BUFFALO, N.Y. — A letter to patients of Comprehensive Cancer Services (CCS) Oncology states that the company will close its practices effective Friday, April 27th at 5:00 p.m.
2 On Your Side obtained part of the letter, the top of which says it's "an urgent notice to patients," and goes on to say that the decision is related to bankruptcy proceedings.
The letter states that most appointments scheduled after April 27, 2018 will be canceled, but "a small number of appointments may be kept as scheduled during the week of April 30 through May 4th." Patients will be advised by their doctors if appointments will be held as scheduled, according to the letter.
Another line reads, "We understand that this is a very difficult time for you. Our priority is to ensure the continuity of your medical care."
The letter also states that Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is making its services and facilities available to CCS patients looking to transfer there.
Roswell is holding a community forum for patients who need a new treatment provider. It's being held Monday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Roswell Park Amherst Center, located at 100 College Parkway in Williamsville. Parking is free. No registration is required. Members of Roswell's medical team will be on hand to answer questions.
The FBI raided Western New York CCS offices at the end of March — one week after a judge granted Bank of America the right to seize assets from CCS Oncology.
Last year, the bank filed a federal lawsuit against CCS because the cancer treatment provider had defaulted on millions of dollars in loans the bank had provided.
Last month, Robert Trusiak, the attorney for CCS Oncology, told 2 On Your Side that the Justice Department has been conducting a Medicare fraud investigation of CCS for more than three years.
CCS's has Western New York locations in Williamsville, Kenmore, Orchard Park, and Niagara Falls.