Streamlined processes combined with recent advances in diagnostics and telehealth can improve the efficiency and accuracy of diagnosis.
New Program Expands Access to Rapid, High Quality Urologic Care
When it comes to screening patients at risk for prostate cancer, PSA blood tests have long been the gold standard. An elevated PSA level doesn’t necessarily indicate the presence of cancer but can indicate higher risk and identify who may require further assessment and potential treatment.
Previously, it could take up to three months for patients whose blood test revealed elevated PSA levels to be able to see a urology provider for assessment and to discuss next steps. After being seen by a provider, additional testing to find out if a patient had prostate cancer could take an additional three months, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment for those who needed it.
But a new program being used in the UNC Department of Urology is helping to cut those wait times in half.
A New & Improved Approach
By redesigning its clinics, integrating standardized best practices, and using telehealth consultations, UNC Urology’s rapid access program has been able to significantly reduce wait times while also ensuring the highest quality of care. Patients receive other benefits such as enhanced flexibility in scheduling and decreased travel time.
“Waiting to get more information so you can discuss your condition with a provider can be very stressful, and it can also contribute to delays in diagnosis and treatment, so we’ve developed a program to expedite the process.”
Zach Feuer, MD
Clinical Instructor
Urologic Oncology Fellow.
Thanks to ongoing research and recent improvements in technology over the past several years, the medical community has increasingly become aware that not all prostate cancers require treatment. MRI has emerged as a particularly powerful tool in differentiating which patients may have a prostate cancer requiring treatment, helping to select patients who are appropriate for prostate biopsy, and improving the accuracy of the biopsy procedure. To ensure the delivery of high-quality care, the new UNC program has developed standardized protocols to select patients for prostate biopsy based on specific MRI results.
A specialized team was assembled for the rapid access program. A nurse practitioner with significant experience in seeing patients with elevated PSA and prostate cancer provides expedited care using telehealth. A nurse coordinator serves as a point of contact for our patients. The coordinator ensures that patients have completed any necessary tests before their initial consultation, and coordinates and prepares patients for diagnostic tests. These team members play a vital role in the success of the program.
A key aspect of the rapid access program has been the collaboration between UNC’s Urology and Radiology Departments, in order to increase appointment availability for very high-quality MRI studies to shorten wait times.
At UNC Urology, Healthcare is Always Personalized Care
Nurse Practitioner Heather Schultz gained additional perspective into how complex the medical process can be when it comes to interpreting test results, deciding on potential additional testing procedures, and ultimately determining the best course of action when she helped a close relative navigate their diagnosis of prostate cancer.
“Helping a loved one with prostate cancer gave me new personal insights into how stressful it can be. Waiting, while not knowing, can be very difficult, so it’s especially meaningful to me that we now have the rapid access program to speed the process along for our patients. It has really driven home how important and helpful the program is for patients and their families.”
Heather Schultz, FNP-C, MSN
Comments from Patients
A few perspective from patients regarding the UNC Urology rapid access program:
“I don’t know yet if I have cancer, but I like that we can start the process sooner rather than later.”
“(It gives me) peace of mind to know I’m on the right track.”
“I appreciate that UNC can perform a biopsy that is more targeted than my local provider can do.”
About the Program
The rapid access program was developed as an initiative from UNC Hospitals, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the N.C. Basnight Cancer Hospital. The program for elevated PSAs was launched by the UNC Department of Urology in February, 2024. Additional support in designing and launching the program was received from the UNC Hospitals’ Office of Quality Excellence, students in the Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at North Carolina State University, and students in the Gillings School of Public Health at UNC Chapel Hill. The UNC Department of Urology and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center collaborate closely to provide optimal care for patients with urologic cancer.
To Learn More…
If you are interested in knowing more about urologic procedures or related urologic topics, you may visit our website’s Patient Care section, or meet with a provider by contacting one of our UNC Urology clinic locations.
Learn more about urologic cancer care at UNC via this link.
About Our Ahead of the Curve Series
Our “Ahead of the Curve” blog series covers the latest and most effective treatments and techniques in UNC Urology patient care. Urology is a complex and rapidly evolving field, with new advancements and breakthroughs constantly emerging. In this series, we will explore a range of topics related to urology patient care, including advanced surgical procedures, innovative diagnostic techniques, and innovative medical therapies. Our goal is to provide you with an overview of the excellence and innovation happening right here at UNC Urology.