WHO ARE WE?
Jefferson’s Department of Radiation Oncology is prepared to evaluate patients who
may need to receive radiation therapy (or radiotherapy) as a portion of their cancer
treatment. There are some individuals who need radiotherapy for a problem other than
cancer, and we are also available to evaluate them as well. Radiotherapy has been used for
nearly a century as a method of shrinking and sometimes curing cancer. We are pleased to
report that there has been tremendous progress in the methods of more safely delivering
radiotherapy, and this progress continues today. You can be sure that our department has
the latest available technology to ensure that every patient receives the best possible
treatment for the problem at hand.
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WHERE ARE WE?
Jefferson’s Department of Radiation Oncology has three treatment locations. Our
largest and main facility is located in the modern three-story facility called the Bodine
Center for Cancer Treatment. The Bodine Center is a part of the main campus of Thomas
Jefferson University Hospital in Center City Philadelphia on the northeast corner of South
11th and Sanson Streets. Valet parking is available at this entrance. Our other two
facilities are located on the campuses of Chestnut Hill
Hospital in northwest Philadelphia and Lower Bucks Hospital
in Bristol Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, respectively. Each one of our locations
is equally committed to providing the best possible care for each patient. If your care requires special expertise only available at one of our locations, our medical team will inform you of this.
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HOW DO I ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT IN THE DEPARTMENT?
Many of our patients are referred directly to us by another physician, such as a family
doctor or surgeon. In other cases, patients come directly to us for a first or second
opinion. We are committed to seeing all patients within 48-72 hours of our first telephone
contact regarding a new patient. An appointment can be made at our main department at the Bodine Center by calling 1-215-955-5485, at our Chestnut Hill facility by calling 1-215-248-8712, and at our Bucks County department by calling 1-215-785-9910. Another way
to reach us is by calling 1-800-JEFFNOW and letting the cancer nurse specialist that you
wish to see one of Jefferson’s radiation physician specialists.
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WHAT HAPPENS BEFORE MY APPOINTMENT?
It may be necessary for a new patient to collect x-rays, medical records, and other
materials to bring along at the time of the first visit. The scheduling secretary will
tell you what to bring when you call to make an appointment. This will allow the physician
who sees you to best evaluate you and your specific treatment needs. In some situations,
we are able to get most of the materials from the hospitals and other physicians you have
seen. You will also be asked about your medical insurance and whether a special referral
is required.
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WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT THE TIME OF MY APPOINTMENT?
At any of our three facilities, you will be asked to register into our system when you
first come. Once registration is complete, you will then report to our department as
required. When you go over to Outpatient Registration, you will need to bring all of your
insurance information and any necessary referrals. All referrals for treatment should be
made out to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Failure to obtain the necessary
referrals or pre-certifications may cause the insurance company to deny payment. It is the
responsibility of the patient to make sure all of their insurance requirements are met.
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WHAT KIND OF DOCTOR WILL EVALUATE ME?
All of our physicians are cancer specialists with specialized training in the use of
radiation for cancer patients. All have completed specialized training and are board
certified in this specialty. Many of our doctors have specialized expertise in specific
types of cancers. Each physician is a full time member of the faculty of the Jefferson
Medical College and is recognized for his/her accomplishments in our specialty. Many of
our doctors are nationally and internationally recognized as leaders in cancer research.
If you or your family member has a particularly unusual cancer-related problem, our
doctors are able to find the appropriate resources to face such a challenge.
There will be occasions when a patient is evaluated by two or more specialists during a
single visit to one of our centers. While this may make for a long day at the hospital,
such visits sometimes allow the patient’s care to be coordinated among the necessary
specialists in a timely manner. We apologize for any lengthy waits caused by these
arrangements.
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WHAT WILL HAPPEN AFTER MY FIRST VISIT?
If you are advised to undergo radiotherapy and you agree, your radiation doctor and
nurse will inform you about the planned course of treatment, likely and unlikely
side-effects, and benefits of therapy. You will also receive both an educational videotape
and written materials specific to your particular problem. Don’t hesitate to ask
questions during and following your visit. Be sure you receive the office telephone number
of your radiation physician, social worker, and nurse.
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WHAT IS THE KIMMEL CANCER CENTER OF JEFFERSON?
The Kimmel Cancer Center of Jefferson is the name applied to the many cancer-related
research and treatment programs at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and the Jefferson
Medical College. This includes the radiation oncology programs in the Bodine Center,
Chestnut Hill, and Bucks County as well as other methods of cancer treatment at Jefferson.
The center is named for Mr. Sidney Kimmel, a generous benefactor of our programs. Since
1995, our cancer center has been identified as a National Cancer Institute-Designated
Cancer Center. For more complete information on Jefferson’ Kimmel Cancer Center,
visit our Web page.
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