FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Moncrief Army Community Hospital will close the doors of its Oncology Clinic Sept. 30, hospital officials said this week.
The decision to close was based on a declining number of MACH patients, as well as the number of qualified oncology treatments available locally through TRICARE, officials said. The number of patients seen in the MACH Oncology Clinic has decreased during the last 18 months, and most of those patients have had an average of two visits per year for follow-up purposes.
The local-area TRICARE network oncology clinics can provide a level of comprehensive services beyond the service available at MACH, such as inpatient oncology, radiation and extensive chemotherapy treatment and 24-hour oncology nurse access. The Oncology Clinic closure is projected to save the hospital $113,000 per year.
Patients now have a choice of Lexington Oncology Associates, an outpatient clinic affiliated with Lexington Medical Center, or South Carolina Oncology Associates, which is located in Columbia. Both are in the TRICARE network.
"Dr. (Steven) Madden and the oncology staff have provided outstanding care for over 20 years to the Fort Jackson Community and are revered by patients for the caring, compassionate medical service provided to our beneficiaries" said Pamela English, chief of Managed Care. "We look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Madden and Dr. Vijaya Korrapatti through their Lexington Oncology Associates clinic."
Despite the closure, MACH staff is encouraging oncology patients to continue to use the hospital's laboratory, radiology and pharmacy services. Patients must bring a physician's order for labs or radiology that includes the provider's fax number so that lab results can be provided to the ordering provider's office.
Oncology patients and their family members who have questions or need assistance can call the MACH Patient Services Office at 751-2425, 2123 or 2778, e-mail to machptservices@amedd.army.mil or visit the office on the 10th floor of the hospital.
Social Sharing