QUESTIONS and RESPONSES

QUESTIONS & RESPONSES

Is this coverage at one facility only or are there satellite facilities that would have to be covered also?

Response: The coverage is only at DGMC (1 facility) How many Radiation Oncology Doctors would we be working with?

Response: Three Radiation Oncologists will be working in the clinic How many accelerators? Which accelerators are they?

Response: We have 2 Linear accelerators (A Trilogy and an iX both Varian) How many Physicist’s are on staff or are they consulting? Either way how often are they at the facility?

Response: 2 Full-time and 1 part-time (0.4 FTE) Is the facility doing IMRT and what % of cases are IMRT?

Response: We are doing IMRT about 60% of patient workload Is coverage primarily external beam planning? Or are other types of planning required?

Response: Predominantly external beam therapy to included about 10-20% VMAT. We do have the capability to do IGRT, SRS SBRT and will perform those procedures if the physicians deem it is necessary. (HDR in 2 yrs possible)

The SOW indicates that knowledge of SRS, HDR and VMAT is required; does this mean that the dosimetrist is doing independent planning of these procedures? Just what involvement does the dosimetrist have in these procedures? If any?

Response: The dosimetrist is doing the treatment planning independently utilizing Eclipse software; however he works closely with Physicians and physicist to complete patient's treatment

Is staff supervision of the Radiation Therapist required?

Response: The dosimetrist does not supervise the Radiation Therapists on a daily basis, he or she ensures blocks fabrication, the use of immobilization devices, compensators, and wedges field are done properly for patients simulation. The Dosimetrist is heavily involved with the simulations and these accessories devices will be recommended by the dosimetrist to the physicians and therapists.

What monitor unit verification system do they have?

Response: We are using Red Calc for MU verification Is independent planning of Brachytherapy, SRS and HDR required by the dosimetrist?

Response: Currently, we do not provide Brachetherapy or HDR

Is the dosimetrist required to perform the simulation procedures? Or are the Radiation therapist performing the Simulation procedures?

Response: Dosimetrist is involved with all patients’ simulation, and is an integral part of the simulation's team. In the rare instance the dosimetrist will have to do patient simulations.

What patient data management system do they have? Impact or Varis or other?

Response: Our data management system is Aria. (We are an all Varian clinic with the exception of the CT Simulator which is a GE CT scanner)