The C.A.R.E. Clinic, a specialized urgent care facility for established patients of Virginia Oncology Associates (VOA), provides timely and focused medical care for acute issues associated with disease process and/or treatments. The clinic’s primary goal is to offer patients the ability to address urgent symptoms without having to visit a general urgent care center or emergency department. It offers services designed specifically for oncology patients, ensuring that their unique medical needs are met in a safe and efficient manner.
Cancer patients often face unique and acute medical concerns related to their disease or its treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. These issues can range from relatively mild symptoms like nausea or diarrhea to more serious complications like febrile neutropenia or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The C.A.R.E. Clinic is designed to address these issues quickly, preventing delays in care that could exacerbate a patient’s condition or lead to hospitalization. By offering same-day or next-day appointments, the clinic ensures that patients receive timely attention for their acute concerns. This flexibility allows patients to avoid unnecessary stress, reduce visits to general urgent care centers, and lessen the risk of infection or complications that might arise from being in a high-traffic medical environment like an emergency department.
The clinic is equipped to assess and treat a wide variety of acute complaints that may arise because of cancer or its treatment. Some of the most common conditions treated include:
With COVID and flu on the rise, VOA patients experiencing cough or URI symptoms WITH a fever are discouraged from utilizing the C.A.R.E clinic to limit exposure of other immunocompromised patients from exposure to potentially communicable pathogens.
In addition to evaluating and treating various symptoms, the C.A.R.E. Clinic offers a range of supportive care services that can help prevent hospitalization and improve patient comfort. These include:
Available on certain days, the ultrasound service allows for real-time imaging to assess issues such as suspected DVT or abdominal complaints. This is particularly beneficial for patients who need immediate imaging without the wait times associated with external radiology departments.
If further imaging is required, such as a CT scan or MRI, the clinic can arrange outpatient imaging appointments, streamlining the process for the patient and ensuring continuity of care.
Many cancer patients become dehydrated due to the side effects of treatment. The clinic can administer IV fluids to rehydrate patients and prevent more serious complications from dehydration, such as kidney injury or electrolyte imbalances.
The clinic can provide medications to treat acute complaints, including anti-nausea medications, pain relief, and antibiotics for infections. This immediate access to treatment can prevent the need for hospitalization and help patients recover more quickly.
Chemotherapy and other treatments can lead to dangerous electrolyte imbalances. The clinic is equipped to administer IV electrolyte replacement therapy, helping to restore balance and prevent complications like heart arrhythmias.
One of the clinic’s key strengths is its staffing model. The C.A.R.E. Clinic is staffed by advanced practice providers (APPs) who have acute care backgrounds and specialized oncology training. These providers are uniquely qualified to assess and treat cancer patients with urgent complaints, understanding both the complexities of cancer as a disease and the side effects of various cancer treatments. Their expertise ensures that patients receive the highest quality of care in a safe and supportive environment.
The APPs at the clinic are trained to recognize the specific needs of oncology patients, including the increased risk of infections, the delicate balance of managing side effects, and the need for timely intervention in certain situations, such as neutropenia or dehydration. Their experience in acute care also equips them to handle urgent situations with confidence and efficiency.
The VOA C.A.R.E. Clinic operates out of two convenient locations: the Brock Cancer Center in Norfolk, VA and the Port Warwick office in Newport News, VA. This allows patients across different regions to access care without having to travel long distances, which can be especially challenging for those dealing with fatigue or other side effects of treatment.
The clinic is open Monday through Friday, making it easily accessible for patients who need care during the workweek. The flexibility of offering same-day or next-day appointments ensures patients receive timely care, reducing anxiety and the potential for their symptoms to worsen.
One of the clinic’s primary objectives is to reduce the need for cancer patients to visit emergency rooms or general urgent care centers for complaints that can be managed in a more specialized setting. By providing dedicated care for oncology patients, the clinic helps patients avoid exposure to potential infections in the ER or traditional urgent care setting and ensures that they receive treatment from providers who are familiar with their medical history and treatment plans.
This not only improves patient outcomes but also enhances their overall experience. Many cancer patients already deal with frequent medical appointments, treatments, and the stress of managing their illness, so the ability to receive urgent care in a familiar and supportive environment is a significant benefit.
The C.A.R.E. Clinic serves as a vital resource for Virginia Oncology Associates patients, offering specialized urgent care for acute symptoms related to cancer or its treatment. By providing same-day or next-day appointments, in-house ultrasound, IV fluids, medications, and electrolyte replacements, the clinic helps patients avoid unnecessary ER visits and receive timely, high-quality care. With a team of advanced practice providers who have acute care backgrounds and oncology training, patients can feel confident that they are receiving expert care tailored to their specific needs.
(757) 466-8683
Select Option #5
Brock Cancer Center
6251 E Virginia Beach Blvd.
Norfolk, VA 23502
2nd Floor
Port Warwick
1051 Loftis Blvd. Ste. 100
Newport News, VA 23606
For help after hours, during the weekend, and over holidays, please page our on-call healthcare provider.
On this episode of Cancer Care Connections, Kara DeMott, Urgent Care Physician Assistant, and Advanced Practice Provider supervisor with VOA, breaks down common symptoms seen at VOA's care clinic for patients undergoing cancer treatment. She discusses how to navigate the often-turbulent waters of managing side effects at home and when to seek medical attention. Tune in for a heartfelt exploration of the strides being made in urgent care for oncology at VOA, and the compassionate, comprehensive approach needed to support those affected by cancer.
