Fast Track Clinic
Frequently Asked Questions about Fast Track Clinic
What is Fast Track?
Fast Track is a special clinic designed to review laboratory results with patients receiving chemotherapy or who have low blood counts because of their disease. Patients are seen in the Fast Track Clinic on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Who will I see in the Fast Track Clinic?
You will be seen by a nurse practitioner.
How long will I wait to see the nurse practitioner in Fast Track?
After your blood is drawn on the 8th floor of the Rose Zone, it takes about one to one and-a-half hours to obtain the lab results. If there are many patients waiting, this time will increase.
If you think you may require a blood transfusion, it is important to have blood drawn early in the morning to ensure a slot in the transfusion unit. Space is limited because many of our patients are transfusion-dependent. The transfusion unit is a designated area for patients to receive blood products and chemotherapy located in the Ambulatory Treatment Center, on the 2nd floor of the Rose Zone.
What should I expect from the nurse practitioner?
The nurse practitioner will review and interpret your laboratory data. Diagnostic tests, blood products and electrolyte replacements may be ordered. Minor medical problems related to your disease or chemotherapy (i.e., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores) may be treated.
A limited physical examination will be performed with emphasis on the mouth, heart, lungs and extremities. Vital signs will be obtained at the clinician’s discretion. If you have a fever or are actively bleeding, please go directly to the Emergency Center located on the lst floor of the Rose Zone.
Due to time constraints, we will not be able to discuss disease processes, prognosis, treatment plans, protocols or major medical problems. Future scheduling and questions about the above issues should be discussed with your primary bioimmunotherapy physician.