Palliative Care 

This specialized care team is all about helping you feel better and cope with the challenges of fighting cancer. Our team focuses on relief of pain, stress, anxiety, side effects of medication, etc. 

Studies confirm Palliative Care for oncology patients improves quality of life, mood, satisfaction, and communication about the care they wish to receive.

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, bringing with it many uncertainties about your health, treatment and the future. 

The Palliative Care Team at FWMOH includes experienced nurse practitioners, nurses and social workers all working together with the patient’s oncologist to help relieve or manage symptoms. 

We help navigate the healthcare system with the ultimate goal of improving quality of life. We support not only the patient, but their families by connecting with community resources, answering questions about care or their treatment and discussing goals about what is important to them.

Our team:

• Dr. Naga Vutukuri-physician advisor
• Michelle Bock, NP
• Cathy White, NP
• Kris Perigo, RN
• Deb Gerardot, RN
• Angie Gerig, LSW
• Anne Saalfrank, LSW
• Christine Birkmeier, LSW
• Heidi Measley, BSW

Our nurse practitioners make recommendations regarding symptom management, have “goals of care” discussions and assist in completing advance care documents when appropriate. 

Our nurses assist in patient navigation, answering patient and family questions, medication refills and screening patients that may benefit from a palliative referral.

Our social workers screen patients for any functional issues or needs. They make referrals to community agencies when needed and arrange home health care, durable medical equipment and address any issues with transportation, housing, or psychosocial needs.

Most insurance plans cover all or part of Palliative Care. Please talk with one of our patient advocates for personalized coverage details.