Specialty Care
Southern Indiana Physicians Radiation Oncology
Hours
The IU Health Bloomington Cancer Radiation Center, together with our Bedford location, provides comprehensive radiation services. Our team offers tailored support for your cancer journey.
At IU Health Radiation Oncology, we are committed to being your resource for comprehensive radiation therapy care.
Our Services
At our Bloomington location, we provide a wide range of services, including:
- 3D and IMRT external beam radiation therapy with linear accelerators
- Electron external beam radiation therapy
- High dose rate brachytherapy at our Bedford location
- Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy
- Registered dietitian support for personalized nutrition treatment
- Support from social work services with a licensed social worker on the team
- Specialized occupational and physical therapy available by referral
We provide radiation therapy for adults battling various types of cancer, including but not limited to bladder, breast, cervical, ovarian, colon, esophageal, head and neck, liver, lung, lymphoma, pancreatic, prostate, skin, and stomach cancers.
About IU Health Radiation Oncology in Bloomington
At IU Health Radiation Oncology, we are committed to being your resource for comprehensive radiation therapy care.
Our Services
At our Bloomington location, we provide a wide range of services, including:
- 3D and IMRT external beam radiation therapy with linear accelerators
- Electron external beam radiation therapy
- High dose rate brachytherapy at our Bedford location
- Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy
- Registered dietitian support for personalized nutrition treatment
- Support from social work services with a licensed social worker on the team
- Specialized occupational and physical therapy available by referral
We provide radiation therapy for adults battling various types of cancer, including but not limited to bladder, breast, cervical, ovarian, colon, esophageal, head and neck, liver, lung, lymphoma, pancreatic, prostate, skin, and stomach cancers.
What to Expect
Our teams at the IU Health Bloomington and Bedford Cancer Radiation Centers work together to ensure your care is as seamless as possible.
Initial consultations include time spent with a member of our nursing team as well as your primary radiation oncologist. This meeting is a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have and review the risks and benefits to receiving radiation therapy.
Your Initial CT Scan
After deciding on radiation therapy, patients undergo a CT simulation (CT scan), also known as CT mapping, to precisely plan their treatment. These appointments take place at our Bloomington location.
When you arrive, please check in with our front office team. Once you've done that, our radiation therapy team will be with you shortly to prepare you for your CT scan. If you've received specific instructions—such as having a full bladder or not eating or drinking before your session—please follow these for your CT scan as well. This CT scan helps us plan and guide your future treatments.
After your CT scan, we’ll guide you through the next steps for scheduling your treatments. Our dedicated team—including physicians, dosimetrists, and physicists—will use your images to design a treatment plan just for you. In most cases, our front office team will also handle prior authorization with your insurance. Once everything is set, we’ll schedule your first treatment.
Your First Radiation Treatment
At your first radiation treatment, our nursing team will go over personalized skin care instructions based on your treatment type and area. Our radiation therapists will explain the process and will be able to see and hear you even when they step out. While they can't stay in the room during the treatment, we’re happy to play music for you to enjoy. The first session is usually the longest, as we focus precisely on the treatment area your doctor has selected.
Pictured (top): Our CT simulation room at the IU Health Bloomington Cancer Radiation Center. This is where all patients for both centers will have a CT scan to plan their treatments. Pictured (below): One of our two linear accelerators. We have two treatment rooms, also called vaults, at this location.
About Your Visit
What to Expect
Our teams at the IU Health Bloomington and Bedford Cancer Radiation Centers work together to ensure your care is as seamless as possible.
Initial consultations include time spent with a member of our nursing team as well as your primary radiation oncologist. This meeting is a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have and review the risks and benefits to receiving radiation therapy.
Your Initial CT Scan
After deciding on radiation therapy, patients undergo a CT simulation (CT scan), also known as CT mapping, to precisely plan their treatment. These appointments take place at our Bloomington location.
When you arrive, please check in with our front office team. Once you've done that, our radiation therapy team will be with you shortly to prepare you for your CT scan. If you've received specific instructions—such as having a full bladder or not eating or drinking before your session—please follow these for your CT scan as well. This CT scan helps us plan and guide your future treatments.
After your CT scan, we’ll guide you through the next steps for scheduling your treatments. Our dedicated team—including physicians, dosimetrists, and physicists—will use your images to design a treatment plan just for you. In most cases, our front office team will also handle prior authorization with your insurance. Once everything is set, we’ll schedule your first treatment.
Your First Radiation Treatment
At your first radiation treatment, our nursing team will go over personalized skin care instructions based on your treatment type and area. Our radiation therapists will explain the process and will be able to see and hear you even when they step out. While they can't stay in the room during the treatment, we’re happy to play music for you to enjoy. The first session is usually the longest, as we focus precisely on the treatment area your doctor has selected.
Pictured (top): Our CT simulation room at the IU Health Bloomington Cancer Radiation Center. This is where all patients for both centers will have a CT scan to plan their treatments. Pictured (below): One of our two linear accelerators. We have two treatment rooms, also called vaults, at this location.
Social Work Support
At your consultation, a nurse will discuss important details with you and, if needed, connect you with our social worker. This support may include help with transportation, completing advanced directives, or finding additional resources.
If you’d like, our social worker can also offer short-term emotional support to help you manage the stress and emotions that may come with a cancer diagnosis. Based on your needs, our social worker may meet with you during your consultation, follow up with a call, or arrange to meet when treatment begins.
You can request social work support at any time, and these services are available to all patients at no additional cost.
Dietary Support
Our registered dietician will be available to help provide support and education while you are undergoing radiation therapy. Learn more about nutrition during cancer treatment.
Occupational Therapy & Physical Therapy (with referral)
Occupational and physical therapists at IU Health specialize in cancer care. They offer prehabilitation before cancer treatment, focusing on proactive side effect risk reduction. They also assist patients during and after treatments to enhance comfort and improve overall quality of life. With additional certifications in pelvic floor and lymphedema therapy, they provide comprehensive care for these specific areas.
Our facility houses the IU Health South Central Region Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Program, Prostate Cancer Rehabilitation Program, and Head and Neck Cancer Rehabilitation Program. We also offer cancer-specific speech therapy services nearby.
Insurance
IU Health accepts most insurance plans. We recommend that you verify your benefits and eligibility with your insurance company before your visit.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Prior to your radiation consultation appointment, please bring the following:
- Insurance and identification card(s)
- A list of current medications, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements
Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete any outstanding paperwork.
What to expect for your CT appointment:
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Do not wear anything with metal in the treatment area.
- You might be asked to change into a gown for easy marking of treatment setup.
- Follow any specific instructions given, such as maintaining a full bladder or refraining from eating or drinking for a specified period. These preparations will guide all your future treatments.
- You're welcome to bring family members, especially if they'll assist with transportation or scheduling.
- The appointment typically lasts an hour but can vary based on your needs.
For your daily radiation treatments:
- Avoid wearing metal in the treatment area.
- Changing into a gown may be necessary to help radiation therapists see setup marks.
- Each treatment plan is personalized. Your care team will provide a timetable for your appointment.
- You'll meet with your primary radiation oncologist and nursing team weekly to discuss how you're feeling and address any questions. These meetings are always on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
- Radiation therapy occurs Monday – Friday, usually at consistent times. We can help coordinate any additional appointments, like chemotherapy.
After completing radiation therapy:
- You'll receive personalized follow-up care instructions on your last treatment day, coordinated with other care teams by your primary radiation oncologist.
Parking
Parking is available in a surface lot surrounding the building.
My IU Health Patient Portal
The My IU Health patient portal makes it easy for you to navigate to self-schedule appointments with select providers, send messages to your care team, view results and pay a bill.
Support Services
Social Work Support
At your consultation, a nurse will discuss important details with you and, if needed, connect you with our social worker. This support may include help with transportation, completing advanced directives, or finding additional resources.
If you’d like, our social worker can also offer short-term emotional support to help you manage the stress and emotions that may come with a cancer diagnosis. Based on your needs, our social worker may meet with you during your consultation, follow up with a call, or arrange to meet when treatment begins.
You can request social work support at any time, and these services are available to all patients at no additional cost.
Dietary Support
Our registered dietician will be available to help provide support and education while you are undergoing radiation therapy. Learn more about nutrition during cancer treatment.
Occupational Therapy & Physical Therapy (with referral)
Occupational and physical therapists at IU Health specialize in cancer care. They offer prehabilitation before cancer treatment, focusing on proactive side effect risk reduction. They also assist patients during and after treatments to enhance comfort and improve overall quality of life. With additional certifications in pelvic floor and lymphedema therapy, they provide comprehensive care for these specific areas.
Our facility houses the IU Health South Central Region Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Program, Prostate Cancer Rehabilitation Program, and Head and Neck Cancer Rehabilitation Program. We also offer cancer-specific speech therapy services nearby.
Insurance
IU Health accepts most insurance plans. We recommend that you verify your benefits and eligibility with your insurance company before your visit.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Prior to your radiation consultation appointment, please bring the following:
- Insurance and identification card(s)
- A list of current medications, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements
Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete any outstanding paperwork.
What to expect for your CT appointment:
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Do not wear anything with metal in the treatment area.
- You might be asked to change into a gown for easy marking of treatment setup.
- Follow any specific instructions given, such as maintaining a full bladder or refraining from eating or drinking for a specified period. These preparations will guide all your future treatments.
- You're welcome to bring family members, especially if they'll assist with transportation or scheduling.
- The appointment typically lasts an hour but can vary based on your needs.
For your daily radiation treatments:
- Avoid wearing metal in the treatment area.
- Changing into a gown may be necessary to help radiation therapists see setup marks.
- Each treatment plan is personalized. Your care team will provide a timetable for your appointment.
- You'll meet with your primary radiation oncologist and nursing team weekly to discuss how you're feeling and address any questions. These meetings are always on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
- Radiation therapy occurs Monday – Friday, usually at consistent times. We can help coordinate any additional appointments, like chemotherapy.
After completing radiation therapy:
- You'll receive personalized follow-up care instructions on your last treatment day, coordinated with other care teams by your primary radiation oncologist.
Parking
Parking is available in a surface lot surrounding the building.
My IU Health Patient Portal
The My IU Health patient portal makes it easy for you to navigate to self-schedule appointments with select providers, send messages to your care team, view results and pay a bill.
