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• Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic
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Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic
The Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic takes an interdisciplinary approach to caring for patients with serious illnesses, whether they are in active treatment or have completed treatment. Our goal is to help patients fulfill their maximum physical, emotional, spiritual, vocational, and social potential.
The health professionals at the Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic help patients manage the side effects associated with cancer. Referrals to the Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic can be made by any treating physician or nurse or by patient self-referral. A broad range of insurance is accepted.
Patient appointment scheduling is flexible and based on patient needs and other concurrent treatments. Clinic sessions are held Wednesday and Friday mornings with palliative care physicians and fellows. A physician assistant is available Monday through Friday.
Our Team
Physicians and physician assistants have special expertise in complex symptom management including depression, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, loss of appetite, pain syndromes, and others.
Nurses support patients by facilitating the clinic sessions as well as managing communication with patients. They are the front line of patient care.
Physical therapists develop individualized programs for each patient to help with coordination, balance, strength, endurance, flexibility, or range of motion. Counselors are experienced in structuring counseling sessions to meet the specific needs of each person. Individual, couple, and family sessions are available.
Nutritionists have expertise in nutrition for patients with serious illnesses.
Massage therapists are trained in all types of massage, including oncology massage, which is a specialized approach that supports the body's health before, during, and after treatment for cancer.
Our clinic is an active teaching environment with fellows, residents, and students in both medicine and nursing participating in patient care.
Location
The UAB Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic is located on the 3rd floor of The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital.
Patients can request an appointment online or by calling UAB Healthfinder at 205.934.9999 or 800.822.8816.
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• Bariatric Surgery Eligibility
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Bariatric Surgery Eligibility
Do You Qualify for Bariatric Surgery?
Thank you for exploring weight loss surgery options at UAB. There are several factors to consider in determining if bariatric surgery is right for you. If the following characteristics describe you, you may be a candidate:
You are at least 18 years old.
You either:
• Weigh at least 100 pounds more than your ideal body weight
• Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40
• Have a BMI of 35 to 40 with obesity-related medical conditions, like diabetes that requires medication, severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, uncontrolled hypertension, or severe osteoarthritis.
And
• You have tried to lose weight with diet and exercise within the last year, but have been unsuccessful.
• You have been morbidly obese for at least three years.
• You are healthy and young enough to undergo a major elective operation.
• You understand the surgical risks, benefits, and limitations of surgery, and how your life may change after surgery.
You do NOT have the following conditions:
• Significant heart disease
• Active peptic ulcer disease
• Alcoholism
• Drug abuse
• Hepatic cirrhosis with impaired liver function
• Serious psychiatric disability
• Very poor overall health
Insurance Coverage
Insurance companies differ in their coverage of weight loss surgery and the requirements you must meet. We recommend calling your insurance provider to determine what your coverage entails. Some providers may require documentation from your primary care physician showing that:
• You have been obese for three years or more.
• You have participated in a weight loss program under the supervision of your primary care physician for six consecutive months within the last year.
If your insurance does not cover bariatric surgery, private pay options exist.
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• Bariatric Surgery Private Pay Fees
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Private Pay Fees
In the event that your insurance does not approve you to have the operation or does not pay for these procedures:
Initial Consultation: Approximately $461.00 (Cost incurred for Pre-op Assessment Appointment prior to surgery not included)
Blood Work: $600-$1200
Psychological Evaluation: Depends on each individual's insurance coverage. Patient must call insurance company to determine fees.
Nutritional Evaluation: $100
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding, Sleeve Gastrectomy, or Gastric Bypass Fees: $21,300
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• Bariatric Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
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Bariatric Surgery FAQ
Considering bariatric surgery can raise many questions. At UAB, we want you to have all the answers you are looking for—and to feel completely confident in your weight loss surgery decision. If you have a question that is not addressed here, we invite you to ask us.

Pre and post-op care questions: Christina Lundeen, RN - 205.975.3000 clundeen@uabmc.edu

Eligibility, insurance, scheduling: Marci Howard - 205.996.5182 mphoward@uabmc.edu
Eligibility, support group, general: Nakia McMullen - 205.996.6984 nmcmullen@uabmc.edu
 
What is bariatric surgery?
Bariatric—or weight loss—surgery, involves altering your digestive process in order to restrict food intake and alter calorie absorption. The goal of bariatric surgery is to induce weight loss and improve overall health.
Are there different types of bariatric surgery?
We offer three types of bariatric surgery at UAB. Learn more about each: gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding.
How do I know if I am a candidate for bariatric surgery?
There are several important factors, such as your body mass index (BMI), your overall health, and previous weight loss attempts, among others. See the full list of requirements on our   eligibility page .
Is bariatric surgery covered by insurance?
Not all insurers provide coverage for weight loss surgery, so it is important that you contact your provider to find out. Learn more about insurance and bariatric surgery our Private Pay Fees page under More Information.
What if insurance will not cover the cost of surgery?
Visit our patient resources page to review estimated private pay fees.  
What are the risks of bariatric surgery?
Like any major surgery, there are risks associated with bariatric surgery. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your individual risk. 
How much weight will I lose—and how long will it take to lose it?
Each patient will have a different experience depending on the surgery option they choose, their body, and there is no guarantee of success.  Patients who continually diet and exercise have the best results.  With that in mind:
Gastric bypass patients lose an average of 60 – 80% of their excess weight. 
Gastric banding patients lose an average of 25 – 40% of their excess weight. 
Sleeve gastrectomy patients lose an average of 50 – 70% of their excess weight.
How long do I need to stay in the hospital for surgery?
The typical hospital stay is 1 – 2 nights for gastric bypass, 1 night or less for gastric banding, and 1 -2 nights for sleeve gastrectomy.
How long will I need to be out of work?
Most patients are able to return to work within 2 weeks of surgery, but the amount of time required varies with the individual and the type of work they do.
How will my diet change after surgery?
Diet progression varies with each operation, but generally follows the pattern in the table below.
I am interested in seeing if bariatric surgery is right for me. What should I do next?
If you have read our eligibility page and feel that you are a candidate for weight loss surgery, read our get help page for next steps.
Diet Progression Table
Time After Surgery	Gastric Bypass	Gastric Banding	Sleeve Gastrectomy
Day of surgery	Nothing	Liquids	Nothing
1st Day	Liquids	Liquids	Liquids
2nd day - 2 weeks	Pureed	Pureed	Pureed
2-4 Weeks	Soft (fork tender)	Soft (fork tender)	Soft (fork tender)
4 Weeks and Beyond	Regular	Regular	Regular
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• Research and Publications
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Research and Publications
PUBLICATIONS
Demmons, L., “Vehicle Specifications and Fleet Maintenance”, Treadwell, D., Santiago, J., (2019) ASTNA Standards for Critical Care and Specialty Transport, 2nd Edition, Aurora, CO, p. 102-106. 

Demmons, L., Minton, R., Taylor, G., “Transporting the Deceased: Partnering with the Organ Recovery Center to Improve Transplant Outcomes”, Air Medical Journal, Nov-December 2018, 37:6, p. 374-379.
Demmons, L., “Infectious and Communicable Diseases”; Clark, D., Treadwell, D., et al (2017), ASTNA Critical Care Transport Core Curriculum, Air and Surface Transport Nurses Association, Aurora, CO, p. 423-434.
Demmons, L., James, S., (2010) ASTNA Standards for Critical Care and Specialty Ground Transport, 2nd Edition, Air and Surface Transport Nurses Association, Centennial, CO, Cottrell Printing Company.
Demmons, L., "Twenty-five Years Later: Critical Care Transport", Air Medical Journal, Nov - Dec 2008, Vol. 27, No. 6, p. 276-280.
Air and Surface Transport Nurses Association: Demmons, L, Stevens, L, High, K, Lin, J., "Transport Nurse Safety in the Transport Environment, Position Paper", Sept 2006.
Demmons, L., "Chasing Ambulance Safety", Air Medical Journal, May-June, 2005.
Gruszecki, A., Kahler, D., Smith, D., Vines, J., Lancaster, L., et al, "Utilization, Reliability and Clinical Impact of Point-of-care Testing during Critical Care Transport: Six Years of Experience", Clinical Chemistry, Vol. 49, No. 6, 2003.
Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems Best Practices, Volume II, 2001; Volume III, 2004; most cited program in Volume IV, 2007; Volume V, 2012; and Volume VI, 2017
Randolph, V., Kahler, D., Howard, C., Hortin, G., "Laboratories on the Move: Blood Gas Analysis", Laboratory Medicine, Vol. 31, No. 1, 2000.
Brunson M., Lancaster L., "Transport of Critically Ill Patients: How to Avoid Pitfalls", Clinical Pulmonary Review, Vol. 6, No. 4, July 1999.
Demmons, L., Cook,E., "Anxiety in Adult Fixed-Wing Air Transport Patients", Air Medical Journal, July - September 1997.
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• Critical Care Transport's Jet Aircraft
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Critical Care Transport's Jet Aircraft
This Cessna Citation Bravo twin-engine jet flies at 480 miles per hour and has an un-refueled cruising range of 1700 miles. It can accommodate two adult or neonatal patients and has seating for up to five team members. The aircraft features custom design with installed medical air, dual suction system and dual inverter; liquid oxygen, air, and inverter; sectional/removable bench seat for intra-aortic balloon pump transports; installed Air Cell telephone; interior compartment storage for medical equipment and supplies; cabin area Flight Status Panel showing air speed, distance to next stop, outside altimeter and interior cabin altimeter. It is the first Bravo in the world with a cargo door, 36 inches wide, to facilitate loading for patients on stretchers. All pilots undergo annual simuflite training and have achieved their ATP (Air Transport Pilot).
The aircraft is operated by AirMed International, Air Carrier Certificate # MDGA382G.
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• Critical Care Transport History
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Critical Care Transport History
Critical Care Transport began in March of 1983 out of a need to provide transportation for critically-ill persons who required transportation to the University of Alabama Hospital and other large medical facilities. The University of Alabama Critical Care Transport service was the first civilian aircraft in the country to use a liquid oxygen system with interchangable liquid oxygen cannisters, serial numbers 1 and 2. The first international trip by CCT was to Canada. The first intra-aortic balloon pump transport was in 1985 and since then we have transported over 650 IABP patients. Since 1983, in the U.S., we have transported to and from 48 states, over 48,000 patients, and traveled over 27 million miles.
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• Critical Care Transport Fun Facts
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Critical Care Transport Fun Facts
Critical Care Transport…
• Did its first transport in March 23, 1983 of quadruplets from UAB Hospital to Brookwood Medical Center.
• Has transported to 46 states and 38 countries
• Had the first civilian aircraft in the country with a liquid oxygen system; the oxygen canisters had serial numbers 1 and2.
• Has appeared on The Learning Channel, the National Geographic Channel, Discovery Channel, CNN, MSNBC and the film CCT team members starred in, “Johnny Flinton”, won an Oscar in 2003 for Best Short Films.
• Provided the medical team for President Bush's visit to Birmingham in 2001.
• Has performed up to 77 defibrillations on one transport.  And the patient survived!
• Supplied one of the first 10 items writers for the Certified Flight Registered Nurse exam and served on the Exam Construction and Review Committee
• Has two brands of equipment that are still in use that have been used since the beginning of the program: the MVP-10 ventilator and Airborne isolette.
• Evacuated 21 patients during Hurricanes Katrina & Rita and provided staff, supplies, equipment and ambulances for NDMS (National Disaster Management System) twice in 2005
• Transported 8 babies simultaneously in the jet out of New Orleans during Hurricane Gustav in 2008
• Were the only civilian aircraft allowed back in the air on 9/11 returning a patient from Monroe, LA to UAB.
• Has the first Cessna Citation Bravo jet in the world to have a clam-shell type door installed
• Was the first U.S. aircraft to fly a new route over Cuban airspace to evacuate an earthquake victim following the earthquake in Haiti January 2010. This saved 30 critical minutes flight time, and the new medevac flight path was followed by many air ambulances afterward.
• “Ground transportation” on one international trip was a gondola in Venice.
• Supplied the ground content for ASTNA’s Transport Safety Position Paper in 2006 making it the first transport professional association to have all modes addressed in a safety position statement.
• Co-edited, authored and reviewed several chapters in ASTNA’s (Air and Surface Transport Nurses Association) Standards for Critical Care & Specialty Care Ground Transport, 2nd Edition” published in 2010. CCT also did the artwork for the book cover.
 
Standing CCT Records:
• Longest working full-time team member: Valorie Tucker, NNP, worked from 1999 – 2010, transported 1842 patients and traveled ~ 680,000 miles
• Most transports in one day – 23; Transport Coordinator Sheryl Pettis
• Most intra-aortic balloon pump transports in one day: 3 on multiple dates
• First nurse to transport 2,000 patients:   John Doriety, RN, CCRN on 1-28-2016
 
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• Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will insurance companies pay for the services of Critical Care Transport?
A: Most major commercial insurance companies will cover 50 to 80 percent if "medical necessity" terms are met. However, persons should check with their insurance company to discuss individual coverage.
Q: What about Medicare Coverage?
A: For medicare to cover ground/air transport, a patient must be in a condition that would justify the need for transport. "Medical necessity" must be established. In addition, for maximum coverage, Medicare requires that the patient be transported to the "nearest appropriate facility."
Q: How does CCT determine to fly or drive a patient for transport?
A: Generally, patients within 100 to 150 miles radius of Birmingham will be driven from one facility to another. The patients outside of the 125 mile radius will usually be flown from the referring facility to the receiving facility.
Q: Will Critical Care Transport move a patient to a hospital other that UAB? 
A: Yes. However, for patients to be transported to a facility other than UAB, payment must be secured prior to the transport. We can bill the insurance of most patients who have Medicare or Blue Cross. Certified check, VISA, Master Card, Discover, or American Express can be used. Persons should ask the transport coordinator if their hospital or company has an agreement with CCT, as many do. If this agreement exists, then the requirements for pre-payment will be waived. Some insurance companies, with prior arrangements, will allow CCT to bill the insurance company directly.
Q. Do you have a service available if you are traveling in the U.S. or abroad, become sick or injured and want to get back home?
A. Yes. Critical Care Transport works with AirMed Intl. to provide these repatriation services for an annual fee. You may call (205) 443-4840 or go to www.AirMed.com/UAB for more information and to obtain your membership instantly.
We understand that you may have additional questions. Please feel free to contact the Critical Care Transport Coordinator at 1-800-822-6478 to have these questions answered.
CCT Transglobal
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• Lynne Cohen and Norma Livingston Preventive Care Program for Women's Cancer
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Lynne Cohen and Norma Livingston Preventive Care Program for Women's Cancer
UAB’s Lynne Cohen Preventive Care Program for Women's Cancer provides comprehensive risk assessment and prevention for breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer, arming women with knowledge to make informed decisions about their cancer risk and care. Launched more than a decade ago, the clinic merges multiple medical specialties with clinical expertise and research to create one of only a few programs of its kind in the nation dedicated to women’s cancers. In addition to offering sophisticated genetic counseling and assessment, the clinic provides access to preventive interventions and clinical trials. The program is staffed by a distinguished group of medical professionals, including surgical and gynecologic oncologists, genetic counselors, nurse practitioners, and research staff, who work together to deliver the highest level of personalized care.
The Lynne Cohen Preventive Care Program for Women's Cancer offers the following services:
• Comprehensive clinical evaluations for breast and ovarian cancer risk
• Comprehensive genetic counseling
• Genetic testing including multi-gene panel testing
• Screening and prevention programs
• Screening and prevention research trials
When you choose the Lynne Cohen Preventive Care Program for Women's Cancer, your initial one-hour visit (completed in person or soon by telemedicine) will consist of:
• An assessment by a physician or nurse practitioner and certified genetic counselor
• Detailed family history and assessment of genetic cancer syndrome
• Collection of serum for germ line genetic testing (when appropriate)
• Development of an appropriate screening plan with mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), pelvic ultrasound, or serum-based tests
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