Oregon Hematology Oncology Associates

• What is our philosophy of treatment?

  Our philosophy is to provide you with the best possible health care. In our ongoing pursuit of this goal we strive to provide you with the following:

  • Access to cutting-edge treatment
  • In-depth discussion of all treatment options
  • Active participation in all treatment decisions
  • Communication with all providers involved in your care
  • Care and support to help meet the needs of you and your family
• What are the office hours and appointment schedules?
  • Appointments are scheduled Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • “Drop-in” visits are discouraged, but same-day appointments can always be made for urgent problems
  • A 24-hour notice is appreciated if you need to change or cancel an appointment
  • To maintain office flow please come as close to your appointment time as possible
  • Late arrivals may need to reschedule
• What is the after hour care policy?
  • One of our providers is on call for care after hours. The providers work together as a team and each can help you with any problem you may have.
  • Call your provider’s office number and our answering service will contact the on-call provider with your message.
  • Please call us in the event of a serious medical problem rather than going to the emergency room. This allows us to make arrangements if you have to be admitted to the hospital. Always let the doctor on call know what insurance you have.
  • In case of an emergency, please call 911.
• What is parking availability?

  Free parking is available at all of our offices. Our Providence Portland and St. Vincent’s offices offer valet parking at no charge. If you need assistance getting from the car to the office, please have the driver come in to the office to have a member of our staff help you. A wheelchair is available if you need one.

• How are prescription refills handled?
  • Prescriptions and refills are issued only during office hours.
  • Anticipate – please call your pharmacist at least 48 hours in advance of when your prescription is needed.
  • Most narcotics require a written prescription, so please plan ahead.
• Can I call my physician if I have questions?
  • To better assist you, our team of nurses and other health professionals are trained to answer many of your medical questions. Please feel free to call us during regular office hours.
  • If you need to speak to your provider, he/she will return your call or convey information through our staff at the earliest opportunity that the schedule will permit.
• What is your medical record policy?

  Your medical record will be kept strictly confidential and no information will be released without written consent from you. Please remember that our obligation to maintain the confidentiality of your medical records extends to your relatives and friends. We require your specific authorizations to discuss your case with them.

• Whom does the laboratory and radiology work?

  Some of your laboratory work may be performed in our clinic. Charges for these services will be included on your monthly statement. Often, laboratory work will be sent to an outside laboratory. In this case, the bill for services will come from that outside facility. Radiology tests ordered from this office are also done at other facilities and will be billed directly from that facility.

• What if I or members of my family have questions about my care?

  While receiving your care at Oregon Hematology Oncology Associates, P.C., you and your family members may have questions regarding your diagnosis and treatment plan. The health care team is here to help in any way they can to assure that you have the information you need.

  OHOA has an oncology-trained nursing staff that is available to help with questions about your treatment and possible side effects.

  We suggest that you appoint a spokesperson for your family; someone who could assist you in communicating information to the rest of your family and friends.

  To help you communicate with your doctor:

  • Bring a relative or friend with you to your appointment.
  • Write down questions in advance.
  • Take notes during your appointment for later review.
  • Ask questions if medical terms or concepts are used that you don’t understand.
  • We encourage you to talk about your concerns and observations with your provider. Never withhold information. Something you think is minor could affect treatment; something you think is serious might be minor and easily treated.
• What are your insurance and billing policies?
  • Always bring your insurance card with you to your appointment.
  • We are providers for the most major health plans in the region.
  • Your insurance company may require a referral and/or prior authorization for all visits and treatments. This sometimes takes about one week to process, so please realize that we do need this prior to your scheduled appointment or treatment. We will assist you in preauthorization and referral requirements for your particular plan.
  • We will bill your insurance company directly and in most cases, will bill your secondary insurance company. PLEASE BE SURE TO NOTIFY OUR OFFICE OF ANY INSURANCE CHANGES. If your insurance does not pay within 60 days the balance will be billed and payable by you.
  • We will be glad to help you with any billing or insurance questions you may have between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Our Business Office is located at 5050 NE Hoyt, Suite 362, Portland, OR 97213.
  • Insurance generally pays a portion of your total charges, but there may be a balance due because of co-payments, deductibles, or services that are not covered. Co-pays are always due at the time of service, prior to seeing the provider or having treatment and cannot be waived.
• What is your credit policy?
  • For our patients without insurance, we offer counseling and credit terms to assist you. Please let us know when you make your appointment if you do not have insurance. We have access to resources that may be able to assist you.
  • If there is an unusual financial situation, we encourage you to contact our Business Office and they will be happy to discuss arrangements for payment.
• What about bringing visitors and children to my appointment?

  Because of space limitations, visitors may be asked to wait in the waiting area during busy chemotherapy treatment times.

  Due to safety concerns and out of respect for our patients, we strongly urge you not to bring children into the exam/treatment area, or leave them unattended in the waiting area.

• Are they any restrictions to wearing fragrances?

  Many patients develop an increased sensitivity to allergies and odors when receiving chemotherapy. We request that you refrain from wearing any perfumes, body and/or after-shave lotions, or other fragrances when you come to the office.

• What happens when your schedule gets delayed?

  Please understand that occasionally we are delayed by emergencies and prolonged appointments with patients who are experiencing problems. We will make every effort to be on time or keep you fully informed when there is a wait.

©2003 Oregon Hematology Oncology Associates, P.C., Inc. All rights reserved. This site is for educational purposes only and is intended for your general knowledge. It should not be used as a substitute for advice from your physician or other healthcare professional.