Frequently Asked Questions and Glossary

Yes, although the Nurse Ambassadors we train can be found throughout the UPMC system.

Your doctor can refer you, or you can self-refer.

No. You’ll keep your primary oncologist or referring oncology subspecialist, and we’ll work with them. Dr. Francis will make sure your oncology team is aware of your integrative care plan.

The Wellness Suite and Studios are on the 3rd floor of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, which is located on the campus of UPMC Shadyside.

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center offers valet parking at a rate of $5 a day.

Yes. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time.

• Your insurance information.
• Medicines and supplements you take.
• Tracking of symptoms and activities (optional).

We know the cancer journey can bring unexpected twists and turns, and it can be tough to balance appointments and priorities with how you feel on any given day. But we do ask that you cancel a scheduled appointment at least 24 hours in advance in respect of everyone’s time and energy. 

We bill your initial visit with Dr. Francis to your insurance company as a specialist visit.

Our team works hard throughout the year to fundraise so people can receive introductory demonstrations. Dr. Francis recommends demonstrations specifically for you to sample, so you can see if integrative therapies work with your time, geography, and budget.

After the introductory demonstrations, all services within the Wellness Suite are available for a fee comparable to market value. We've seen minimal insurance coverage for services like acupuncture, oncology massage, and yoga/meditation.

No. Our program is focused on a holistic approach to symptom management and quality of life. The integrative therapies we offer are meant to complement, not replace, the conventional cancer care prescribed by your primary oncologist.

We offer a non-judgmental space to discuss alternative therapies we don’t provide, such as:

• IV minerals and vitamins.
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

We sponsor a caregiver support group, Caring for the Caregivers, and we encourage caregivers to take part in group classes with their loved ones. But at this time, we don’t offer individual services for caregivers.

We suggest making an appointment as soon as you decide integrative oncology is right for you. Our team works diligently to fill cancelled appointments. Most people with flexibility meet our team sooner than their initially scheduled appointment.

Before your visit, you can engage with our Nurse Ambassador Program

Yes. Please bring supplements to your consultation. Dr. Francis discusses relevant supplement questions with a licensed oncology pharmacist. She also gives custom recommendations about supplements and how they relate to your goals for your cancer and cancer treatment.

Dr. Francis is an approved certifying practitioner in the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program and sits on Pa.’s Medical Marijuana Advisory Board. Although she doesn’t see people only for medical marijuana certifications, she does offer it to those interested in a holistic approach to symptom management within the Wellness and Integrative Oncology Program.

We currently offer:

• Acupuncture.
• Aromatherapy.
• Exercise therapy.
• Lifestyle nutrition.
• Meditation.
• Oncology massage.
• Yoga.

We recommend you wear something comfortable and easy to move in.

Integrative therapies last from 30 to 60 minutes. Please arrive 15 minutes early.

If you cancel 2 appointments in The Wellness Suite with less than 24 hours notice, we won’t be able to provide you with more demonstrations.

Our team carefully vets each provider to ensure the highest level of professionalism, qualifications, and certification. Our providers work closely with Dr. Francis and her clinical team to give you custom care. Dr. Francis oversees all care plans.

Your next step is to meet with our clinical team to reassess your symptoms and discuss next steps for expanding and sustaining integrative care throughout your cancer journey. This is billed to your insurance as a specialist visit.

After you complete your introductory demonstrations, you may continue to engage with our integrative providers in The Wellness Suite at rates in line with or below market value. A portion of all fees goes toward funding introductory demonstrations for other people with cancer.

We appreciate your thoughtfulness, but we don't accept gratuity.