I need your input - what makes a difference for you??

http://www.dana-farber.org/

While I don't expect most hospitals to have the resources Dana Farber has, their standard of care, the services, everything exbronxgrl says, it's all there.  Most especially the wonderful way you are treated from the moment you park your car, walk in the front door, and feel you are being COMPLETELY taken care of - the kindness of every person I interact with still amazes and touches me, deeply.

Yale has all of the above. One stop shopping if you please and valet parking which was very valuable during rads because you are so tired and don't want to walk to find your car. All doctors under one roof and all have access to my electronic records, test results etc.

 They offer free massage, smoking cessation, dietician services, social worker, accupuncture and anything else you can think of including free tickets to local theater, concerts, sporting events etc for the cancer patients in active treatment. Could not be more pleased with my care.

Having top doctors and coordinated care is of paramount importance, but I really appreciate the auxiliary services at my cancer center.  The most important to me has been the weight management program which combines exercise/yoga three mornings a week with a trainer accredited to work with cancer patients and also has monthly meetings with a nutritionist and a nurse practitioner.  For me, this works to improve my physical well-being at the same time as it's a social outlet and support group. We also have patient navigators who help coordinate these services and organize activities for patients like Look Good, Feel Better, support groups, and nutrition classes.  Our boutique is funded by the American Cancer Society and provides all sorts of informative brochures and free wigs, hats, and scarves.

Forgot to add, my center also has an amazing reference library.  It is stocked with all kinds of free literature/pamphlets on all kinds of cancer.  It also has cancer related books that can be checked out, just like in a real library.  Free newspapers daily.  Also, it is stocked with hats and afgans that are all donated by a local women's group - I received the most beautiful lap quilt for free the first time I went in there.  Made me ball my eyes out; I was so touched. 

In addition to coordinated care, I'd love it if medical professionals would tell you the costs of things upfront. Not everyone has good (or any!) health insurance yet, & they may need to plan for the bills. Cancer treatment is expensive, & that can really add to the stress of having the disease. I've read that most personal bankruptcies in the U.S. are caused by a family dealing with major medical bills, & now I'm not surprised.

Oh & if you're planning a brand new cancer center, try to locate it near major public transit hubs & major roads/freeway exits. That'll help people with limited transportation options get there more easily, either if they need to take the bus or they're having a friend drive them who's unfamiliar w/the neighborhood.

on co-ordinated care:  My center has a "Breast Care Co-ordinator" assigned to each bc patient.  She is an RN.  She is available during 12 hr day shifts, and on call for emergencies.  She meets each patient between biopsy and diagnosis.  So, when you are sent for biopsy, you meet your BCC. She explains the steps of the process, she explains insurance coverages and issues, she explains available programs in the area, helps you register with American Cancer Society, register for the Look Good Feel Better program, and so much more.  She is just your advocate.

Mine also set up my appointments at Nordstroms to get my prosthesis, my bras and personal shopper to help with "fit".

She directed me to a "team" of physicians, covered by my insurance, who work together with patients.  The team consisted of a breast surgeon, plastic surgeon, oncologist, etc... all who worked in different offices but had formed teams based on their experiences. 

Literally held my hand through the process.  SHE was my rock.