Network Spotlight: Gynecologic Oncology 

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month 

Gynecologic cancers, including ovarian, uterine, cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers, represent a significant health concern for women worldwide. Over the past two decades, substantial advancements have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of these cancers, resulting in improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life for patients. Due to this progress, incidence and mortality has decreased for many gynecologic cancers, including ovarian cancer, which historically has been a leading cause of gynecologic cancer related death. Legacy Cancer Institute (LCI) plays a vital role in this progress, ensuring patients receive comprehensive, state-of-the-art care throughout their cancer journeys.

Legacy Cancer Institute (LCI)
Legacy Cancer Institute logo LCI embraces a multidisciplinary approach to gynecologic cancer care, bringing together a team of experts from various specialties, including gynecologic oncology, radiology, pathology, radiation oncology, medical genetics, and support services from the Legacy Healing Center. LCI hosts a multi-disciplinary gynecologic tumor conference twice per month to discuss the appropriate guideline adherent treatment and management for our patients. LCI endorses and follows the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) evidence-based treatment guidelines during these discussions, and its robust list of clinical trials is also reviewed, and patients are considered for enrollment, in addition to evaluating individual needs for genetics, integrative medicine and other support services.
In addition to a focus on team-based care, LCI is at the forefront of leading advances in treatment. LCI actively participates in clinical trials and research endeavors and is a regional leader for access to clinical trials for patients with gynecologic cancers. This commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and innovative treatments gives patients access to innovative therapies and contributes to the broader understanding of gynecologic oncology and improving patient outcomes.

LCI also incorporates sentinel lymph node mapping and biopsy techniques for uterine, cervical, and vulvar cancer patients. This approach helps determine the extent of lymph node involvement accurately, reducing the need for extensive lymph node dissections and minimizing associated complications. LCI has integrated precision medicine principles into the management of gynecologic cancers. Germline (including BRCA1/2 and Lynch syndrome) and somatic genetic testing is routinely offered to patients, allowing for personalized treatment strategies based on individual genetic profiles.

Refer your patients to LMG Gynecologic Oncology

The skilled surgeons at Legacy Medical Group (LMG) Gynecologic Oncology have extensive experience in performing laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries, leading to reduced hospital stays, faster recovery, and improved patient outcomes.

LMG Gynecologic Oncology cares for patients at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center, Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center, Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center, and Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center.

Cervical Cancer Screening Toolkit

Learn about updates on cervical cancer from Dr. Julia Fehniger of Legacy Medical Group - Gynecologic Oncology. In the video Risky business: Updates on cervical cancer screening and management of abnormal results, Dr. Fehniger will describe the paradigm shift from cytology/HPV testing alone to risk stratification based on likelihood of underlying severe dysplasia, characterize thresholds for intervention based on risk profile, and access ASCCP evidence-based guidelines for screening.

You can also download Legacy Health Partner’s cervical cancer screening toolkit or find it in the LHP Resource Library. The cervical screening toolkit assisted our providers in screening 77.3% of their eligible LHP patients in 2023, exceeding the network’s goal of 76%.

Help spread the word with your patients about gynecological cancer

Share these patient fact sheets from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) that provide women with information about gynecological cancer.

 

Don't miss next week’s Clinical Collaboration Event

Legacy Cancer Institute logo Register now for Legacy Health Partners’ third clinical collaboration series event of the year: It’s Getting Hot in Here: Navigating the Latest Strategies for Managing Menopause.

Note: While we have already reached our capacity for in-person attendees, you can still register below for the virtual option.

Learn how to navigate the latest evidence-based menopause management strategies and hear from three women’s health physicians about the physical, emotional, and mental health challenges of menopause.

Event Details:

  • Date: Wednesday, October 2
  • Time: 5:30-7:30 pm (virtual presentation begins at 6 p.m.)
  • Location: Virtual access available. We have already reached capacity for in-person attendees!
  • Cost: Free

Save your (virtual) seat today!

Presenters:
  • Jennifer Lin, MD, FACOG, NCMP – Women’s Healthcare Associates Northwest Gynecology Center – Tualatin
  • N. Michelle Sang, MD, FACOG, ABAARM, WIMI-CP – Synergy Women's Health Care
  • Lara Williams, MD, MHSc, FACOG, ABOIM, IFMCP, FAARM, NCMP – The Oregon Clinic Obstetrics and Gynecology North


Help lead LHP and apply for a Board or Committee seat

LHP is accepting applications (due Nov. 1) for seats on the board of managers and all three board committees: Clinical Collaboration and Performance Improvement; Finance and Contracting; and Quality and Membership.

Help lead LHP in our next phase of growth and fulfill our vision to be the preferred choice for our providers and our community. LHP believes we can improve the health of our communities and more effectively serve our region if we more accurately reflect those we serve. The LHP board of managers and board committees strive for diversity in representation of primary care providers and specialists, and employed and independent providers, small and large practice providers, as well as leaders who represent different races, ages, and genders. With this goal in mind:
  • We encourage applications from people of color, women, and those in the LGBTQI+ community.
  • The responsibilities for each role are outlined within the application packet and board and committee members receive an annual stipend for their service.
  • Meetings are held virtually.
We are grateful for your time and consideration. If you would like to speak with someone about exploring what it is like to serve, email LegacyHealthPartners@lhs.org, and we will connect you with LHP staff or current board and committee members to share more information.


Quality Corner: LHP Quality Awards due Oct. 31

LHP is accepting applications for our annual LHP Quality Awards that document an improvement project you have been working on. We want to recognize your entire staff for your hard work and help share information and ideas across our entire network. Download the application form and submit it by October 31. LHP provides financial awards to the top three winners ($2000, $1500, $1000 respectively) to help support your efforts and recognizes clinics by delivering team treats, awards, and sharing how practices implemented improvements so other practices can try similar strategies. We look forward to hearing about your projects and celebrating your results. Good luck!


Announcements, deadlines, and reminders

  • LHP has been sending reminder emails directly to providers who still need to complete their annual Clinical Integration Education video by September 30. If you have not already, go to the LHP video library to complete this requirement and choose one learning module by December 31. Completing both activities helps providers participate in our network and stay informed about resources and relevant topics as you continue your learning.
For primary care:
  • Be sure to review the Member Attribution report in Power BI for a list of the LHP patients attributed to you. If you believe a member is attributed to you in error, download the Reattribution Request Form from the LHP Team Site and include the patient’s correct PCP (Primary Care Physician) and email the form to LegacyHealthPartners@lhs.org before Sept. 30.

  • Are you aware of the G2211 add-on code for Medicare that became payable as of January 1, 2024? This code is applicable to any situation where a provider is responsible for longitudinal care and coordination. If you have not implemented this code yet in your billing practices, be sure to do so and document appropriately. It can help offset some other reductions Medicare made to other reimbursement.