Services and Facilities

Benign Hematology

The Section of Benign Hematology in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine provides care to patients with cancer who have non-malignant disorders of bleeding, thrombosis, platelets, red cells and white cells. We work collaboratively with primary providers to optimize clinical outcomes, including long-term outcomes.

Cancer-Related Fatigue Clinic (CRF)

An integrated team of physicians, nurse practitioners and nurse clinicians provide a comprehensive approach to the management of fatigue. Patients at MD Anderson can be referred to the Cancer-Related Fatigue Clinic by their primary physician. Once patients are assessed utilizing various tools to measure the nature and extent of their fatigue burden, a specialized program of care is developed and offered. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychiatry, acupuncture and self-hypnosis are combined to provide true multidisciplinary care.

Dealing with Cancer-Related Fatigue

Inpatient and Outpatient Consultation

An integrated team of General Internal Medicine physicians, nurse practitioners and internal medicine residents from The University of Texas Health Science Center see patients in consultation on both an inpatient and outpatient basis at the request of MD Anderson cancer specialists. Reasons for consultation include comprehensive assessment of surgical risk, assessment of hypertension, management of diabetes mellitus and other internal medicine needs.

In addition, patients seen in consultation may be followed by their General Internal Medicine physician as needed for the duration of their care at MD Anderson.

Internal Medicine Perioperative Assessment Center (IMPAC)

The Internal Medicine Perioperative Assessment Center (IMPAC) assesses and improves the medical status of patients who are scheduled to undergo surgery at MD Anderson Cancer Center. To do this, we need the assistance of our patients. If you have an appointment with IMPAC, please bring:

• All of your medications in their original bottles
• The names and contact information of all your doctors, especially your primary care physician and cardiologist
• Your cardiac records from your cardiologist, or you may ask your cardiologist to fax your records to IMPAC at 713-563-4433.

We may need to order additional testing, which may extend your stay in Houston. We will make every effort to coordinate your medical care with your primary physician. Therefore, it is essential that you give us the name and contact information of your primary physician.

Nephrology Consultations

The Section of Nephrology in the Department of General Internal Medicine provides care to patients with various diseases of the kidneys at MD Anderson. In addition to the practice of general nephrology, the physician members of this section have expertise in the effects of chemotherapeutic agents on kidney function, kidney disease from hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, renal paraneoplastic syndromes, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and critical care nephrology, particularly continuous renal replacement therapies as slow low-efficiency dialysis. In order to maintain the continuity of care, patients are also seen in the MD Anderson Nephrology Clinic following discharge from the hospital.

Rheumatology Consultations

The Section of Rheumatology in the Department of General Internal Medicine has three in-house rheumatologists who provide clinical services for the diagnostic evaluations and interdisciplinary management of various diseases affecting joints and connective tissues, tailored to the needs of each patient. In addition, our rheumatologists have expertise in the diagnosis and therapeutic options for rheumatic manifestations related to malignancies and cancer treatment in patients with cancer and cancer survivors. The section provides 24-hour inpatient consultation. Patients are also followed as outpatients in the MD Anderson Rheumatology Clinic after their discharge. Outpatient consultation can be requested and scheduled via Consult On-line.

The Sleep Center

According to the National Cancer Institute, sleep disorders may occur in people with cancer caused by treatment, physical illness, pain, hospitalization and emotional stress. The MD Anderson Sleep Center strives to understand and mitigate the effects of cancer and cancer treatment on patients with disordered sleep and cancer-related fatigue.

The Mary Ann Weiser Suspicion of Cancer Clinic

The Mary Ann Weiser Suspicion of Cancer Clinic offers a novel approach to the care of patients with suspected cancer. New patients or already established patients of MD Anderson are evaluated by an internal medicine physician in consultation with medical and surgical oncologists for the appropriate care of suspected cancer.