“The idea is to discuss patient
cases in a multidisciplinary fashion
where everyone can review the
cases together and discuss the
different nuances that aren’t so
straightforward, that don’t always
come across on a medical chart.”
—Juddi Yeh, MD
navigate two sets of medical records.
This isn’t an ideal situation in terms of
continuity of care and communications
with other caregivers on the patient’s
team. “While patients who go outside
Baylor Scott & White may receive fine
care, it isn’t the most effective way to
provide that care,” Ms. Clark says.
Consolidated care
under one roof
Once patients are able to receive
radiation oncology at the Rock
Prairie Clinic, every office visit will be
documented in Baylor Scott & White’s
electronic medical records (EMR)
system. Juddi Yeh, MD, one of two
medical oncologists at Rock Prairie,
believes patient convenience will
extend beyond a streamlined medical
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THE CATALYST December 15 | sw.org
record. “There are a number of cancers
that require the use of chemotherapy
and radiation together, so it would be
a lot more convenient for patients to
have both those services in the same
place,” she says.
Bringing radiation oncology and
chemotherapy under one roof means
that medical and radiation oncologists
will be under one roof, too, allowing
for easier collaboration among
caregivers. This means better patient
care and safety. “This will make it
easier for physicians to consult about
a patient’s care as well as participate
in multidisciplinary teams that review
cancer cases,” says Dr. Yeh. “The
idea is to discuss patient cases in
a multidisciplinary fashion where
everyone can review the cases together
and discuss the different nuances
that aren’t so straightforward, that
don’t always come across on a medical
chart.” Dr. Yeh believes patients can
sense and appreciate such collegiality
among physicians. “They can feel the
comfort level that everyone is on the
same page and that they’re getting the
best care possible,” she says.
The hospital’s presence has also
meant that more cancer cases are
being diagnosed locally. For example,
according to Dr. Yeh, if a patient
is admitted to the hospital with a
bowel obstruction, doctors may learn
the obstruction is caused by cancer.
Soon, they’ll have all the care elements
they need in one place, for early
involvement of all members of the
care team.