Is there anything quite as unnerving as sitting with your doctor when an unusual lab result pops up…read moreand you suddenly find yourself referred to a Cancer Center? I think not. I've had a couple of occasions in my life when Cancer had to be ruled out, but today's experience with Franciscan Physician Network Oncology & Hematology Specialists was the first time a lab result actually led to my referral to such a center. So, I dutifully packed up my work desk early today and headed to the Franciscan campus on South Emerson Avenue only a few blocks from the Marion/Johnson County line. My primary care doctor's thorough analysis of recent test results had led her to dig a bit deeper than usual. Even the Oncologist seemed a bit surprised at the tests she'd ordered. Just as it seemed we were getting everything ruled out, she came across one particularly troubling result and announced that she would make the referral. Usually, because I'm a non-compliant jerk, she's careful to say "You don't have to, of course, but I think you should." This time, she simply said "I'm making the referral." Fortunately, the lab in question was only slightly outside the normal range. She wasn't in panic mode and assured me I shouldn't be either. Regardless, she said it could be serious and I needed to get it checked just in case it would get worse. I live in Lawrence and work downtown. Driving to nearly Greenwood is not my idea of a good time - especially in the middle of a busy afternoon, but I did so. This practice is located in the Cancer Care Center. Having been hanging out with friend and fellow Yelper Ken N. during his dealings with Cancer, I wasn't taking any of this lightly. The practice is in Suite 101 - an obviously first floor suite near the entrance. They are still being careful in terms of the pandemic - you stop at a sort of info booth and pick up a visitor badge. Then, you head to your appointment. Masks are required and will be supplied if you show up without one. All staff were wearing masks. Interestingly, I thought the waiting area was a little weak in terms of social distancing. However, most were trying to naturally enforce it. The practice has a warm decor that is rather soothing. I felt calmer just being in it. While I was hopeful, I was also aware that I could easily be getting informed I had Cancer. As I was alone, I had taken off the rest of the afternoon just in case I needed to process. The sign-in process was easy. I confirmed by text. I had to sign a few papers since this was my first time with this practice. My primary care physician had made sure everything was sent over - plus, I participate in electronic records and the doctor had access to recent labs and my late 2019 hospitalization records. My appointment was scheduled for 30 minutes. I was taken to my room by a nurse within 5 minutes of my scheduled time. Intake staff were friendly and helpful. Art work is a tad bland (mostly neutral colors and abstract images of trees or nature). The nurse was friendly and did the usual intake procedures. My physician, whom I will likely review after additional visits, looked through my records and discussed the concerns. He seemed to "get it" very quickly and had an understanding of the situation. He checked through a few certain labs that would be more likely to indicate Cancer. Of course, the one lab was not promising but two others were fine. He explained his ideas. He explained options. He explained that he wanted to do one more test - if that one is within normal limits, it's almost certain I do not have Cancer. If it's not within normal limits, he will likely do additional testing. He tentatively scheduled me for an appointment in several months as he wants to monitor these labs. It's unnerving to go through this process. It was unnerving to watch people go in and out of their appointments. Yet, the staff was always warm and friendly and the environment encouraged a soothing, calm atmosphere. I'm waiting on my final lab result with some anxiety (of course). My doctor was very open about the fact that with my particular result, 90% of the time it's not Cancer. However, that 10% tends to be a serious cancer and one we would want to catch as early as possible. His demeanor was calm. He listened. He processed. He spoke in language that was easily understood. The practice also has an in-house lab. I admit I find this a bit weird, though I suppose it's helpful for all those who are actually getting chemo and other treatments. As this is a healthcare facility, there is accessible parking with automatic doors and the room was somewhat tight but generally wheelchair friendly. This is certainly not an experience anyone wants, but I've grown quite happy with the Franciscan Network and today's experience with the Cancer Center was no exception.

Just sit in the waiting room to hear testimonials from the patients who have been treated by Dr…read more Schmidt to learn how respected he is. Yes, the wait can be long as he spends time with those in early stages of treatment, but the demeanor in the waiting room is jovial and supportive. Everyone just smiles when they walk in to see 30 or more patients waiting their turn and telling their stories. I was referred to Dr. Schmidt by my primary for treatment. I estimate that he has been practicing for over 30 years and is quite experienced. First visit, he spent an hour studying my history before drawing conclusions. He sent me for additional testing and to other specialists before determining treatment plan. He is very thorough and takes a lot of notes. He is friendly and takes time to explain things in layman terms. He seeks input from other doctors. And carefully lays out options. He called me at home several times to consult. My surgery went as explained. He connects well with patients. His staff is ok. His nurse, Kathy, was particularly helpful answering unwrought questions for me and making other appointments. At one point she spent an hour on the phone with me answering questions. She is also 5 stars. The reception staff can be slow and non compassionate at times. That is really my only complaint. Their goal is to get that insurance card and credit card information. The building is conveniently located with lots of parking. The waiting room can be a little tight when full and I noticed elderly folks have trouble maneuvering the maze of chairs and going up and back to the reception window and around the corners to the exam rooms. But no one ever complains. I highly recommend Dr. Schmidt. I have learned to make my appointments early in the morning so the wait is not as long. But I miss hearing the stories.

From the owner: Specializing in: - Physicians & Surgeonsread more

This is hard for me to write…read more A while back my mother got a mammogram at her doctor and she told my mother she should get a core biopsy. Her primary care had found calcifications in the mammogram and she wanted it checked out. My mother went and got the biopsy at the Women's Health Center in Lima. After a week, she was asked to come in for her test results. The test results were being given to her the day before Thanksgiving and since I was off work, i told her I would take her and then we could have brunch together. It was easy finding the health center as it is in the same medical center as my dermatologist. We went inside and she checked in. We sat in the waiting room for about five minutes before we were called in and were taken to a room which looked like an office. I started to get worried because, this didn't feel normal to me. Two women then walked in and introduced themselves to me. One was the doctor who performed the biopsy, the other was a social worker.... and the doctor informed us my mom has breast cancer. I literally felt the room spin on me. I must have obviously reeled or showed something because they wanted to make sure i was ok. I wasn't but i tried to compose myself. The doctor told us about what was found, and the plan. They had a team of doctors... a surgeon, a oncologist, a radiological oncologist who would be working with her along with the social worker. The social worker would be there for my mom thru things and we were given the information on what we needed to do. They also said the surgeon would come to the womens health center the next week to check her over. I am thankful and appreciative that the Women's health center found my mom's cancer so we can do something about it. I am also happy so many of the services are there and will be there like the social worker and the radiological oncologist. At the center i noticed that there is also a wig center located inside that my mother may end up having to use. Like i said, this was difficult to experience and write about. All i can say is this... if you are a woman, get routine mammograms. Get checked out!

Treatments, amazing Dr John's, staff, Dr John's! I wonderful experience in difficult times!‍read more

Staff were very professional and kind. The Dr. answered all of my questions thoughly.read more

My mom started chemo in January 3rd of this year under the care of Dr. Xiusheng Qin. I got to speak…read morequite a bit with Dr. Qin and interact with his staff frequently while my mother was under their care. They are knowledgable, caring, hardworking and amazing people. I remember our first conversation in December of 2021 with Dr. Qin where we found out how serious my mother's cancer was. What originally was thought was stage 1 was a more serious stage 3a. She needed chemo and my mom was presented with options on what type of chemo treatments she would take. He gave us pros and cons. When we chose, he warned us. Chemo/cancer treatment is a long process. Cancer is not something that can be instantly defeated, its a marathon... not a just a race. Those words kept crossing through my mind. As i saw my mother greatly weaken and almost wither away, as i spent sleepless nights with her when she would faint, or throw up or just be in immense pain. Its been a terrible ordeal for her. She was so weak, there were days she couldn't move from her bed and required me and my brother to help her move around the house. Her immune system almost disappeared as sometimes her white blood cell count was so small, the machine couldn't read it and had to be manually counted by the staff. This necessitated her getting injections to stimulate the production of white blood cells. Chemo also messed with my moms ability to eat, and keep food down. It was a struggle to get her to eat sometimes and I took Dr.Qin's advice that it doesn't matter how she gets it, but calories matter. On many weeks though, my brother and I had to take her into Dr. Qin's office so she could get potassium and iv fluids whenever she got too weak. The staff where always there for us, helping where they could and especially giving my mom emotional support when she needed it. I remember when one of the nurses reassuring my mom that there is hope and she could beat her cancer as my mom was in tears. On March 31st, my mom finished her chemo. My mom was able to take part in this ritual where the doctor and staff watch on as the person who finished the treatment ring this large bell to signal the end of their treatment. Next to the bell is a sign that reads: "Supporting the fighters, admiring the survivors, honoring the taken, and never giving up hope." My mom got to ring that bell, she was so weak she had to do it from a wheelchair. She cried and thanked the staff for everything they did for her. I have to say, i admire Dr.Qin and his staff, truly they are heroes for what they do! Mom's next step is radiation. All i have is hope, hope that in the end she will beat her cancer. Dr. Qin and his staff did a lot for us and helped us on this 2nd part on this marathon. Again to Dr. Qin and his staff: Thank you!

Absolutely horrible! Canceled my appointment and went to the VA who got it all done in a fraction…read moreof the time then DPN gave my personal info to some group trying to sell me some kind of care program and the office refuses to explain why they did that. Then they hung up on me and apparently have somehow blocked me in Mychart. I just want an explanation without having to make a big court case out of it.

Office personnel are unprofessional. Not only do they not know how to speak to patients, they have…read moreinappropriate, obnoxious conversations in the middle of the waiting room... all the time. Since they can't keep appointment times, today we had to listen to 40 minutes of cackling followed by 20 minutes of the receptionist singing to the radio. Schedulers are rude if you can't take the first time they offered. Even Compunet on the premises has learned the behavior. Drs are great. Nursing staff is meh. Treatment team is awesome.