Minneapolis Radiation Oncology: Information for Referring Physicians

Welcome, referring physicians. At Minneapolis Radiation Oncology (MRO), we are dedicated to partnering with you to provide your patients with the highest standard of cancer care. Our commitment to advanced technology, patient-centric convenience, and seamless collaboration makes us the ideal choice for your radiation therapy referrals.

Our Commitment to Advanced Radiation Technology

MRO is at the forefront of radiation oncology, continuously investing in cutting-edge technologies to ensure the most precise and effective treatments for your patients. Our advanced capabilities translate into superior outcomes and enhanced patient care:

Precision & Accuracy: Targeting Cancer with Unprecedented Detail

Our advanced systems ensure your patients receive the most accurate and targeted treatments possible:

• Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) & Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT): These sophisticated techniques use computer-controlled linear accelerators to deliver radiation doses that precisely match the 3D shape of the tumor. VMAT, an advanced form of IMRT, delivers radiation continuously as the machine rotates, significantly shortening treatment times.
  • Benefit for Physicians: Allows for highly conformal dose distribution, minimizing exposure to critical organs and enabling higher, more effective doses to the tumor.
• Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) & Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): These methods deliver very high doses of radiation in a limited number of sessions (typically 1-5). SBRT targets tumors in the body (e.g., lung, liver, spine), while SRS is used for brain and head/neck tumors.
  • Benefit for Physicians: Provides a highly effective, non-invasive option for specific tumors, often reducing the overall treatment course for patients who may not be surgical candidates.
• Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) & Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT): IGRT uses imaging (like CT or X-ray) immediately before or during treatment to ensure precise tumor alignment. SGRT uses 3D camera systems to track external patient movement in real-time.
  • Benefit for Physicians: Ensures sub-millimeter accuracy, accounting for daily anatomical shifts and patient motion, which is crucial for delivering the prescribed dose precisely to the target.

Enhanced Treatment Capabilities: Expanding Options & Improving Outcomes

Our diverse technology portfolio means we can offer a broader range of solutions for complex cancer cases, tailored to individual patient needs:

• TrueBeam Linear Accelerator: This versatile system enables rapid and precise delivery of various radiation therapies, including IMRT, VMAT, and SBRT.
  • Benefit for Physicians: Offers flexibility and efficiency in delivering a wide range of advanced treatments, optimizing workflow and patient throughput.
• HyperArc Technology: An automated treatment delivery paradigm specifically designed for multiple brain metastases, allowing for irradiation of several tumors simultaneously without patient repositioning.
  • Benefit for Physicians: Significantly speeds up treatment for patients with multiple brain lesions, enhancing efficiency and patient comfort.
• Brachytherapy (Internal Radiation Therapy): Involves placing radioactive sources directly within or very close to the tumor. MRO pioneered prostate brachytherapy in the Upper Midwest.
  • Benefit for Physicians: Provides a highly localized and intense dose of radiation, often effective for specific cancer types like prostate or gynecological cancers, with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue.

Convenient Referral Locations for Your Patients

Finding the most accessible and convenient radiation therapy center for your patients is crucial. MRO offers an extensive network of 11 state-of-the-art locations across the Twin Cities metro area, Western Wisconsin, and the Brainerd Lakes region. This widespread presence ensures your patients can receive world-class care close to home, simplifying their treatment journey and enhancing adherence.

Resources for Your Practice & Patients

We are dedicated to being a comprehensive partner for referring physicians. We offer valuable resources to support your practice and empower your patients with essential information.

Equipping Your Patients: Comprehensive Education Materials

We believe that well-informed patients are better prepared for their treatment journey. MRO provides a range of patient education materials designed to clarify complex medical information and address common concerns, helping you supplement your patient conversations:

• Understanding Radiation Therapy Booklets: Comprehensive guides explaining what radiation therapy is, how it works, different treatment types, and what patients can expect.
• Side Effect Management Handouts: Practical advice and tips for managing potential side effects, including dietary recommendations, skin care guidelines, and fatigue management strategies.
• “What to Expect” Checklists: Simple, easy-to-follow checklists outlining the steps from initial consultation to treatment completion.
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Comprehensive lists of common questions and answers regarding appointments, insurance, care teams, and treatment specifics.

Supporting Your Practice: Essential Clinic Resources

To further support your practice and enhance the patient experience, MRO offers a selection of “leave-behind” materials for your clinic. These resources serve as quick references and tangible reminders of the comprehensive, convenient care available at MRO, streamlining your referral process:

• MRO Service Brochures: Concise overviews of MRO’s specialized radiation therapy services.
• Physician Contact Cards: Easy-to-reference cards with direct contact information for MRO’s radiation oncologists and referral coordinators.
• Patient Referral Pads: Convenient pads for quick and easy patient referrals, pre-filled with essential MRO contact details.
• Location Guides: Maps and addresses of all 11 MRO convenient locations.
• “Why Choose MRO” Summaries: Brief, impactful documents summarizing the key benefits of referring to MRO.

To request a supply of these patient education materials and clinic leave-behinds, please contact your dedicated MRO Physician Relations representative or call our main referral line.

Ready to Refer?

Streamlined Referrals to Minneapolis Radiation Oncology. By completing our referral form, you’re initiating a partnership with a team dedicated to precision, compassion, and patient-centered treatment. We look forward to collaborating with you to provide the highest standard of care for your patients.