Progressive Integrated Care

The hallmark of The Methodist Hospital’s Center for Advanced Clinical Studies (CACS) is excellence in the management of intensive outpatient neuroscience and oncology care. The Center for Advanced Clinical Studies offers convenient patient access to neurology and oncology physicians, nurse specialists, diagnostic services, therapeutic treatment and patient support all in one convenient location.

The process may begin with a phone call from the patient or the referring physician to discuss symptoms, history and diagnosis. Information is gathered to determine what diagnostic testing is necessary for an initial consultation.

Led by the expertise of neurology and oncology physicians and clinical nurse specialists, a plan of care and management is developed. This plan is then carefully implemented and monitored to enable each patient to reach a goal of optimal outcome.

Patient-Focused Access and Convenience

Our goal is to provide “seamless” service to patients with multiple needs. Whether service is obtained solely through the CACS point of service, in conjunction with a neighboring facility or through other areas in The Methodist Hospitals, we strive for “seamless” delivery throughout the plan of care.

A consolidated report is provided to the referring physician. This report is the result of the collaborative multi-disciplinary approach provided to neuro-oncology, oncology and other neuro patients. The report combines relative test results, progress notes, and details into a user-friendly document.

A copy of the medical record remains within the CACS facility. Medical records ensure that patient information remains available at CACS, not only for initial plans of care, but also for any future services. Previous medical information is of great benefit for continuation of care.

Innovative and Exclusive Technology

The CACS has been designed to provide a “one-stop” approach for patients including the availability of The Methodist Hospitals comprehensive Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services. LightSpeed CT, MRI, general diagnostic and breast imaging are readily available. Exclusive services available only through CACS are a vital component for the Center’s unique service delivery program. The new Gamma Knife Center, located within the CACS facility, elevates The Methodist Hospitals as a community-based hospital providing world-class Neurology and Oncology care.

The Radiation Oncology Center, also located within CACS, offers a full range of radiation oncology modalities including the Varian Linear Accelerator for IMRT and traditional radiation therapies, CT simulator, and Nucleatron HDR unit.

Compassionate Holistic Approach to Support and Management of Post-Acute and Chronic Conditions

Clinical Nurse Specialists have developed strong support services and programs for continuous monitoring of individual patient needs. The many areas within CACS, including the Neuroscience Institute of Northwest Indiana, The Oncology Institute, The Radiation Oncology Center, The Gamma Knife Center and The Center for Advanced Sleep Medicine work together to provide a holistic approach plus the integration of hospital-based services including physical therapy, behavioral medicine, rehabilitation services, and many others ensure that the patients’ spiritual and social needs are addressed. Resource materials and education programs for caregivers and patients are also available to further assist in reaching optimal outcomes.

Aggressive Multi-disciplinary Medical Team Includes the Primary Care Physician

Referring physicians are active, integral members of the multidisciplinary team. The CACS process brings together all members of this team through a “one-stop” approach. Weekly medical reviews focus on individual patients and their plan of care. Patients coming to the CACS facility benefit from this approach regardless of condition and primary service area. The CACS facility also provides access to individual physician practices in neuroscience and oncology with suites located on the 2nd and 3rd levels. The facility also offers The Center for Advanced Sleep Medicine, which is located on the 3rd level. The Center for Advanced Sleep Medicine is headed by a certified Sleep Medicine clinical specialist working with physician specialists to offer additional outpatient treatment options.

Clinical Studies Defined

The CACS process enables access to clinical trials and participation in research studies. The Oncology Institute is associated with the University of Chicago’s affiliation to Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) studies, among others. Neurology patients also have access to selected clinical trials for Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, epilepsy and others.

Advanced therapeutic services, such as IMRT and HDR are available through the Radiation Oncology Center. The Gamma Knife Center offers a treatment option that is not available anywhere else in Northern Indiana. These services along with the availability of LightSpeed CT, P.E.T. scanning, MRI and computer-assisted diagnostics for breast imaging (R2 ImageChecker) and The Center for Advanced Sleep Medicine, complete The Methodist Hospitals’ definition of Advanced Clinical Studies with respect to diagnostics.

Medical Specialists

The expertise of Northern Indiana’s preeminent physicians is available through the programs and facilities of The Methodist Hospitals’ Center for Advanced Clinical Studies.

• Neurologists
• Neurosurgeons
• Radiation Oncologists
• Oncologists/Hematologists