It's a great idea to hire a doctor who you already know or who your family member or friend is recommended.
Hospital for Cancer Treatment
You should talk to your doctors and ask for their recommendations when choosing a good hospital. Therefore, it's a good idea to choose a large hospital for your cancer treatment.
The great thing about these hospitals is that they offer a host of services in addition to the basic services offered at any cancer treatment hospital.
It may be one of the first things that came to mind when you were diagnosed with cancer: Is this hospital really the best choice for my cancer treatment?
But how can you find the answer? Ask your health care provider about the professional reputation of cancer treatment hospitals, particularly in treating your type of cancer.
Focus on the doctor first. If you’re having surgery that does not require long-term care, you may travel to a specialized cancer surgeon and then rely on a local doctor for your long-term treatment.
Does your insurance cover care at this cancer treatment hospital? You can get the same treatment and excellent care at many hospitals throughout the U.S.” On the whole, cancer care is standardized, and doctors are generally following the same guidelines wherever you go.
Are clinical trials available at this cancer treatment hospital? So always ask if a clinical trial might be right for you and whether a clinical trial for your type of cancer is being offered at your cancer treatment hospital.
When you learn you have cancer, you want to make sure you get the best possible medical care and treatment. Try asking this: “If you found out that you or someone you loved had this cancer, which doctor would you go to for treatment?” In many cases, the doctor will suggest another doctor even if you don’t ask.
If your doctor isn’t sure of your diagnosis but thinks there’s a chance you might have cancer, you can ask: “If you were in my place, which doctor would you see first?” Ask for at least 2 or 3 names, and find out what these doctors’ specialties are. For people who find a doctor first, most doctors who treat cancer work with hospitals that are good for cancer care.
Talk with your doctor, and ask other doctors and nurses for their opinions on hospitals in your area. Ask the doctor who found your cancer if you need to act right away or whether you can take a short but safe amount of time to check out all your options.
You are looking for a doctor who treats your type of cancer. There are 3 basic types of cancer treatment doctors:
- Medical oncologists
- Surgical oncologists
- Radiation oncologists
Which ones you will need depends on the kinds of treatment needed for your type of cancer.
During your cancer treatment, you may see more than one kind of cancer doctor, but your cancer and treatment type will determine who your main cancer doctor is. Your relationship with this person will probably last through treatment into long-term follow-up care.
Our worksheet called How to Choose a Doctor may be useful during this process.
Decide what you want and need in a doctor
Before you start looking for a doctor, think about the qualities you want your doctor to have. Studies show that doctors have better success treating a condition if they have a lot of experience with it, so this is an important factor.You’ll need a doctor who is part of your health plan (often called a preferred provider) and/or accepts your health insurance. Pick a doctor who practices (has privileges) at a hospital that you’re willing to use. Many people whose illnesses require long-term treatment prefer a friendly relationship with their doctor.
Make a list of doctors who might be a good fit. One of the best ways to choose a doctor is to get referrals from people you trust, like your primary care doctor. One way to measure this is to ask yourself these questions after your appointment.
- Did the doctor give you a chance to ask questions?
- Did you feel the doctor was listening to you?
- Did the doctor seem comfortable answering your questions?
- Did the doctor talk to you in a way that you could understand?
- Did you feel the doctor respected you?
- Did the doctor mention treatment options and ask your preferences about different kinds of treatments?
- Did you feel the doctor spent enough time with you?
Trust your instincts when deciding whether the doctor is right for you. To keep their certification, doctors must continue their education and keep up with advances and changes in their specialty area.
Not all doctors who are specialists are board certified, and doctors don’t need to be board certified to be excellent caregivers. Ask for the Official ABMS Directory of Board Certified Medical Specialists, or get your librarian to help you.
What’s the doctor’s experience?
You might want answers to these questions:
- How long has the doctor been in practice?
- How many people with cancer he or she has treated?
- If you’re thinking about surgery or a special procedure, ask about the number of these procedures the doctor has performed.
- How many patients is the doctor currently treating?
- How many are cancer patients?
- How much experience does this doctor have with your type of cancer?
Along with finding out about the doctor’s experience, you may also want to find out who the leading specialists in the field are. Check with your health insurance company to see which doctors and hospitals are covered.
Is the doctor affiliated with any medical schools?
Teaching at a respected medical school may suggest that a doctor is a leader in his or her field.
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