TOLEDO, Ohio, August 12, 2016 – ProMedica Cancer Institute and Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center have established a formal affiliation to expand access to highly-specialized cancer treatments, clinical expertise and research studies for patients in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.

Newswise — Cancer specialists at ProMedica and Cleveland Clinic will now regularly consult and collaborate on patient treatment plans for all types of cancers including those that are rare and more complex. Additionally, both organizations will work together to ensure a seamless and well-coordinated experience for patients.

“Two is better than one and when two well-respected healthcare leaders combine their expertise, it will result in new levels of cancer care for patients,” said Kenneth Krupp, MD, hematologist/oncologist and director of oncology medical operations, ProMedica Physicians.

Dr. Krupp is among a multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists from ProMedica and Cleveland Clinic who will work toward providing high-quality, cost-effective and technology-driven care for patients with cancer.

An immediate benefit of the new ProMedica and Cleveland Clinic connection is a streamlined referral process to make it easier for patients to obtain second opinion consults with a Cleveland Clinic cancer specialist.

“As cancer is not one disease, but hundreds, the demand for second opinions is rising,” said Brian Bolwell, MD, chairman of the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center. “Our affiliation with ProMedica will make it easier for second opinions as both institutions will share treatment planning via tumor boards and care pathways and ProMedica physicians will have an expedited process to facilitate with Cleveland Clinic specialists. This will also foster collaboration and allow us to share best practices.”

The first year of this affiliation will focus on sharing quality metrics and best practices. The organizations will also evaluate ways to collaborate on clinical research and cancer-specific training opportunities.

Patients may request a second opinion through their primary care physician or oncology specialist or by contacting the ProMedica Cancer Institute. They will be referred to a care navigator who will advise and assist them through the process of identifying the best treatment options and specialists available.

“Patients have the right to request a second opinion and our caregivers will help expedite that process. Our top priority is to ensure that patients receive the best care possible and are comfortable and confident with their treatment,” said Dr. Krupp. ProMedica has four cancer centers located in Adrian and Monroe, Mich., and in Fremont and Sylvania, Ohio. Additionally, the health system provides comprehensive cancer services including diagnostics and treatments, genetic counseling, complimentary care and survivorship services at its hospitals in Defiance, Fostoria, Oregon and Toledo, Ohio.

For more information, visit www.promedica.org/cancer or call the ProMedica Cancer Institute at 877-291-1441.

ProMedica is a mission-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization serving northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. The 12-hospital system has more than 15,000 employees, 2,100 physicians with privileges, and more than 800 healthcare providers employed by ProMedica Physicians. Additionally it offers a health plan, Paramount, which serves 320,000 members including more than 225,000 members in the statewide Medicaid plan. Driven by its Mission to improve your health and well-being, ProMedica offers a full range of diagnostic, medical and surgical specialties in areas such as emergency medicine and trauma, behavioral health, heart and vascular, oncology, orthopaedics, neurology, and women’s and children’s services. The health system has been nationally recognized for its advocacy programs and efforts to raise awareness about hunger as a health issue. For more information about ProMedica, please visit http://www.promedica.org/aboutus.

About Cleveland ClinicCleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. U.S.News & World Report consistently names Cleveland Clinic as one of the nation’s best hospitals in its annual “America’s Best Hospitals” survey. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 49,000 employees are more than 3,400 full-time salaried physicians and researchers and 14,000 nurses, representing 120 medical specialties and subspecialties. The Cleveland Clinic health system includes a 165-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, nine community hospitals, more than 150 northern Ohio outpatient locations – including 18 full-service family health centers and three health and wellness centers – and locations in Weston, Fla.; Las Vegas, Nev.; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2015, there were 6.6 million outpatient visits, 164,700 hospital admissions and 208,807 surgical cases throughout the Cleveland Clinic health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 180 countries. Visit us at http://www.clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at http://www.twitter.com/ClevelandClinic. Editor’s Note: Cleveland Clinic News Service is available to provide broadcast-quality interviews and B-roll upon request.

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