​What is Integrative Oncology?

 

Integrative Oncology combines the discipline of modern science with the wisdom of the remedies of yesteryears.  It’s a specialty within Oncology which combines traditional cancer treatments with scientifically-proven complementary therapies that will increase the effectiveness, ease the symptoms, and minimize the toxicity and side effects while significantly improving the quality of life of cancer patients.  Integrative Oncology supports the vitality and health of the patient while battling the illness.

 

Integrative Oncology is rooted in the understanding that each cancer patient is a whole – body, mind and spirit – and all these elements play an important role in the disease and its cure.

 

Among the complementary therapies used in Integrative Oncology are:

 

 

By definition, Integrative Oncology works by using a combination of different types of therapies, but its real success lies on how the right combination can create synergy – where the combination of treatments plus the patient’s positive outlook can actually deliver an even better result than by just using conventional treatments.

 

 

​Is there a difference between a Complementary Treatment and an Alternative Treatment?

 

Yes.  There is a difference between a Complementary Treatment and an Alternative Treatment, and it could lead to a bit of confusion.  Let us explain…

 

A Complementary Treatment is when a therapy is used in combination with traditional or conventional treatments. For example, when chemotherapy and acupuncture are used at the same time to treat cancer.  In this case, acupuncture is used to help the patient manage the side effects from the chemotherapy, so they’re not as bothersome.

 

An Alternative Treatment is when that acupuncture treatment is used to substitute or in place of the traditional chemotherapy treatment.

 

At the Centro Oncológico Integral de Puerto Rico we believe in the combination of treatments – traditional and complementary – to offer each cancer patient an increased potency to their treatments, ease their symptoms, minimizing the toxicity and the side effects of traditional treatments, while significantly improving the quality of life and well-being of our cancer patients.

 

 

​Could I just start a complementary treatment plan without the traditional treatment?

 

Many patients, as soon as they receive a cancer diagnosis, seek first the guidance of a traditional oncologist and afterwards, many times unbeknownst to the oncologist, they consult with professionals in other health disciplines to complement their traditional treatment.

 

At Centro Oncológico Integral de Puerto Rico we believe in the combination of treatments – traditional treatments used together with complementary treatments.  We do not recommend using alternative treatments in substitution for traditional treatments.

 

The advantage of the Centro Oncológico Integral de Puerto Rico and to have Dr. Madeleine García Soberal and Dr. Yelitza Ruiz Candelaria, the only integrative oncologists in Puerto Rico as your doctors, is they first make sure they provide the best and most robust recommendation on the traditional oncology portion.  Then, they complement the traditional oncology treatment with the added therapies needed to make that traditional treatment more effective, work faster, with the least amount of side-effects while providing the best quality of life for the patient in the process.

 

Therefore, it’s in the best interest of our patients that our doctors be the ones leading the design and coordination of the  Integrative Oncology Treatment Plan and to avoid that any portion of the treatment, traditional or complementary, be divided with other doctors/health professionals.

 

 

​Are the doctors accepting new patients and second opinion consultations?

 

Of course.  Our integrative oncologists are accepting new patients and are available for patients seeking a second or even a third opinion on their cancer diagnosis and treatment options.  We want to educate patients on the advantages of Integrative Oncology and how it can help their cancer treatments be more effective, with less complications, less side effects and how it provides a better quality of life in general.

 

The best time to seek out a second opinion for cancer treatment is BEFORE having started any cancer treatment yet.  The patient should bring to his/her initial appointment with any of our integrative oncologists, Dr. Madeleine García Soberal or Dr. Yelitza Ruiz Candelaria, any test or lab results you’ve had done up to the point where you were diagnosed with cancer.  The doctors will evaluate your specific case, possibly ordering additional diagnostic testing and lab work, to provide you with a comprehensive and robust Integrative Oncology Treatment Plan.

 

The doctors will discuss the Integrative Oncology Treatment Plan with each patient, explaining the types of therapies – traditional and complementary – recommended to treat their specific cancer/staging.  They will explain the reasons and benefits of the recommended treatments and will discuss a start date and length of treatment.

 

Each patient decides if they’re interested in starting the Integrative Oncology Treatment Plan and choosing the Centro Oncológico Integral de Puerto Rico as the healthcare provider for their cancer treatment.

 

 

​If I already have an oncologist, will the doctors be able to coordinate only the complementary therapies?

 

Dr. Madeleine García Soberal and Dr. Yelitza Ruiz Candelaria are the only integrative oncologists in Puerto Rico, combining chemotherapy treatments with scientifically-proven complementary disciplines helping cancer patients to have a speedier and more comfortable recovery.

 

It’s of the utmost importance in cancer integrative treatments that the base traditional oncologic portion is well-designed from the onset. The science behind the combination of treatments lies in making sure the traditional portion is robust enough so the complementary treatments can reinforce and increase its cure potential.  When a cancer treatment is not optimal, even if we add complementary treatments, the end results might not be as expected.

 

In an initial appointment, our integrative oncologists evaluate your specific case and will offer a specific treatment recommendation for your condition, staging, physical and emotional situation.  It is not good medical practice to emit opinion on the treatment recommendation made by a medical colleague, and for that reason we avoid as much as possible to offer complementary treatment recommendations to patients who decide their main oncologist will not be our integrative oncologists, Dr. Madeleine García Soberal or Dr. Yelitza Ruiz Candelaria.

 

 

​What should I bring to my initial appointment?

 

You should bring to your initial appointment all the testing and lab work done up to the moment you received the cancer diagnosis. The doctors will evaluate your specific case, possibly ordering additional diagnostic testing and lab work, to be able to provide you with a comprehensive and robust Integrative Oncology Treatment Plan.

 

The doctors will discuss the Integrative Oncology Treatment Plan with each patient, possibly in a follow-up visit, explaining the types of therapies – traditional and complementary – recommended to treat their specific cancer/staging.  They will explain the reasons and benefits of the recommended treatments and will discuss a start date and length of treatment.

 

Please, also bring with you a photo ID, your medical insurance card(s) and your desired form of payment.

 

 

​Insurance Plans Accepted

 

We accept the following Insurance Plans:

  • AARP
  • Constellation Health
  • First Medical
  • Humana
  • MAPFRE
  • MCS
  • Medicare
  • MMM
  • Pallyc
  • PMC
  • TriCare
  • Triple-S
  • Reforma Triple-S

Soon, we will also start accepting:

  • First Plus
  • First Medical Reforma

 

 

​Are complementary treatments covered by any medical insurance plan?

 

Some medical insurance companies do cover complementary treatments.

 

We know MAPFRE and Triple-S commercial/private cover Acupuncture services.  These plans do require a pre-authorization to cover/offer the service.

 

Medicare, Humana and MCS cover Nutrition services.

 

MCS, Triple-S Federal, Eaton/Work/Life Solution Plus and FHC, company who manages many of the Employee Assistance Programs for the medical plans, cover Counseling services.

 

Please refer to your medical insurance coverage contract to verify if it covers complementary treatment services.  If your medical insurance does not include coverage for these complementary services, we offer affordable pricing for these treatments and even offer payment plan options to help you complete your Integrative Oncology Treatment Plan as it was designed by your integrative oncologist.

 

 

​Where do I receive my chemotherapy treatment?

 

The Centro Oncológico Integral de Puerto Rico has its own Infusion and Chemotherapy Center in Suite 510 of the Arturo Cadilla Building, the same building where our main offices are located.  The facilities are very cozy, while maintaining an environment of much respect and empathy for all our patients.

 

The infusion and chemotherapy treatments are administered using the highest and most innovative standards by highly skilled and trained nursing personnel, specializing in cancer patients. Our integrative oncologists directly supervise all chemotherapy and infusion treatments.

 

 

​Where are the complementary treatments given?

 

Most of the complementary therapies are offered at our Centro Oncológico Integral de Puerto Rico main offices, in the Arturo Cadilla Building, Suite 208.  In these offices we offer the services for acupuncture, nutrition, therapeutic massages, counseling, art therapy and psychology.

 

For the comfort and privacy of our patients, the yoga sessions are the only complementary therapies given in a room away from our offices, but still within the Hospital San Pablo campus.  Our reception personnel will explain in detail where this room is located.

 

 

​Is there support for the families and caretakers of your cancer patients?

 

We are aware that receiving a cancer diagnosis not only affects the patient, but also affects his/her whole family and loved ones.  In many instances the Integrative Oncology Treatment Plan includes couple and family counseling sessions, to include the patient’s family and support network to deal with the cancer diagnosis of their loved one.

 

Also, our RENUEVA support group includes the family members of our patients, giving them the tools to learn new healthy lifestyle choices, to start focusing on the positive and living life with hope, even with a cancer diagnosis.  Talk to our integrative oncologists on how your family can join the support group sessions available.

 

 

​What’s the process to secure the chemotherapy medications I need?

 

If the Integrative Oncology Treatment Plan includes chemotherapy, our Oncology Nursing personnel will process the prescriptions for the chemotherapy/infusion medications ordered by the integrative oncologist with one of the pharmacies specializing in these types of medications.

 

The pharmacy will inform us on the deductible applicable for the chemotherapy medications prescribed.  Our nurses will then inform each patient the deductible amount.  This deductible is the patient’s responsibility.  The pharmacy needs to receive the deductible payment BEFORE they deliver these medications to our Infusion Center prior to the chemotherapy treatment start date.

 

If the patient does not have the resources to cover the deductible, our nursing staff will discuss available options for the pharmacy to receive their payment.

 

 

​Payment Forms Accepted

 

We accept payment in cash and check.

 

 

​Are payment plans offered for the services not covered by insurance?

 

For patients with medical insurance, your insurance will cover most of the traditional medical services.  Some medical insurance companies even cover complementary treatment services.  Please refer to your medical insurance coverage contract to verify which services might be included in your specific plan.

 

Your Integrative Oncology Treatment Plan details the costs of the complementary services recommended for your specific condition and staging.  If your medical insurance does not cover some or any of the complementary services recommended, our administrative personnel will advise you on the payment plans available to help you cover the costs of your treatment.

 

 

​Punctuality expected from our patients

 

We appreciate you arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time for our administrative personnel to be able to check you in before you are seen by any of our integrative oncologists or any of our complementary services health professionals.

 

We make our best effort to maintain the time of our appointments so all our patients are seen in a timely fashion.  On occasion, if a medical emergency arises with any of our patients, our integrative oncologists might need to leave for the hospital.  In most cases, we will continue offering our services at the office even if there might be a slight delay.  In the event the doctor can’t return to the office, we will reschedule all the missed appointments at your earliest convenience.  Be certain your health and care will always be our priority.

 

 

​Where do the doctors have hospital privileges?

 

Our integrative oncologists have hospital privileges at:

  • Hospital HIMMA San Pablo – Bayamón
  • Hospital Hermanos Meléndez

 

 

​Hospital On-call Policy

 

The Centro Oncológico Integral de Puerto Rico’s integrative oncologists are Dr. Madeleine García Soberal and Dr. Yelitza Ruiz Candelaria.  They work in collaboration with a group of oncologists who also have hospital privileges at Hospital HIMA San Pablo Bayamón and Hospital Hermanos Meléndez

 

When any of their patients is admitted to any of these hospitals, and their main integrative oncologist is not available during their hospital stay, either due to working responsibilities, vacations or if it’s on a weekend, it’s possible they will be seen at the hospital by one of the other oncologists who collaborate with our doctors.

 

This Hospital On-call policy was implemented to provide all our patients the best service and care.  Feel confident your hospital stay will be monitored by your main integrative oncologist at a distance, even if she is not physically present on a daily basis.

 

 

​How can I contact the doctors if I have a question?

 

If you have any question for any of our integrative doctors,   you can call us at 787-993-5294 or send us an email to info@coipr.com.

 

 

​What to do in case of an emergency?

 

Call 9-1-1.

 

If you can physically bring yourself to the emergency room of Hospital San Pablo, inform them your integrative oncologist is either Dr. Madeleine García Soberal or Dr. Yelitza Ruiz Candelaria.  The hospital personnel will contact the doctor or the medical colleague who is on hospital on-call duty to provide specific instructions for your care.

 

Dr. García Soberal and Dr. Ruiz Candelaria belong to a Hospital On-Call group, which in the event they’re not personally available, there will always be an oncologist they fully trust available to tend to your care.

 

 

​Information on Privacy and HIPPA Law

 

Our office is obliged by law to protect the privacy of our patients.  We will maintain the confidentiality of all the information on your medical record.  Our office is committed to not use or divulge any information on your health without your prior consent, except in cases in which the law also requires us to.