The supportive services provided by Tennessee Oncology’s Health Psychology, Palliative Care, Genetic Counseling, Integrative Oncology, and Financial Counseling are collaborative in the treatment of oncology patients. Many cancer patients experience side effects, both physical and mental that can be lessened or alleviated with additional care disciplines.
Support Services
- Financial Counseling
- Genetic Counseling
- Integrative Oncology
- Palliative Care
- Psychosocial Oncology
- Survivorship
Financial Counseling
We understand that navigating a diagnosis can feel overwhelming, especially when financial concerns are part of the journey. Our financial counselors are here to support you with care, empathy, and respect every step of the way. Our team takes the time to listen, answer your questions, and help you better understand your insurance coverage and any potential out‑of‑pocket costs.
We understand that navigating a diagnosis can feel overwhelming, especially when financial concerns are part of the journey. Our financial counselors are here to support you with care, empathy, and respect every step of the way. Our team takes the time to listen, answer your questions, and help you better understand your insurance coverage and any potential out‑of‑pocket costs.
Our goal is to be a steady and supportive presence, so you can focus on what matters most: your health and your well‑being.
For any questions, please contact financialsupport@tnonc.com.
Genetic Counseling
Why Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing is gaining popularity in the community at large. Extensive research has been done on different types of genetic testing to identify what is most applicable for cancer care based on the cancer type. Genetic testing may help address the underlying cause for your cancer diagnosis, to help target chemotherapy drugs, to extend appropriate screening for other organs that might be at-risk for a second cancer and to help convey information to family members about their own cancer-risks. How would you know if genetic testing is appropriate for you? Tennessee Oncology offers genetic counseling services to help address some of your questions.
What is a Genetic Counselor?
Genetic Counselors are trained professionals in medical genetics and counseling, and form a part of your healthcare team, to guide and support patients that seek information about inherited cancers. They will gather your family history of cancer and interpret genetic risks, before or after you have had genetic testing. They have expertise in Genetics and can guide you on whether genetic testing might be right for you and your family.
Does my insurance cover my genetic counseling appointment?
At Tennessee Oncology, your first appointment with a genetic counselor for family history and risk assessment can be conducted over the phone or as a video call at the convenience of your home. When seen in clinic or as a telemedicine visit, most health insurances typically pay for genetic counseling. We encourage you to check with your insurance company if this is a covered service. If you decide to proceed with genetic testing, the counselor will help guide you on whether you need the genetic test, and whether you might meet insurance criteria for the genetic test. Health insurances typically pay for genetic testing when it is recommended by your doctor.
What can I expect from a genetic counseling session?
You should anticipate an informative counseling appointment that often lasts 30 minutes to an hour. Your genetic counselor will:
- Explore your family history
- Discuss the reason for the referral
- Help you understand how genetic testing might impact your treatment and health care
- Provide guidance to help you decide whether testing is something you would like to pursue
- Help understand your result and how to follow through with next steps with your doctor
Learn more about your genetic counseling appointment by watching this video that explains some aspects of the visit. Click on the link below:
How do I go about setting up a genetic counseling appointment?
Discuss a referral to the genetic counseling team with your physician or contact the Genetics team at 615-475-8350 for more information.
Have more questions?
Please call your clinic and ask to speak to the genetic counselor.
”There is nothing like advancing technology to more clearly reveal the value of people and how they must be valued now more than ever. Our centers would be lifeless if not for our deepest respect for humanity.
Natalie Dickson, M.D.
Integrative Oncology
Integrative Oncology is supportive care for patients who want to focus on healthy lifestyle choices, quality of life improvement, and positive patient outcomes through evidence-based practices. Working with your Tennessee Oncology physician, Integrative Oncology providers can help achieve your goals for personal medical care*.
“Patient-centered, health-oriented services that focus on the whole person and their lifestyle, not just the physical body, alongside their cancer treatment. Aims to optimize health, quality of life, and clinical outcomes across the cancer care continuum, and to empower people to prevent cancer and become active participants before, during, and beyond their treatments.”
Society of Integrative Oncology, 2017
Who can benefit from Integrative Oncology?
Any patient interested in being more engaged with their health care, learning more about ways to improve their health and well-being, and addressing lifestyle root causes of chronic disease.
Where do I receive Integrative Oncology?
Integrative Oncology services are provided, in person, at the Tennessee Oncology Southern Hills clinic.
We offer recommendations for the following:
Therapies based on mindfulness, meditation, nutrition, physical activity, and supplement / herbal use and education. We also support preferred community partnerships that offer: yoga, reflexology, massage, acupuncture, and hypnotherapy.
Is Integrative Oncology right for me?
Yes- Integrative Oncology is right for everyone interested in learning more about nutrition, improving their activity level, exploring complementary therapies, feeling better, and promoting better outcomes. It is beneficial at any stage of illness and is supported by evidence-based practices.
Integrative Oncology Providers
Specialties
Breast Cancer
Survivorship
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing â Austin Peay State University â 1991
Master of Science in Nursing â Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
University of Michigan â IO Scholars Program
Certifications
Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner
Integrative Oncology Scholar
Family Practice Certified
Professional Memberships
American Nurses Association
Oncology Nursing Society
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing â Aquinas College
Master of Science in Nursing â Belmont University
Certifications
ANCC Family Nurse Practitioner Certification
Tennessee Licensed Registered Nurse
Chemotherapy â Immunotherapy Certification
Professional Memberships
Oncology Nursing Society
Education
Medical School – Lebanese University
Residency – East Tennessee State University
Fellowship – East Tennessee State University
Board Certifications
Medical Oncology
Hematology
Professional Memberships
American College of Physicians
American Society of Clinical Oncology
Tennessee Medical Association
American Society of Hematology
Service line representative for cancer registry quality control
Clinic Availability
In Clinic: M-Th
Education
Bachelor’s – Milligan College
Master’s – East Tennessee State University
Certifications
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
Clinic Availability
Johnson City Clinic
”There is nothing like advancing technology to more clearly reveal the value of people and how they must be valued now more than ever. Our centers would be lifeless if not for our deepest respect for humanity.
Natalie Dickson, M.D.
Palliative Care
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with serious illness, such as cancer. It is provided by a team of professionals, including a physician or nurse practitioner. The goal of palliative care is to help you have the best possible quality of life by relieving symptoms such as pain and improving your ability to function. Tennessee Oncology’s palliative care teams work alongside your oncology team to support your goals for medical care.
Ask your physician or nurse practitioner to refer you to a palliative care specialist.
Where do I receive Palliative Care?
Palliative care services are available at Tennessee Oncology clinics throughout Middle Tennessee, Chattanooga, and surrounding areas. They also provide palliative care through telemedicine, offering greater flexibility and access for patients.
Does my insurance pay for Palliative Care?
Palliative Care will be covered by your insurance in the same manner as any other service in the practice.
Is Palliative Care right for me?
If you have a serious illness such as cancer, palliative care can help manage symptoms such as pain, address concerns related to your illness and treatment and help you define your goals for medical care. Palliative care can be beneficial at any stage of illness and is provided alongside your cancer treatment.
How does the Palliative Care teamwork with my oncologist?
Your palliative care team works closely with your oncologist and other members of your care team. Through collaboration, they provide expert symptom management and develop a plan of care that reflects your individual needs and goals.
What can I expect?
You can expect to receive communication to schedule a visit with a nurse practitioner or physician within 2-3 days of being referred. You can also expect to be seen by a provider within 1-2 weeks.
Palliative Care Physicians
Advanced Practice Providers
”There is nothing like advancing technology to more clearly reveal the value of people and how they must be valued now more than ever. Our centers would be lifeless if not for our deepest respect for humanity.
Natalie Dickson, M.D.
Services
Counseling
The Psychosocial Oncology team provides counseling to help individuals and families with cancer-related issues including:
- Depression
- Worry/anxiety
- Grief and loss
- Medical fears or phobias
- Sleep problems
- Fatigue
- Pain management
- Memory changes
- Fear of cancer recurrence
- Caregiver strain
- Healthy habit building
- Resilience training
Cognitive Evaluation
Cancer and its treatment can contribute to “brain fog,” including difficulty with thinking, learning, and memory. The Psychosocial Oncology team offers cognitive assessments to help identify areas of impairment and strategies to address brain changes.
Insurance
Most insurance plans cover Psychosocial Oncology services.
Appointments
In-person and telehealth appointments are available for anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, their family members, and caregivers. See LOCATIONS for contact information.
Locations and Contact Information
Chattanooga – Memorial Plaza
423-698-1844
In Clinic: M-F
Chattanooga – Memorial Plaza
423-698-1844
In Clinic: M-Th
Tennessee Oncology – St. Thomas West
615-385-3751
Tennessee Oncology – Elliston Place Plaza
615-320-5090
Tennessee Oncology Franklin
615-591-4764
In Clinic: M, T
Tennessee Oncology Murfreesboro
615-848-0488
In Clinic: W, Th, F
Gallatin
615-451-5481
Hendersonville
615-826-7173
Below are a series of short videos made by the Tennessee Oncology psychosocial oncology team for our patients and families. They address different aspects of coping with cancer and cancer treatment with understanding and practical suggestions.
For resources mentioned in the following videos, click here!
”There is nothing like advancing technology to more clearly reveal the value of people and how they must be valued now more than ever. Our centers would be lifeless if not for our deepest respect for humanity.
Natalie Dickson, M.D.
Life after a cancer diagnosis: survivorship
Survivorship begins at the moment of diagnosis. Because cancer treatments have advanced significantly over the years, millions of people are living longer, fuller lives after cancer. However, these treatments can leave lasting effects. Many survivors experience lingering physical side effects, new emotional challenges, and unanswered questions which can start during treatment and continue long after active treatment ends. As the number of survivors grows (from 18.6M now to a projected 26M by 2040), too many are left to navigate these challenges without a clear path to care.
That is why Tennessee Oncology has partnered with OncoveryCare to ensure you have access to fully-integrated survivorship care.
What is survivorship care?
Survivorship care focuses on your medical, emotional, and practical needs after a cancer diagnosis. It also helps address any side effects from treatment, as well as manage your risk and screening moving forward.
OncoveryCare is a virtual survivorship clinic (doing appointments via telemedicine) that is directly integrated into the Tennessee Oncology patient experience. The OncoveryCare clinical team, made up of clinicians trained in all aspects of survivorship care, works alongside your oncology team to complement your Tennessee Oncology care.
How Oncovery can help:
- Side effect management: Addressing ongoing side effects such as fatigue, insomnia, heart health, joint pain and stiffness, medication management, sexual health, and much more
- Behavioral health: Managing worry, fear of recurrence/progression, anxiety, and any mental health concerns, questions, or needs you may have after treatment
- Screening and monitoring: Building a plan for recurrence risk reduction and appropriate screening
- Coordinated referrals: Connections to specialists, rehabilitation services, and community resources, to get you the help and support you need
- Survivor education and peer guidance: Practical tips and tools from survivorship clinicians and fellow survivors
- Covered by insurance: Our physical and mental health services are covered by insurance
Ready to get started?
If you would like to receive survivorship care or learn more about how OncoveryCare can help, talk to your Tennessee Oncology care team today.
”Our national reputation raises the bar of the patient expectation. I’m protective of my patients. I’m a partner in their journey.
Johnetta Blakely, M.D.
Peer Support Through Imerman Angels
No one should face cancer alone. Tennessee Oncology partners with Imerman Angels, a nonprofit organization that provides free, one-on-one peer support for patients, survivors, caregivers, and family members.
Based on factors like cancer type, stage, age, and life experience, you’ll be matched with a trained volunteer who has faced a similar journey. Whether you connect by phone, email, or in person, your Mentor Angel offers understanding, encouragement, and hope from someone who truly “gets it.”
The application process is quick and easy and can be completed online. Support is available in multiple languages and in countries around the world.
Whether you’re looking for support or interested in becoming a mentor, Imerman Angels is here to help. Visit ImermanAngels.org/TennesseeOncology to learn more.
