What to Expect Before Starting Treatment
When you receive a diagnosis, there can be a lot of uncertainty and fear before starting treatment. At ECHO, we are committed to focusing on all aspects of your care – from initial diagnosis through treatment and recovery. We serve as your partner, providing care in a comprehensive and compassionate manner. Your treatment may impact many aspects of your life. That is why we have a dedicated team of experts who are here to support you every step of the way.
Members of Your Care Team
Shortly after you receive a diagnosis, you will be contacted by different members of our staff. While each individual has specialized expertise, they work as a team to focus on your overall health and well-being.
Patient Navigator
Your Patient Navigator will contact you within five business days to ensure you have the information and resources to prepare for treatment. The Patient Navigator will support you, your family, and your caregiver by connecting you with resources and support that you may need during your care.
Nurse Navigator
Your Nurse Navigator will contact you to schedule a Treatment Education meeting. This meeting will happen in our office, and you are encouraged to bring a family member, friend, or caregiver. During this meeting, our Nurse Navigator and Nurse Practitioner will discuss your treatment regimen, what to expect, and potential side effects. Our Nurse Practitioner can also answer any questions you may have about your diagnosis. During this meeting, you will receive your schedule for treatment, any pre-treatment clearance requirements, and any weekly labs.
Patient Accounts Representative
Our Patient Accounts Team will begin working diligently with your insurance company to obtain approval for your treatment. You will be contacted by a Patient Account Representative and provided with a cost analysis for your treatment. We will also work to see what types of assistance may be available for you. Phone: (860) 412-4390
Nutritionist
During one of your initial treatments, you will meet with our Nutritionist to discuss any dietary concerns related to your treatment. You will receive a Preparing for Treatment packet to review prior to your first treatment. If you have any concerns before you begin treatment, please contact the Nutritionist at your convenience.
Supportive Care & Guidance
The ECHO Cancer Foundation is our unique, non-profit organization dedicated to providing support services, guidance, and education to cancer patients and their caregivers. Our goal is to address each patient’s individual needs so that no one lacks care or comfort while living with cancer. A member of your care team will guide you on how to request support from the ECHO Foundation.
Your provider may recommend you for support through our Connected Care program. Connected Care is a program that contributes to improved outcomes and quality of life for our patients. A member of the Connected Care team may contact you to enroll you in this voluntary program. Please be advised that Connected Care services are billable to your insurance, and you may incur a co-pay as a result of participating in the program.
Clinical Mental Health Support
ECHO is proud to have a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) on our team. The LCSW can support you, your family, and your caregiver with mental health-related services such as individual therapy, group therapy, and family sessions. Your provider may refer you to our LCSW or you may self-refer if you are looking for additional support.
At ECHO, we have many patients living with serious illnesses. Our goal is to not only treat the disease but to provide relief from the symptoms and stress of the illness. This is known as palliative care or supportive oncology. Our palliative care team is led by Dr. Vanessa Johnson who partners with doctors, nurses, and other specialists to provide an extra layer of support for patients and families.
On-Site Dispensary
We have a dispensary right in our office which makes it easy for you to pick-up prescriptions.
Imaging
Complete radiology services are available at the attached William Backus Hospital. This includes X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and PET scans. Your ECHO team will coordinate your imaging, and your results are transmitted directly into your electronic medical record.
Online Resources
Our website has useful patient information including links to our patient portal, online bill pay, company news, and how to contact us. We encourage you to visit our website regularly at: echoassociates.org
Support Resources: Our social work team shares many resources and programs to support patients and caregivers. This web page lists useful information on financial assistance, transportation, support groups, and therapeutic services. This page is frequently updated so check back regularly.
Patient Education: Our educator and nursing team provides guidance on treatment, what to expect, videos, and when to seek care.
Nutritional Guidance: Our nutritionist shares dietary guidelines, hydration hints, and managing side effects during treatment.
Care Team: Meet members of your ECHO team.
Patient Portal: Our online patient portal is a helpful tool to assist you throughout your care. You can review lab and test results, request prescription refills, and can see upcoming appointments. You can also send electronic messages to members of your care team. You can access the portal in the upper right corner of our website. Click here for the portal.
Online Bill Pay: For your convenience, you can now pay your bills online. Click here for bill pay.
How to Reach Us
How to Reach Us During Treatment
During your treatment, we are always here for you. We can be reached at our main number: (860) 886-8362. During business hours, a nurse is available to address questions/concerns if you select option 1. After hours and on weekends, there is an on-call answering service that can connect you with the appropriate provider.
Triage Line
Our Triage line can be reached at (860) 886-8362, option #1. The triage line is helpful for general questions about medications, treatment, or to discuss with a nurse a symptom/ side effect. It is not for emergencies. If you have an emergency and the triage nurse does not pick up, do not leave a voice message. Hang up and call back and ask to speak with the charge nurse to report an emergency. A temperature of 100.4 or higher is considered emergent; call immediately. We aim to answer triage-related matters within 2 hours during regular business hours.