Dr. Nikhilesh Korgaonkar, thoracic surgeon and vice president, chief medical officer of the Oncology service line, recently led a team of nurse practitioners and advanced practice providers to publish an article in the Association of Community Cancer Centers Oncology Issues on WellSpan Health’s multispecialty effort to manage the care of patients with incidental nodules found in the lungs, to lower the cost of care and improve the patient experience. 

With the single most effective tool to improving lung cancer survival being early detection, the team mapped out the journey of a patient with lung cancer, from incidental finding to treatment. A Diagnostic Support Specialist team and a Diagnostic Physician Advisory team was formed to collaborate and coordinate patient care.

The team worked to align workflows and communicate with everyone involved in the patient’s care. New workflows were then developed, including consistent documentation and scripting for staff during patient calls.

This care model identifies, implements and expedites patient lung nodule care in real time, and provides consistent follow up along the continuum of care.

Congratulations to the team on their tireless work on this project to improve the patient and provider experience, and optimize the health of our communities!