Our new patient brochure contains important information about your treatment, our policies, and our physicians. If at any time you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We welcome your questions!
If you have been referred to OHA by your primary care physician, and have already scheduled an appointment, please download our new patient forms by following the link below. Fill out all forms and bring them to your appointment.
Patient Forms
If you have been referred by your primary care physician to Oncology Hematology Associates and have an appointment scheduled, please download the forms from the link below, fill out, and bring them with you to your appointment.
Prescriptions and Refills
As you prepare for each office visit, take time to make a list of all your medications. Notify your pharmacy when you need prescription refills with the exception of pain medications. We can not refill pain medications after hours or on weekends. You will need to contact our office 24 hours in advance for pain medication refills.
Keep Your Primary Care Physician
Many patients have underlying medical conditions that our physicians do not manage. We ask that you maintain an ongoing relationship with your primary care physician, as we will rely upon your physician to continue refilling your regular medications for medical care not related to chemotherapy. You should also continue to rely upon your primary care physician for hospitalizations not related to your cancer treatment.
Patient Education
Before beginning any chemotherapy or biotherapy treatment, you will meet with one of our nurse practitioners or registered nurses for a full hour education session to review the medications you will receive and any possible side effects.
Appointments
Although we make every effort to see you on schedule, there are emergencies that arise that result in your physician being delayed. If this situation occurs, we will make every attempt to keep you updated. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Cancellations
If you need to cancel an appointment, including appointments for off-site tests and procedures, please call us 48 hours in advance. This courtesy allows us to reschedule you at the earliest available time and provides another patient the opportunity to schedule an earlier appointment time.
Children
In order to maintain the healthiest environment possible for immunosuppressed patients, children under the age of seven are not permitted in patient care areas. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted in the treatment area for the protection of both the child and the patient.
Fees
OHA is a Medicare participating provider.
We file all primary and secondary claims. Any benefit we receive from an insurance company or government agency will be applied to your current balance or refunded to you if your account is paid in full.
Payment is expected at the time of service, unless prior arrangements have been made. It is the responsibility of the patient, or a designated family member, to pay all fees. We provide an on-site financial counselor to answer insurance questions you may have, assist with financial concerns, or to arrange scheduled payments to your account.
Area Support Groups
Brenda Haden, one of our most experienced OHA nurses, leads several Springfield area support groups, including Caregivers Support Group, PACS, and Grief Support Group. Brenda is a liver cancer survivor and has personally facilitated support groups for more than 20 years. Her passion for providing support to those whose lives are affected by cancer is evident in the loving and understanding manner in which she leads these helpful support groups. For more information, call Brenda at 417.882.4880.
- Caregivers Support Group
For family members or friends of people with cancer. Meets: Second Thursday of every month, 4:30-6:00 p.m. Hulston Cancer Center Patient Classroom, Suite 200 - Reach Together
For women whose lives are affected by breast cancer. Sponsored by the CoxHealth Breast Care Clinic. Meets: Second Tuesday of every month, 7:00 p.m. Hulston Cancer Center Breast Care Clinic, Suite 300 - PACS (Patient and Caregivers Support Group)
For people who have been diagnosed with cancer and for their caregivers. This group offers support for both the patient and the caregiver, as well as information about treatment and available resources. Meets: Third Thursdays of every month, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Hulston Cancer Center, First floor conference room - Grief Support Group
For people who have lost a loved one to cancer. Meets: Second Tuesday of every month, 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. Hulston Cancer Center, First floor conference room Call 417.269.5257 for more information about any of the above support groups.
Advocacy
Patient advocacy is at the heart of our mission and a natural extension of our commitment to providing exceptional patient care, close to home. The primary role of a patient advocate is to listen, and then to match patient needs to the best resources. At OHA, we offer assistance with coordination of transportation and lodging, financial assistance programs, finding support groups and community resources. Many excellent local support groups are available to provide support and compassion that benefits both patients and their families.
OHA Patient Advocacy Initiatives:
- Breast Cancer Center of Excellence – Dr. Gillett serves as medical oncologist for the Springfield area’s only designated Breast Cancer Center of Excellence.
- All OHA regimens and treatment protocols are NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) and/or Academic evidenced-based.
- We are Community Oncology Members and active supporters of the Oncology Medical Home Initiative.
- To ensure that we provide the best, most current standard of patient care, we partner with MD Anderson, Mayo Clinic, Barnes, and Cleveland Clinic– all major academic centers of excellence.