Patient Resources Quick Guide

Strong Recovery/Addiction Services provides a wide range of outpatient treatment options for adults 18 years and older who have a primary substance use disorder. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (585) 275-3161.

Certain types of cancer treatment can increase the risk of heart disease. Wilmot Cancer Institute partners with UR Medicine Heart and Vascular to offer a unique Cardio-Oncology program for patients with cancer. The program does not require a doctor’s referral, but some insurance companies do. Talk to your team if you have questions or to learn more, call (585) 275-4780.

Talk to your doctor about whether a clinical trial is suitable for your diagnosis. Clinical trials are studies that directly involve eligible patients who volunteer. They are a responsible way to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new cancer treatments. Wilmot is a clinical trial leader and has many studies available. Ask your oncology team to learn about trials for which you may be eligible. You can also learn more about clinical trials or search for trials that are currently enrolling patients at Wilmot on the Wilmot Clinical Trials website. Information about trials enrolling national is available at ClinicalTrials.gov.

A number of resources are available in the Rochester and Finger Lakes region - and beyond - for cancer patients and survivors, as well as their families. View a list of regional community resources available within Wilmot's 27-county region. 

To learn more or if you have additional questions, contact Wilmot's Community Resource Line at (585) 276-4708 or by email at wilmotcommunityreshelp@urmc.rochester.edu.

Wilmot’s Community Outreach & Engagement Office works with communities in Rochester and the surrounding region to reduce the burden of cancer and to resolve cancer disparities through research and programming, including a healthy lifestyle program, a smoking cessation program, regular talks and more.

Eastman Institute for Oral Health performs general dentistry as well as specialized services for cancer patients and survivors. They can be reached at (585) 275-5051.

Pluta Integrative Oncology & Wellness Center hosts the ReNEW program, which helps cancer patients and survivors exercise with support from exercise trainers who specialize in working with those who’ve had a cancer diagnosis. Learn more by calling (585) 486-0630.

Strong Fertility Center provides fertility preservation and infertility treatment programs. For more information, ask your oncology team or contact (585) 487-3378.

UR Medicine has a Financial Assistance Program to help cancer patients who cannot afford health care they need. This can include access to a financial counselor, who can help patients and families understand their financial coverage and costs. They can also identify possible options for financial assistance. For more information, call (585) 276-7794.

Patients who have questions about the cost of services or procedures they may receive at Strong Memorial Hospital, Highland Hospital and/or F.F. Thompson Hospital can get an estimate by calling (585) 758-7801, emailing URMCPriceEstimation@urmc.rochester.edu or visiting the cost estimates & pricing webpage.

Wilmot’s Community Outreach & Engagement Office offers some health talks and programs to encourage members of the community to take charge of reducing their risk of cancer. 
 

The Center for Community Health & Prevention also offers online resources and programs through the Healthy Living Center. Learn more by calling (585) 602--0720.

Wilmot’s Hereditary Cancer Screening and Risk Reduction Program offers individuals and families options for genetic counseling and testing. The program also offers long-term support and expertise for patients and families who carry gene mutations that increase the risk of cancer. For more information, ask your oncology team or call (585) 486-0600.

Wilmot’s Geriatric Oncology Clinic specializes in providing highly customized care to patients with cancer who are 65 or older. Patients receive a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, which identifies potential health conditions that could impact cancer care and guides supportive care strategies to help patients during their cancer journey. For more information, ask your oncology team or contact (585) 275-5830.

Patients and families wishing to support Wilmot Cancer Institute, other patients and their medical team have many options to give back, including volunteering time and giving a monetary donation. Learn more by calling (585) 276-4717 or emailing wci@rochester.edu.

UR Medicine Home Care programs help meet home health care needs, including rehabilitation, cancer care, hospice care, private pay services, and Meals on Wheels. For more info, call (585) 787-2233. 

The Home Infusion Program provides central line care and supplies, chemo at home (when eligible), parenteral and IV nutrition (tube feedings), and IV medications. For more information, call (585) 276-4663.

URMC Hotel and Lodging Services has formed relationships with some area hotels that can provide discounted lodging to patients and their families. To learn more, call URMC’s general information line at (585) 275-7581 or visit placestostay.urmc.edu.

If you would like more information about your conditions, tests and treatments, the Edward G. Miner Library can help. Librarians are not qualified to give medical advice, legal advice, diagnosis, or interpretation of lab results, but can customize information to meet your needs. Call (585) 275-2487, email AskMiner@URMC.edu or visit the library (Room 1.6221) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. You can also click the “Ask A Librarian” button in MyChart.

The Wilmot Cancer Institute website aims to provide patients and families with information about their cancer and providers.

Wilmot’s Pluta Integrative Oncology & Wellness Center  offers therapies to complement cancer treatment, including massage therapy, acupuncture, gentle yoga, meditation, healthy cooking education, exercise/physical activity programs and creative therapies such as art and writing. Evidence suggests these therapies may help ease cancer treatment-related side effects. Many of these services are available to patients and their family members at no cost. For more information, contact (585) 486-0630.

At Strong Memorial Hospital, professional Spanish and American Sign Language interpreters are available 24 hours a day. Live, over-the-phone interpreters for more than 200 languages are also available through our telephone services. To learn more or request an interpreter, call (585) 275-4778 or email Interpreter_Services@urmc.rochester.edu.

Interpreter services are also available at Highland Hospital, F.F. Thompson Hospital, Noyes Memorial Hospital and Jones Memorial Hospital. Your medical team will assist you.

Many cancer patients need blood work numerous times during treatment. UR Medicine Labs has many locations throughout the Rochester and Finger Lakes region where you can have blood drawn. When possible, it is recommended patients get blood work done before your appointment. This can potentially help reduce your wait time before receiving an infusion. Ask your oncology team if this is an option for you.

Mental Health & Wellness Services at UR Medicine assists patients and their families in crisis who are struggling to cope, to adapt or to manage a mental illness. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (585) 273-5050.

The Psychosocial Oncology at Wilmot provides short-term counseling for common issues related to cancer diagnosis and treatment, including depression, anxiety and memory issues in addition to medication consultation by a psychiatrist. Patients are seen in the Wilmot Cancer Center. For more information, ask your oncology team.

As UR Medicine’s online patient portal, MyChart has many features, including viewing outpatient diagnoses, medications, immunizations, allergies and blood work results. MyChart’s messaging tool allows patients to reach out to their medical team with non-urgent questions. A patient’s upcoming appointments are listed in MyChart. Creating a MyChart account requires an activation code and then set up of a user ID and password. To request an activation code, visit mychart.urmc.rochester.edu/mychart or call (585) 275-8762.

Any Wilmot patient can arrange for a free consultation with a Wilmot registered dietitian who’s certified in oncology nutrition. For an appointment, call (585) 275-5823.

Wilmot’s Pluta Integrative Oncology & Wellness Center offers therapies to complement cancer treatment, including healthy cooking education and nutrition lectures. Many of these services are available to patients at no cost. Some classes offered in person and some virtually. For more information, contact (585) 486-0630.

UR Home Infusion Pharmacy provides enteral nutrition (tube feeding) to patients in their homes. To learn more, call (585) 787-2233.

Cooking for Wellness Class: Research shows eating a plant-forward diet may reduce a person's risk of cancer or cancer recurrence. Wilmot registered dietitians host a monthly cooking class where patients, survivors, and caregivers can come learn to cook a plant-forward meal. These classes are free but space is limited and registration is required. To register, call (585) 486-0630. 

The UR Medicine Palliative Care Program is designed to help alleviate patient suffering for those experiencing serious illness through high-quality pain and symptom management, patient-centered care, and by providing support for patients or family members and friends. For a referral, ask your oncology team, or to learn more, call (585) 273-1154.

The URMC network has a number of pharmacy locations.

Patients and families can purchase prescriptions as well as over-the-counter medications and products at the Strong Memorial Hospital Outpatient Pharmacy. The pharmacy is located in the Strong Memorial Hospital main lobby and can be contacted at (585) 275-4931.

Any University of Rochester employee may use the UR Employee Pharmacy, located on the first floor of the medical center. It offers a number of benefits including discounts and free delivery. They can be contacted at (585) 276-3900.

Patients and employees at Highland Hospital may use the Highland Hospital Outpatient Pharmacy. They can be contacted at (585) 341-0699.

Patients of Thompson Health can purchase prescriptions and over-the-counter medications and health products from Canandaigua Medical Group Pharmacy, located across the street from F.F. Thompson Hospital at 335 Parrish Street, Suite 1500, in Canandaigua. This pharmacy can be contacted at (585) 602-0300.

At Strong Rehabilitation Center at Clinton Crossings, UR Medicine therapists assist with a number of areas, including physical therapy and occupational therapy for activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing or grooming; balance, neurorehabilitation, gait, upper and lower extremity limitations; and more. Speech therapists are available to assist patients whose speech and/or swallowing ability has been impacted by cancer treatment. Pelvic floor physical therapy is available for patients with pelvic floor or bowel dysfunction. Specialty programs for cognitive rehabilitation and lymphedema reduction with occupational therapists are also offered. A physician order/prescription is required. For more information, call (585) 341-9000.

For patients who are homebound and need rehabilitation care, UR Medicine Home Care provides licensed rehabilitation services to patients in their homes. To learn more, call (585) 787-2233.

Find a UR Medicine primary care physician.

Each Wilmot Cancer Institute physician has a bio on Wilmot’s website, allowing patients and the community to learn more about his or her qualifications, research and more.

UR Medicine Menopause and Women’s Health has resources for cancer patients who have questions or concerns. For more information, ask your oncology team or call (585) 271-7800.

UR Medicine’s Department of Urology is a resource for cancer patients who have questions or concerns related to treatment and side effects of treatment related to the urinary system. For more information, ask your oncology team or call (585) 275-2838.

Your primary care provider may also be able to help you with any sexual/intimacy concerns you may experience. This is important and you should feel empowered to talk with your medical team about questions and concerns you have.

Licensed professionals are available to help you and your loved ones manage emotional, financial, social and other non-medical concerns. For more information, contact (585) 276-4708 or learn more about Wilmot’s Social Work team.

Located near the entrance to the Golisano Children’s Hospital, the Friends of Strong Gift Shop at Strong Memorial Hospital sells cancer awareness items and non-medical merchandise, such as head scarves and hats. Questions can be directed to (585) 275-2577. Those seeking other specialized items such as wigs may contact Wilmot’s community resource line at (585) 276-4708 for assistance.

Patients at the Ann and Carl Myers Cancer Center in Dansville can obtain free wigs through Ebeauty @ Noyes Hospital. To learn more, call (585) 335-6755.

Strong Memorial Hospital’s Chaplaincy Services can provide patients and caregivers with spiritual care, consultation and education. To learn more, call (585) 275-2187.

Wilmot offers professionally facilitated support groups. Some are disease-specific. While there are no groups meeting in person due to COVID, some groups are meeting virtually. Learn more by calling (586) 276-4708 or visiting the Support Groups webpage.

Wilmot’s Judy DiMarzo Cancer Survivorship Program strives to help patients better understand the treatment they received while providing guidance on community resources as a cancer survivor. For more information, ask your oncology team or call (585) 275-6956.

Wilmot’s Community Outreach & Engagement Office offers a free, fully remote, text-message-based smoking cessation program that includes free nicotine-replacement therapy. It’s open to all adults in the 27-county area around Rochester who would like personalized help quitting smoking. Learn more by calling (585) 504-9461 or emailing quitcenter@urmc.rochester.edu.

Research shows using tobacco during cancer treatment may make cancer treatments less effective. Through Wilmot’s Tobacco Cessation Program,  staff work with patients and families to create individualized programs to help patients decrease or quit tobacco use. To learn more, ask your oncology team or call (585) 275-5823.

The URMC Center for Community Health & Prevention offers individual counseling and group programs to help people quit smoking or vaping. Learn more by calling (585) 602-0720.

Our volunteers play a critical role in the patient experience at Wilmot. They help us in many ways, including driving the golf cart to help those get to and from the parking garage, assisting ambassadors at the info desk, rounding to distribute snacks to patients in the infusion center, providing items to patients hospitalized on inpatient units, and helping with office tasks. Contact (585) 275-5307 to learn more.