Comprehensive Cancer Center in Palm Springs extends its market reach to resort city of La Quinta, CA
LOS ANGELES, CA -- AUGUST 3, 2010 - Aptium Oncology and Desert Regional Medical Center, a Tenet Healthcare facility, recently signed an agreement to develop a satellite cancer center of the Comprehensive Cancer Center in the resort city La Quinta, California. The move is designed to extend the center's reach eastward by offering patients access to high-quality care in the convenience of their own community. La Quinta is about 25 miles from the Comprehensive Cancer Center in Palm Springs. The region's population rose dramatically in the mid-1990s, with over 375,000 people in the service area.
The center, slated to be built in late 2010, will be the culmination of a shared vision by Desert Regional Medical Center and Aptium Oncology to build a satellite cancer center that offers vital medical oncology services and breast cancer screening. The plan calls for a 4,000 square foot facility that offers physician consults and exams, infusion therapy and digital mammography screening services. In addition to having its own lab and pharmacy, the center will have full EMR capabilities identical to those in the main cancer center. Finally, patients will receive the renowned expertise of the same medical oncologists who practice at the main campus.
Teresa Whipple, Vice President and Executive Director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center, says, "Years ago, with our patient volume in the Desert area growing, we saw the need to expand the reach of our cancer care to an underserved population. We realized we have an obligation to provide cancer care and resources to the community, which has rapidly grown east. There are patients who find it difficult to drive a distance to our main cancer center, so we're taking our programs closer to our patients." Whipple credits Desert Regional Medical Center's commitment to patient outreach as a key factor in keeping the vision of a satellite alive. "The hospital's full support provides us a unique opportunity to deliver care in an important geographic area."
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About Comprehensive Cancer Center at Desert Regional Medical Center
The Comprehensive Cancer Center at Desert Regional Medical Center is a 60,000-square-foot outpatient facility designed specifically to meet the needs of individuals diagnosed with cancer. Recognizing the importance of providing coordinated services under one roof, the Center houses a medical oncology infusion center, physician offices and exam rooms, radiation oncology services, clinical research department, treatment-related lab work, a pharmacy, a Comprehensive Breast Center, a Patient Resource Center and psychosocial and nutritional support services. The medical complex is equipped with advanced technology and staffed with more than 120 healthcare professionals who have dedicated their careers to the treatment of cancer.
About Aptium Oncology
Aptium Oncology, Inc. is the premier solution for hospitals and physician practices seeking to develop or enhance their oncology programs. With more than 25 years of experience in cancer program development, this Los Angeles-based company offers market-leading consulting and management expertise to premier institutions around the country, including NCI-designated programs, academic medical centers and community providers.