Infusion therapy can be a complicated journey—but having the right guide makes all the difference. That’s where Lisa Valdez, RN, BSN, OCN, comes in.
As a Clinical Care Specialist at Lantern, Lisa helps members navigate their treatment, ensuring they get the care they need while making the most of their benefits.
Lisa brings over 10 years of experience in oncology and infusion therapy, starting at the bedside and working at infusion centers before joining Lantern. She’s passionate about helping patients through their infusion journey so they can focus on living their lives to the fullest.
“I work hard to ensure every member I talk to has a good experience,” she said. “I take pride in helping them, and I work hard on their behalf so they can get the care they need.”
A Career Built on Compassion
Lisa’s path to oncology nursing started when a friend encouraged her to try it. She quickly realized it was a perfect fit for her caring nature. Over time, she focused on infusion therapy and has stayed in that field ever since.
Before joining Lantern, Lisa worked in Texas and took travel nurse positions nationwide, including at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Eventually, she was ready for a new challenge—one where she could apply her experience to impact patients on a larger scale.
That’s when an opening on the Lantern team caught her eye.
“I was ready to do something different with my experience,” she explained. “I’m able to work with members and help them when they have questions about their infusions, and I’m also able to help build and develop this new program at Lantern.”
Helping a Member Get Life-Changing Care
Lisa can vividly recall one of the first members she worked with at Lantern, a woman living with Crohn’s disease who had symptoms so severe she was on short-term disability. The member could not work, could barely eat, and needed help. Lisa’s first step was to help her get the infusion treatment her doctor recommended approved by her health plan.
“This woman was dealing with diarrhea, vomiting and was so very dehydrated,” Lisa said. “I wanted to get her in for the care she needed as soon as possible.”
Lisa worked hard to get the approval and kept the member updated at each step. The member got her first infusion as quickly as possible thanks to Lisa’s efforts.
“I wanted to make sure she knew I was right here for her,” Lisa said.
The member’s story has a happy conclusion. The infusion therapy is working, and the member is back at work and living without debilitating symptoms.
Exploring Options for Infusion Therapy
Lisa helps members understand the benefits of infusion therapy and find the best place for treatment. Many members she speaks with are eligible for at-home infusion therapy.
“I talk to members a lot about the value of the at-home care option. It gives members the flexibility to get treatments in a comfortable place—they can take calls, work or watch TV,” she said. Lisa said that they don’t have to drive to the clinic, and they get to build a 1-on-1 relationship with their infusion nurse.
Infusions for conditions other than cancer, like multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease or rheumatoid arthritis, can be a life-long commitment. Coupling that with the need for these treatments several times every year makes in-home therapy an attractive option for many eligible members. It allows them to get the treatment they need with fewer interruptions to their daily lives.
However, Lisa can arrange care at an ambulatory infusion center for members who aren’t a great fit for in-home care or who aren’t comfortable with the option.
“We do our best to find them a clinical setting for their infusion therapy, if that’s what they choose or what’s right for them,” she said.
I talk to members a lot about the value of the at-home care option. It gives members the flexibility to get treatments in a comfortable place—they can take calls, work or watch TV.
A Passionate Partner for Members
Lisa’s dedication to patient care is at the heart of Lantern’s infusion therapy support. She works closely with members to answer questions, coordinate treatments and remove barriers to care.
“Lantern is truly a great benefit,” Lisa said. “It helps members save money they can use for their families, vacations, or whatever they need—while still getting high-quality care.”
