A Guide to Proton Therapy in Kansas City
Kansas Citians are very lucky when it comes to medical care. Our great city boasts some excellent places that provide the very latest techniques and technology in the medical field. A great example of this is the fact that Kansas City offers two different locations for proton therapy. According to the National Association of Proton Therapy, there are currently only 45 operating proton centers in the U.S. with six more being built. Kansas City is blessed to not only have a proton therapy center but to have a choice of proton therapy centers. When it comes to proton therapy in Kansas City, you can choose hospital-based or office-based treatment.
What Is Proton Therapy?
Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation treatment that uses protons to precisely target tumors. Unlike traditional radiation therapy, which uses X-rays (photons), proton therapy allows for more accurate delivery of radiation to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. This precise targeting not only enhances treatment effectiveness but also contributes to a better quality of life during and after treatment. Patients may experience less discomfort and a quicker recovery.
Proton Therapy Choices in Kansas City
The University of Kansas Cancer Center in downtown Kansas City offers proton therapy as well as Kansas City Proton Institute (KCPI) in Overland Park, KS. While both offer excellent cancer care and access to proton therapy, the biggest difference between the two, from a patient perspective, is that one is a hospital-based facility (KU Cancer Center) and the other is an office-based facility (KCPI).
Hospital-Based Proton Therapy Vs. Office-Based Proton Therapy
Patients who are approved to receive proton therapy will receive excellent care at both facilities, but there are some differences. Here are some advantages office-based proton therapy provides:
Convenience
One of the biggest advantages of office-based proton therapy is that it provides a more convenient treatment experience. KCPI is located in Overland Park, making a long drive downtown unnecessary for many cancer patients. Rather than spending time driving downtown and navigating the traffic, parking, and logistical issues of a large hospital for every treatment, patients can opt for a closer location, convenient parking, and easy building access. If you live downtown or north of Kansas City, of course, KU Cancer Center will be more convenient.
Lower Costs
This is the least known benefit of office-based proton therapy. Most patients are unaware that office-based proton therapy is more affordable than hospital-based proton therapy. Why? It has to do with insurance coverage. Proton therapy is covered by Medicare and many insurance providers. Hospital-based radiation oncology programs are legally allowed by these insurance companies and Medicare, to charge higher rates and facility fees than privately owned facilities are allowed to charge. This is primarily because hospitals have much higher overhead costs (buildings, staffing, expenses) than smaller, office-based clinics. Because of this, treatments at office-based locations are often more cost-effective than those at hospital-based facilities. The fact that there is a difference is simply not common knowledge among patients. People don’t typically “shop” or price-compare for medical treatments.
Patient-First Cancer Care at KCPI
At Kansas City Proton Institute, we strive to provide a more personalized and patient-centric approach to cancer care. If we are to have the best chance at healing the physical body, we have to realize there is a human being inside that body. And human beings need more than medicine and machines. They need a hand to hold, a reassuring hug, a shoulder to lean on, and a sympathetic ear. They need so much more on their healing journey than just the best medical care… they need hope. That’s why we offer Patient-First Care. While the medicine and machines soothe and heal the physical, our Patient-First Care helps heal the mental and emotional parts too. Humans are amazingly resilient when given the best care. At KCPI, we try to make that care comprehensive. With our Patient-First Care model, our patients experience a higher level of attention and support throughout their treatment journey.
Changing the Landscape of Cancer Treatment
We were recently featured in Healthy Kansas City magazine: “The Kansas City Proton Institute is more than just a medical facility; it’s a center of hope, innovation, and compassion. As the newest and only non-hospital-based proton therapy center in the central United States, KCPI is at the forefront of a new era in cancer treatment. With its state-of-the-art technology, dedicated team of professionals, and commitment to patient-centered care, KCPI is changing the landscape of cancer treatment and setting new standards for patient care and quality of life during and after treatment.” We are proud to be able to bring proton therapy to Kansas City and even prouder to make a difference in our patients’ lives.
