Cancer Navigator FAQs
Do I qualify for Cancer Navigators Services?
Cancer Navigators services are for patients with an active treatment plan and who are receiving chemotherapy infusions, cancer fighting immunotherapy infusions, and radiation treatment. If patients have completed these treatments and are in follow-up care with their provider, they do not qualify for services.
How do I sign up for Cancer Navigators Services?
Patients in active treatment will need to reach out to Cancer Navigators (Phone: 706-509-5040) to schedule an intake assessment with one of our Services Navigators. Although patients are welcome to come at their convenience, scheduling an appointment will ensure the availability and careful attention of our Service Navigators. Cancer Navigators is located on the third floor of the Tony Warren Cancer center. Take the elevator up to the third floor and follow the signs for Cancer Navigators. Our hours are Monday through Thursday 8:30-4:30 and Friday 8:00-4:00.
What is included in Cancer Navigators Services?
During an intake assessment, our Service Navigators will ask you a series of questions regarding your greatest needs. Service Navigators will assess emotional distress, financial needs, cost of living expenses, outside resources, transportation, and food security. According to your expressed needs, we supply our patients with 24 high nutrition drinks each month (distributed every other week), incontinence supplies and comfort items including wipes, Kleenex, wigs and scarves. Additionally, Cancer Navigators provides a limited number of gas cards to our patients so they can ensure transportation to receive lifesaving chemotherapy, radiation and cancer fighting immunotherapy. Service Navigators will calculate the number of gas cards patients are eligible for based on the level of income into the home and the distance traveled to treatment. Our ongoing partnership with Northwest Georgia Hunger Ministries ensures that our patients can pick up food for their household once a month. Additionally, our Cancer Navigators board contracts with a local License Clinical Social Worker to provide 6-8 counseling sessions for patients at no charge. Stage IV patients can work with our LCSW to determine if they have ongoing mental health needs that extend beyond the initial 6-8 visits
What should I bring to my first intake assessment with the Service Navigator?
Please bring your current proof of income for everyone in the home who has income. Service Navigators use this information to screen patients for our transportation assistance program, resources, and outside grants.
How often can I return to Cancer Navigators for supplies once I sign up?
Patients may return to Cancer Navigators to say “hello!” and to receive encouragement at any time and we always welcome updates on you! However, we ask that patients return every other week to collect shakes and supplies, ensuring that we have enough supplies for everyone that we serve. If you are in need of additional outside resources or grants our Service Navigators are more than happy to schedule a time to discuss your continuing needs and connect you to the appropriate resources.