A cancer diagnosis can be scary, but finding the right oncologist can ease some of the uncertainties about the future. Locating an oncologist who a patient is comfortable with is a crucial step of cancer treatment.
How do you find a reputable oncologist?
Patients have a variety of options when it comes to locating the right oncologist.
Receive referrals from trusted sources
The diagnosing doctor should be the first source of information. They understand the patient’s medical history and can refer them to a doctor that specializes in that type of cancer. Friends and family who have had the same diagnosis may be able to recommend doctors or hospitals based on personal experiences. Dependent upon the type of cancer diagnosed, a patient may be referred to multiple types of oncologists, including medical, surgical and radiation, who work together to provide quality care.
Contact the insurance company
When locating an oncologist, certain hospitals, care centers or doctors may not be covered by a patient’s insurance plan. By calling or checking an insurance company’s website, a patient can see which locations participate. If a patient is on Medicare, the official website provides a searchable database of doctors that accept Medicare as payment.
Look for searchable databases
Many medical organizations also have the option for patients to locate an oncologist in the area online, regardless of the type of insurance. The following organizations have created searchable databases:
- American Medical Association
- American Board of Medical Specialties
- American Society of Clinical Oncology
- American College of Surgeons
What happens when you find an oncologist?
A patient should have the opportunity to interview or speak with a doctor before committing for care. Cancer treatment can be a long process, and to focus on healing, it is important that a patient has trust in the doctor and the support staff.
Meet the doctor and staff
While phone calls may be more convenient, meeting a doctor in person can help a patient gauge their comfort level more accurately. An in-person visit allows a patient to not only interact with the oncologist but also meet the support staff who will also be involved in the care. Depending on doctor preference, support staff can include registered nurses, nutritionists, rehabilitators or counselors.
Ask questions
Patients should feel comfortable asking questions about a doctor’s credentials, and the doctor should be open about experiences dealing with similar cases. The oncologist should be able to discuss their comfort level dealing with the patient’s cancer type, including discussion of any treatment risks and complications that can occur. With treatment, some doctors participate in clinical trials that allow innovative therapies for a specific disease. If a patient volunteers to take part in a clinical trial, the doctor can provide data on the treatment, its risks, and its successes.
Conclusion
A cancer diagnosis can be daunting for a person as well as loved ones. However, finding the right doctor and oncology care team is a positive step towards making informed decisions about treatment.
Are you considering oncologists in the Marlton area? Get more information at https://lindenbergcancer.com.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Choosing the right oncologist is one of the most important decisions you will make when facing a cancer diagnosis. The oncologist will guide your treatment, monitor your progress, and play a crucial role in improving your quality of life. With the keyword "oncologist near me" in mind, it is important to understand what to look…
Navigating the complexities of multiple myeloma treatment can be overwhelming for patients and their families. With various treatment options available, it is important to make an informed decision in order to manage their disease effectively. Whether you have been recently diagnosed or are exploring new treatment options, understanding the different options can help you make…
Medical oncology plays a key role in the treatment of many cancer cases. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, it will likely play a major role in your treatment. Therefore, understanding medical oncology and how it works to fight cancer will help you make informed decisions about your care.There are multiple branches of oncology,…
Facing chemotherapy treatment can be overwhelming, even if it is the right thing for your health. When it comes to cancer and cancer treatment, there is only so much the patient can control. However, understanding what to expect and how to prepare can put some control back in the patient’s hands and help set them…