In The News

Digital health solutions have the potential to improve outcomes via remote symptom monitoring, increase patient/physician communication, and improve patient education. According to Debra Patt, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, Executive Vice President, Public Policy, Payer Relations, and Strategic Initiatives at Texas Oncology, enhancements to address digital health disparities are necessary to decrease digital divides and ensure access for all patients. 

Debra Patt, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, Executive Vice President, Public Policy, Payer Relations, and Strategic Initiatives at Texas Oncology, explained how digital healthcare has been a key initiative at Texas Oncology to ensure patients can receive better care at their home.  

Sarcoma, referred to as a “forgotten cancer” due to its rarity, accounts for about one percent of all adult cancer diagnoses but is seen more commonly in children and teens. With Sarcoma Awareness Month in July, Lawrence E. Foote, M.D, Texas Oncology–Houston Medical Center and Sugar Land and R. Scott Lawson, M.D., Texas Oncology–New Braunfels and San Marcos share what you should know about the signs and risk factors associated with sarcoma.

"I'm a firm believer in the well-check," says James Condray, 67, patient of Dr. Kyle Keyes, Texas Urology Specialists-Austin Midtown, Round Rock and South Austin, who had a biopsy that revealed an aggressive form of prostate cancer. This National Men's Health Month, patient James Condray and Dr. Keyes share with the Austin American-Statesman that men should get their "head-to-toe" check once a year. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data show that in 2015, men went to doctors about a third less than women. Dr. Keyes identifies the importance of wellness check-ups, screenings, and what to look for in male cancers, noting men should see a doctor if something doesn't feel right. Timing matters when it comes to how far the cancer has spread and its treatability.

Despite the Oncology Care Model coming to an end on June 30, 2022, Debra Patt, MD, Ph.D., MBA, Executive Vice President of Texas Oncology, clarified that practices cannot go back in time and resume providing care the way they did before the OCM.

Debra A. Patt, MD, Ph.D., MBA, a practicing oncologist and the Executive Vice President of Texas Oncology, discussed the study of digital health systems used at Texas Oncology locations and how it helps with remote communication between patients with cancer and clinicians.

In March 2016, Mark Balderas, 58, bought himself the ultimate toy — a brand new Harley Davidson motorcycle that he named ‘Priscilla’. The very next day, he was diagnosed with stage IV kidney cancer. ‘Priscilla’ sat in the garage for five years, unridden. Throughout his cancer journey, Mark turned to his family, faith, local community, and Texas Oncology team led by Dr. Hareesha Vemuganti, Texas Oncology—Round Rock North and Cedar Park to overcome the most difficult of odds. As part of his treatment plan, Dr. Vemuganti introduced immunotherapy, which uses the body’s own defense mechanisms and immune system to attack cancer cells. Mark had “an extremely successful response” to the immunotherapy treatment and remains closely monitored by his care team. Today, his scans are clear, and he finally took ‘Priscilla’ out of the garage for a ride.

Debra Patt, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, Executive Vice President, Public Policy, Payer Relations, and Strategic Initiatives at Texas Oncology, discussed the path of telemedicine reimbursement during the pandemic and possible ways it will change after the pandemic, including the elimination of some components of radiation treatment supervision.

Texas Oncology broke ground on a 32,000-square foot cancer care center located on the CHRISTUS Southeast Texas St. Elizabeth hospital campus. 

BEAUMONT, TEXAS — Texas Oncology will open a 32,000-square-foot cancer care center on the Christus Southeast Texas St. Elizabeth medical campus in Beaumont. The center will provide medical oncology, radiation oncology, gynecologic oncology, chemotherapy, genetic counseling and lab services.