Ochsner Cancer Center – Baton Rouge announces the completion of its most recent expansion. Additional appointments for cancer subspecialty services are available following the multimillion-dollar facility upgrade.
In addition to medical oncology, Ochsner Baton Rouge offers local appointments with physicians who specialize in radiation oncology, surgical oncology, gynecologic oncology, breast oncology, thoracic surgical oncology, cutaneous (skin) surgical oncology, and urologic oncology.
“Cancer care is about so much more than just treating the cancer,” said Jay Brooks, MD, chairman of Ochsner’s Department of Hematology/Oncology. “We have two state-of-the-art cancer centers in Baton Rouge and a dedicated surgical suite for skin cancer treatment. Patients get excellent cancer treatment, but then it goes beyond that at Ochsner.”
It is typical for patients to experience other health problems related to their cancer. Many patients need follow-up care during or after their cancer treatment with other medical specialists, such as a cardiologist.
“Our integrated electronic medical record system means that our cardiologists know what the medical oncologists and radiation oncologists know,” added Brooks. “Your Ochsner primary care physician has access to the same records, tests and scans as the specialists. There is no fractured care, and everyone is on the same page.”
The facility upgrade renovated 1,668 of the more than 20,000 square feet on the first floor at the cancer center. Ancillary space was converted into patient-facing diagnostic and treatment areas. The cancer center also upgraded its technology for positron emission tomography scans, also known as a PET scan or PET-CT. Construction costs were approximately $1.36 million, while the cost of the new equipment exceeded an additional $1 million.