UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is part of the UPMC family.

Frequently Asked Questions and Glossary

Who Is Our Team? 

  • Lanie Francis, MD, medical oncologist/hematologist.
  • Kayla Miller, MSN, CRNP, nurse practitioner
  • Kelli Fasenmyer, collaborative nurse.
  • Cindy Schermann, administrative coordinator.
  • Danielle Petrina, project manager.
  • Registered oncology dietitian for lifestyle nutrition.
  • Licensed acupuncturist for acupuncture.
  • Yoga therapist with a master of science in yoga therapy for yoga and meditation.
  • Licensed massage therapist for oncology massage.
  • Physical therapist and/or exercise physiologist for exercise therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. However, our Nurse Ambassadors can be found throughout the UPMC system. We train Nurse Ambassadors throughout the system.

You can be referred by your physician or you can self-refer.

No. Patients will keep their primary oncologist or referring oncology subspecialist and the approach will be collaborative in nature. Dr. Francis corresponds with your medical oncology team to make sure they are aware of your integrative care plan.

Third floor of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Shadyside.

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

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time.

  • Insurance information
  • Medications and supplements
  • Tracking of symptoms and activities (optional)

We understand the cancer journey brings unexpected twists and turns as you are balancing multiple appointments, priorities, and how you feel on any given day. However, we ask that you cancel any scheduled appointment at least 24 hours in advance so everyone’s time and energy are respected.

Your initial visit with Dr. Lanie Francis is billed to your insurance company as a specialist visit.

Our team works diligently throughout the year to fundraise for our patients to receive introductory demonstrations. These demonstrations are specifically recommended for you by Dr. Francis to sample and understand if integrative therapies work with your time, geography, and budget.

Beyond the introductory demonstrations all services within the Wellness Suite are available for a fee comparable to market place value. We have seen minimal insurance coverage for services such as acupuncture, oncology massage, and yoga/meditation.

No. Our program is focused on a holistic approach to symptom management and quality of life in the context of conventional cancer care. Integrative therapies offered by the Wellness and Integrative Oncology Program are not meant to replace conventional cancer care prescribed by your primary oncologist. We offer a non-judgmental space to discuss alternative therapies.

Examples of alternative therapies we do not provide:

  • IV minerals and vitamins
  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

The Wellness and Integrative Oncology Program is glad to sponsor a support group for the caregiver called 'Caring for the Caregivers' and caregivers are encouraged to participate in group classes with their loved ones. At this time, individual services for caregivers are not offered.

We suggest scheduling an appointment as soon as you decide Integrative Oncology is right for you. Our team works diligently to fill all cancelled appointments. Most patients with flexibility are able to meet our team sooner than their initially scheduling appointment.

Engage with our Nurse Ambassador Program

Yes. Please bring supplements to your consultation. Dr. Francis discusses relevant supplement questions with a licensed oncology pharmacist and individualizes recommendations about supplements to your goals in the context of your cancer and cancer treatment.
Dr. Francis is an approved certifying practitioner within the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program and sits on the Pennsylvania state Medical Marijuana Advisory Board. She does not see patients exclusively for medical marijuana certifications but offers it to patients interested in holistic approach to symptom management within the Wellness and Integrative Oncology Program.
  • Acupuncture
  • Aromatherapy
  • Exercise therapy
  • Lifestyle nutrition
  • Meditation
  • Oncology massage
  • Yoga
Wear something comfortable and easy to move in.
Anywhere from 30-60 minutes. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
If you cancel 2 appointments in The Wellness Suite with less than a 24 hour notice we will be unable to provide you with additional 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 customize your care. All care plans are supervised by Dr. Francis.

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

After you complete your introductory demonstrations you may continue to engage with our integrative providers in The Wellness Suite at rates similar to or below marketplace value.

A portion of the fee goes toward funding introductory demonstrations for other cancer patients.

We appreciate your thoughtfulness, but we do not accept any gratuity.

Glossary

Acupuncture. The practice of inserting very fine needles superficially into the skin to improve how the body functions and promote natural healing.

Aromatherapy. Therapeutic grade essential oils used to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual health and well-being.

Exercise therapy. A personal trainer who’s an expert in cancer guides people through weight-bearing and resistance exercises.

Lifestyle nutrition. A framework for how food integrates with the prevention and management of illness in real life and in real time.

Meditation. The deliberate practice of focusing your attention to become calm and relaxed. This practice can be silent, guided, lying down, or seated.

Oncology massage. Like massage, oncology massage manipulates the soft tissue of the body but in a way that safely works with the complications of cancer and cancer treatment.

Yoga. A series of physical postures, breathing techniques, and sometimes meditation to promote physical and emotional well-being.