Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute: Providing Innovative and Compassionate Cancer Care to Patients in the Community

Published: December 03, 2024

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Eliance Health Solutions’ health plans include a variety of benefits to help employers stabilize medical costs and help employees improve their health and well-being. Our members have access to care driven by clinical improvements through the Eliance Preferred Network. This clinically integrated network includes all Penn Medicine facilities and providers along with select private practice providers and specialists throughout the community. It also gives members access to the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute.
 
The Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute is a state-of-the art facility designed with the patient experience in mind. It provides screenings, services and treatments to cancer patients in a calming and comforting environment centered around well-being. The Cancer Institute is home to Central Pennsylvania’s only Proton Therapy Center and is also the first community hospital to offer CAR T-cell therapy, which was developed at Penn Medicine. The institute’s oncology program is accredited by the American College of Surgeons (ACOS), and the providers collaborate with their colleagues at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center to support patients with a variety of care options.
 
One of the unique benefits of the Cancer Institute is its personalized and empathetic approach to care. Cancer care can be complex and difficult to navigate. Patients often find themselves feeling overwhelmed while experiencing inconveniences such as:
  • Delays with care
  • Lack of resources and education around treatment options
  • Conflicting recommendations when evaluating treatment plans
The Cancer Institute prioritizes the patient experience by proactively working to combat these issues to help minimize any potential disruptions, delays and problems with care. The providers and staff work in teams organized by cancer specialty for a seamless experience and collaborate to develop a treatment plan based off of the individual’s preferences along with scientific information around treating that type of cancer. The Cancer Institute offers a range of treatment options to patients including proton therapy and CAR T-cell therapy. These world-class treatments are available to patients locally and provide access to exceptional care while allowing the patient to stay close to home for convenience.
 
The team also strives to provide an accommodating experience for all patients including individuals who are working full-time. Patients working full-time while receiving care can often face challenges with their schedule when navigating frequent travel for treatments and long wait times between appointments. The Cancer Institute providers work carefully to minimize downtime for patients by offering convenient care through a variety of platforms including the telephone and mobile apps. This approach allows patients to manage potential issues from the comfort of their home while also helping them to avoid visits to the hospital and reduce treatment-related expenses.
 
The Cancer Institute recognizes there are external factors that can impact a patient’s access to care and addresses these by offering programs and resources to support patients and caregivers who may face challenges through diagnosis, treatment and post-recovery. These resources include:
  • A Cancer Institute Boutique centered around patient well-being
  • Cancer rehabilitation services and programs to assist patients during all stages of care and treatment
  • Support groups, classes and events for patients seeking community during their care journey
To learn more about the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute’s approach to care, please click here. The institute’s team welcomes the opportunity to meet directly with employers and discuss how their unique approach provides high-quality, world-class care for improved outcomes and stabilized expenses.
 
To learn more about Eliance Health Solutions, please click here.