Posts Tagged ‘Cancer in Columbus Ohio’
Barbara Beckwith
Wednesday, August 26th, 2009A passionate schoolteacher for many years, Barbara Beckwith found a new passion through her experience with cancer: advocating for research and for other cancer patients.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994, Barbara underwent surgery, radiation and chemotherapy simultaneously. Cancer-free, she continued teaching school until 1999 when she decided to retire. “I retired at that time because I wanted to retire on my own terms, never because of my health,” she says.
Not one to slow down, Barbara began part-time work for Columbus Community Clinical Oncology Program and became involved in other organizations that advocate clear and concise patient information, research and cancer-related legislation. Barbara is an Independent Consultant for the Diversity Enhancement Program at the Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center
In 2006, she was diagnosed with uterine cancer, which she faced head on. This diagnosis made her even more determined to continue with her work. “I have a wonderful son, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and I want to know that research is occurring so that my family doesn’t ever have to go through the same thing as I have,” she says.
Today she is on the National Cancer Institute’s Subcommittee A, which evaluates cancer centers applications. She also worked with the Ohio Partners for Cancer Control to write the cancer plan for the state and a resource guide for patients in Ohio.
Barbara travels frequently to conferences such as ASCO, AACR, NBCC, SABC and LIVESTRONG for training and meeting with other advocates. She accompanies newly diagnosed patients to doctors’ appointments and serves as their advocate and “second ears.”
Having been through cancer twice and with her experience in many cancer-related organizations, Barbara knows and believes that The Zangmeister Center is “one of the best.”
“Everyone at The Zangmeister Center is tuned in to how patients should be treated,” she says. “They listen and treat everyone with respect. The level of expertise and quality of care is simply outstanding. I’ve been blessed with good doctors who really take the time to answer my questions and respect my opinion.”
Although she works hard, Barbara does take time for herself. “I make time for me every day. You have to de-stress. You also have to do things to make you laugh. It’s good for the soul.”
Patrick C. Elwood, M.D.
Monday, August 24th, 2009
After receiving his medical degree from the University of Nebraska School of Medicine, Dr. Elwood completed his internship at Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, then attended Flight Surgeons School at Randolph Air Force Base. He received his Internal Medicine residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, followed by an additional year as chief resident. He completed his fellowship in the Hematology-Oncology Division at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Dr. Elwood served in the United States Air Force as a flight surgeon and later on active duty in Public Health Service. From 1994 to 2000, Dr. Elwood was Lead Clinical Investigator and served on the attending staff in the Lymphoma Clinic at the Developmental Chemotherapy Section/National Cancer Institute/National Institutes of Health. Dr. Elwood is the recipient of the EEO Officer’s Recognition Award, Public Health Service Commendation Medal, Public Health Service Bicentennial Unit Commendation, and the National Research Service Award. He is a member of the American Society of Hematology, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Community Oncology Alliance, Columbus Medical Association, Ohio State Medical Association, the Ohio Hematology Oncology Society and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. « Back to Medical Oncology/Hematology Physicians
Taral Patel, M.D.
Monday, August 24th, 2009
Dr. Patel is a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine in Medical Oncology. He received his M.B.B.S. from Baroda Medical College at Maharaja Sayairao University in Gujarat, India, where he completed his internship and residency in Pathology. Formerly a research associate at the University of Illinois at Chicago, he completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Chicago’s Cook County Hospital and his fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at the University of Cincinnati. The author of many peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Patel is a member of the Community Oncology Alliance, Columbus Medical Association, The Ohio State Medical Association, Ohio Hematology Oncology Society and the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
BILLING & FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Friday, August 21st, 2009Experienced billing specialists are available at The Zangmeister Center, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to answer any billing questions you may have. We also have pre-certification specialists available to answer questions regarding pre-authorizations for tests, scans, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and other services.
We accept Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
Pay my bill online
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will my treatment cost me?
You may be responsible for a certain percentage of what the insurance company deems as the “allowed amount” for a certain medication or service, as well as your co-payment for doctor visits, treatment, and adjustments on your medication. Some insurance companies may also charge you a co-payment for lab work. Co-payments are due at the time of service. If you have any specific questions regarding your insurance coverage, we encourage you to contact your insurance company.
When will I be billed?
You will not be billed for services until after your insurance company(s) pays us. In some cases, you may not receive a statement from us until several months after you visit our office. Statements are sent at the beginning of every month and are due upon receipt.
What if my finances do not allow me to pay my bill in full?
We are sensitive to financial complications that sometimes occur during times of illness. Our knowledgeable billing specialists will work with you to make payment arrangements on your account if you are unable to pay in full. We also offer a monthly payment plan.
I don’t understand my bill.
Our billing specialists are available at the Zangmeister Center to answer any questions from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. The can also be reached by phone during those hours at (614) 383-6005.
What if my insurance changes?
If your insurance coverage changes during the course of your treatment or at any time, we ask that you notify us immediately. This will save time when sending your claim to the insurance company(s). Always bring your current insurance card with you.
On-Call Coverage
Friday, August 21st, 2009Your physician will be on call for you during the week. On weekends, vacations and holidays, our physicians rotate on-call duties.
Our business hours are 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM. If you have an emergency after regular business hours, on weekends or on holidays, you may contact our answering service at (614) 383-6000. The answering service will immediately contact the physician on call.
