The University of Nevada School of Medicine will discontinue its infusion service in the medical offices of the Department of Internal Medicine, located at 1500 E. Second Street, Suite 302 in Reno, effective Aug. 30, 2013.
This decision was made as the result of the retirement of one of two School of Medicine Reno-based oncologists.
The infusion service is the only service affected by this decision; all other physicians and services at the School of Medicine’s Department of Internal Medicine medical practice remain fully available to patients.
The infusion service provides the intravenous administration of medications for both oncology and rheumatology patients. The patient population served is primarily oncology.
Fewer than 30 patients will be immediately impacted by this decision to close the infusion service. The School of Medicine staff has notified these patients by letter and every effort is being made to refer them to the four other infusion centers in the Reno-Carson area.
“We deeply aware of the effect of this closure on our patients and we are working diligently and closely with them to identify alternatives in our community for their continuing care,” said Daniel Shapiro, M.D., chair of the School of Medicine’s Department of Internal Medicine.
Arrangements will be made for the smooth transition of the infusion needs of these patients, including the exploration of insurance eligibility and making medical records available. In the meantime, the oncology practice of the School of Medicine’s Dr. Antonio Fontelonga will continue in his same office.
Patients with concerns are encouraged to contact the internal medicine office at (775)784-7500 ext. 3006 to speak with a staff member.
