence of other patients exhibiting symptoms of illness. “You have parents with their young children who are coughing, stifling, sneezing… and that’s all coming out in the air,” she remarked. For patients with compromised immune systems, such as Wilson, these environments can be threatening.

Prior to her cancer diagnosis, Wilson had already been managing ulcerative colitis, which complicates her treatment. The combination of chemotherapy and her pre-existing condition led to frequent emergency visits for gastrointestinal issues, a common challenge for oncology patients who often experience side effects like nausea and fatigue.

Specialized Clinics Provide Timely Care

Recognizing the need for more immediate care options, cancer centers in Philadelphia have begun offering dedicated oncology urgent care services. The University of Pennsylvania’s Abramson Cancer Center recently enhanced its services by extending the hours of its Oncology Evaluation Center to 24/7 availability.

“We wanted a solution for our patients so they could spend as much time as possible outside the hospital while still being safely monitored,” said Lindsey Zinck, chief nursing officer at the Abramson Cancer Center. This clinic, which opened in 2016, has observed a significant decrease in emergency room visits since expanding its hours to include weekends and now operates around the clock.

Zinck noted that many patients required transfusions on weekends, which highlighted the necessity for after-hours care. “Sometimes our patients need care that can’t wait for clinic hours and doesn’t need an inpatient stay,” she explained.

Another facility addressing these needs is the Temple University’s Fox Chase Cancer Center, which has operated its Direct Referral Unit since 2011. The unit streamlines patient care by allowing individuals to report symptoms directly to a nurse, who then assesses the urgency of the situation.

According to Kristin Manley, clinical director of the Hospitals Program at Fox Chase, this method reduces wait times and improves patient outcomes. “We’re able to narrow down the potential causes of the symptoms,” she stated. “Our goal is to get our patients’ symptoms under control and get them home the same day.”

Responding to Complex Needs

The rise of oncology urgent care reflects the increasing complexity of cancer treatment, which now includes advanced therapies like immunotherapy. Christopher D’Avella from the Penn Center for Cancer Care Innovation emphasized the importance of having specialized care for patients facing severe side effects.

As treatment options expand, patients may experience new and more severe side effects, making it essential to monitor them closely. D’Avella advocated for dedicated spaces where patients can receive immediate attention for concerning symptoms.

The establishment of oncology urgent care clinics has also aimed to reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and hospital admissions among cancer patients. These facilities may not operate like traditional urgent care centers, but they focus on delivering efficient and effective patient care tailored to the specific needs of cancer treatment.

In addition to medical advancements, the Philadelphia Conquering Cancer Coalition is working to improve communication and collaboration among health centers, thereby addressing disparities in prevention and treatment outcomes.

As Philadelphia’s cancer care landscape evolves, the introduction and expansion of oncology urgent care services represent a significant step towards better health outcomes for patients navigating the challenges of cancer treatment.