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are seen in multidisciplinary teams. But more important is that every single case is presented and discussed by all of the physicians working in that disease area. Sometimes we have 20-30 physicians in the room at the same time reviewing a case. They come to a consensus on the plan of care and present the individual- ized plan to the patient. " All patients at UH Seidman Cancer Center are matched with a nurse naviga- tor who educates them about tests and procedures, helps to coordinate appoint- ments, and ensures prompt and easy access to all the specialists involved in their care. These navigators provide a single point of contact for patients and families, who might otherwise feel overwhelmed by the complexity of undergoing cancer treatment. The new cancer hospital's model of care has also improved communication, not only between clinical team members, but also between clinicians, patients, and their families, which is a key component of quality cancer care according to new Joint Commission standards. Communication with referring physicians is also key. "Referring physicians are recognized as an important part of the team. There is constant ongoing communication with them regarding their patients' care, and we individualize it to their needs and orientations. If phone calls are preferred, we call the doctor. If e-mail is preferred, we e-mail. And soon we'll offer secure access to UH's comprehensive electronic health record system for referring physi- cians outside the University Hospitals health system," says Dr. Gerson. Within the system, UH Seidman Cancer Center coordinates outpatient clinical care at its integrated network of nine community-based centers in fi ve counties: Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Lake and Medina. "Whether inside or outside our hos- pital system, physicians refer to UH Seidman Cancer Center because of our expertise, our ease of access to care and our clinical trials, and our ongoing communication with them during their patients' care," says Dr. Gerson. The Wolfgang Puck Café Express in UH Seidman Cancer Center is the only one of its kind in any hospital. "As complicated as cancer is, we pro- vide truly state-of-the-art care," says Dr. Levitan. "And we do so in an environment that is patient-focused and supportive." UH Seidman Cancer Center is part of UH's Vision 2010 strategic plan, which also included UH Twinsburg Health Center; UH Ahuja Medical Center and the Center for Emergency Medicine at UH Case Medical Center, both of which opened earlier this year; and the Quentin & Elisabeth Alexander Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at UH Rainbow Babies & Chi ldren's Hospi tal which opened in 2009. For more information about UH Seidman Cancer Center, visit uhseidman.org. s MDNEWS.COM SPECIAL ISSUE, FALL 2011 MD NEWS Cleveland-Akron-Canton | 1 1 Burton D. Morgan Family Infusion Therapy Reception Center