WHAT WE DO​

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• Prescribe and monitor pain medications to make sure you’re safe.

• Treat you with FDA-approved medications for sickle cell disease.

• Provide quality care and an individualized treatment plan.

• Treat you with care and respect.

• Explain things in a way that you understand.

• Give you access to your medical information through the My VCU Health patient portal.

• Respond timely to your emails through the patient portal.

• Provide emotional and social wellness services beyond the treatment of your physical symptoms.

• Listen to your needs, value your input and involve you in making decisions about your care.

• Believe you about the pain you are in.

• Respect your right to make decisions and be the master of your own life.

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WHAT WE CANNOT DO​

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• Replace lost or stolen pills.

• Prescribe pain medications we do not believe are safe for you to take.

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WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU​

 

• Listen to our medical expertise and fully engage in our agreed-upon treatment plan.

• Ask questions and be an active participant in your care.

• Sign up for our My VCU Health patient portal to access your treatment plan and email your doctor. We encourage you to email your doctor instead of calling. We will be able to respond to your email much faster than returning your voicemail, and we want to assist you ask quickly as possible.

• Be on time to your scheduled appointments; let us know at least 24 hours in advance if you need to reschedule.

• At your initial visit, tell us about your health history and current symptoms.

• At ongoing visits, tell us about any updates or changes to your health history and current symptoms.

• Communicate openly, honestly and respectfully with all of our team members. We are all here to be of service to you.

• Take routine urine drug screenings, when requested, if you are prescribed opioids.

• Participate in our Wellness Program, if recommended, which goes beyond just treatment of your physical Sickle Cell symptoms.

• Let us know if you have any problems or concerns about your care at the outpatient clinic or VCU Medical Center. Please inform a member of the Sickle Cell team if you have any concerns that need to be addressed.