Dr. Weksler on Addressing Disparities in Lung Cancer Care Delivery

Benny Weksler, MD, MBA, FACS, FACCP, system chief, Thoracic Surgery, Division of Thoracic & Esophageal Surgery, Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Cancer Institute, discusses efforts being made at his institution to address disparities in the delivery of care and its impact on the screening and treatment of lung cancer.

One key initiative run by AHN is the nurse navigation program, which tracks patients or potential patients with lung cancer to ensure they all undergo proper screening and treatment, Weksler explains. If a patient is turned down by 1 surgeon, the institution works to ensure that the patient receives the care they need, Weksler adds.

Additionally, the use of electronic flags and stops in medical records has amplified care for all patients, regardless of racial background, Weksler continues. By electronically noting recommendations from other doctors, such as the need to quit smoking or meeting the requirements for lung cancer screening, other physicians can better provide continuous care for patients over time, Weksler concludes.