Addressing Needs Beyond Treatment

Cancer affects both the patient and the family, creating many needs and concerns that extend beyond physical treatment. That’s why we have two dedicated social workers on-site who assess our patients and families for emotional, physical, spiritual, mental and financial needs, and collaborate with health care team members to ensure these needs are met.

Identifying Helpful Resources

Once needs have been identified, the patient is connected with the appropriate resources in their health care network as well as any state, federal, national or community resources.

On Site Social Workers

Our inpatient social worker is primarily involved with the cancer patients on the 8th floor, while our outpatient social worker is primarily involved with patients receiving services through Medical Day Care, Radiation Oncology, the Infusion Center and affiliated physicians and practices.

Both social workers are involved in cancer support groups.

Financial Help and Counseling

Our oncology social workers can work with you to:

• provide immediate and long-term medication assistance through medication vouchers and Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs
• arrange transportation via both Lexington Medical Center and community resources
• provide assistance with Disability and Medicaid applications
• make referrals to our financial counselors and apply for financial assistance through foundations such as Cancer Care, American Cancer Society and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

In the Community

Oncology Social Workers are affiliated the American Cancer Society and South Carolina Cancer Alliance, and work locally with other Community Social Workers in patient-centered projects, such as the Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive and the Christmas Family Adoption program.

Further Services

• provide cancer resource material
• facilitate a weekly Lexington Medical Center support group
• utilize other cancer support groups applicable to patients’ needs.
• provide support to patients and families during grief and end-of-life processes