Unlike most other hospitals and health systems, academic-driven health systems are connected to a university, and particularly to a medical school. This type of organization offers several benefits when it comes to treating cancer specifically. 
 
Academic health systems are the first institutions to benefit from cutting-edge clinical research as it moves from the lab to the bedside. In many cases, academic programs are large enough to support a wide range of cancer specialists, including teams focused on rare cancers. They typically have invested in state-of-the-art equipment that enables them to lead the way at the forefront of cancer-fighting technology. These institutions are also the training grounds for the next generation of cancer doctors through medical residence and subspecialty fellowship programs. 

When you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a form of heart disease, the question of where you’ll receive care may not be the first thing you think of. Even so, where you receive care is an important factor to consider.

Your treatment and rehabilitation may include a series of appointments that may extend for weeks or months. That means that having conveniently located care sites can make a big difference in navigating your journey to cardiovascular health. How far will you have to travel to see your heart care team? What happens if an emergency arises, such as a heart attack, stroke, or dangerous heart rhythm? Are there convenient, community-based locations for emergency heart care or treatments you may need?

Yes, we have two heart care clinic locations in Hudson and River Falls that offer access to cardiologists and outpatient services for a variety of heart care concerns. The Hudson clinic includes on-site echocardiography (echo) and electrocardiogram (EKG) technology to diagnose and monitor a range of heart conditions. Adult patients who need advanced treatment can be easily referred to the state-of-the-art heart center at M Health Fairview St. John’s Hospital, located in Maplewood, Minnesota, located less than 15 minutes from the Wisconsin border. For many western Wisconsin residents, St. John’s Hospital is the nearest tertiary cardiac care hospital – a higher level of specialty care that includes access to complex heart surgery and minimally invasive vascular procedures. We offer robust support for patients traveling for heart surgery, and local accommodations are available for patients and family members traveling to the Twin Cities for care.

As you evaluate heart and vascular care programs, it can be helpful to take a look at their quality designations, including awards, accreditations, and rankings. These honors are the result of independent, third-party review and evaluation of a cardiovascular program’s quality, safety, and patient outcomes. It’s one way that you can be sure you’re choosing a health system that has the heart and vascular care expertise you need.

Clinical trials are research studies that aim to develop and test new treatments for diseases, such as cancer. Some clinical trials may also study cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, and survivorship. Clinical trials are a crucial part of the fight against cancer: today’s innovative advances in cancer detection and treatment are all the result of previous clinical trials. And tomorrow’s clinical trials may hold the key to finally curing cancer itself. 

Participation in clinical trials is voluntary, and people with many types and stages of cancer may be eligible. Taking part in a clinical trial may expose patients to a new therapy that could be an effective cancer treatment for them. Clinical trial participants are also helping to save lives by testing innovative treatments for future patients. To find out if a clinical trial may be right for you, talk with your doctor. 

Although heart disease is relatively common, every patient’s situation is unique. How do you know that the treatment plan your doctor has developed is the best one for your specific case? One way to know for sure is to seek a second opinion from another physician.

Second opinions are a common practice in cardiovascular care, and almost all doctors welcome another doctor’s viewpoint. In fact, some health systems use a multidisciplinary team approach, where a group of experts from cardiothoracic surgery, interventional cardiology, cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiac imaging, and other relevant specialties come together in real time to consider each patient’s case and determine the best course of treatment for that individual.

Second opinion consultations can help you feel confident that you’re getting the best possible treatment, and they are covered by many health insurance plans, too. To find out how to get a second opinion, talk with your doctor or care coordinator.

Cardiovascular treatment can be complex. At different points in your treatment plan, your care may be guided by doctors from several specialties. To get the best care, it can be helpful for all of your doctors to work together as a unified, interdisciplinary team.
 
In a truly multidisciplinary approach, expert groups of cardiovascular specialists, as well as support care teams, residents, nurses, and care coordinators, all work under one roof and come together to review patient care plans and discuss the next course of action. This meeting of minds allows for the exchange of ideas, helping you make informed decisions about your treatment and resulting in a more coordinated, smoother heart care journey.

Cardiovascular disease can affect many areas of life, for both patients and their families. That means that great heart care doesn’t stop at treating the disease — it addresses a broader range of patient needs. 
 
When evaluating a heart care program, you may want to know if the center has a specially trained support services staff on hand to meet with patients and their families from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. A specialized patient support services staff may include specialists in cardiovascular rehabilitation, psychology, nutrition, social work, and transitional care coordination.
 
It can also be helpful to know whether the center offers classes, meetings, and appointments focused on specific issues patients might be experiencing.