Intake Oncology Coordinator Program
Renown Medical Group – Medical Oncology has an Intake Oncology Coordinator (IOC) program to expedite diagnosis and provide an appropriate specialty referral for patients suspected of having a malignancy.
Common conditions to be referred to this program include patients with:
- A mass shown on a CT scan
- Unexplained adenopathy for a lymph node greater than 1cm
- A thyroid nodule greater than 1cm
- An abnormal SPEP or immunoelectrophoresis
If you have an appropriate patient, please place and IOC referral in Epic or call 775-982-2820.
About the Program Process
Once a referral has been received, the patient will be scheduled with an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) for evaluation. The APRN will proceed with appropriate diagnostic work-up such as a biopsy, CT or PET scan, or additional labs.
If a benign condition is found, the IOC will return the patient to the referring physician with recommendations for further follow-up.
If a diagnosis of cancer is made, the IOC will refer the patient to the next appropriate specialist for treatment such as a surgeon, radiation oncologist, or medical oncologist.
It is preferred the referring practitioner not schedule concurrent biopsies or refer to other specialists. This program will keep the primary care physician and referring provider aware of all test results and consultations. Specialists are chosen based on patient or primary care physician request, by providers in-network, or specialty expertise.
The IOC will see patients regardless of insurance status. If finances are an issue, the IOC will engage the assistance of social services and financial patient advocates.