29 Jan CHOOSING AN ONCOLOGIST FOR CANCER CARE

Posted at 22:02h in Cancer by

Once cancer is diagnosed, patients are referred to an oncologist, who is a doctor that specializes in the treatment of tumors. There are different types of oncologists, focusing on different types of cancer and treatment methods. For example, a medical oncologist will focus on the use of treatments like chemotherapy, while a radiation oncologist utilizes radiation therapy. The oncologist you choose will typically be with you throughout the entire treatment process, and will determine what the course of treatment will be like.

To find the right oncologist for you, check out the simple guide below courtesy of our team at Peninsula Radiation Oncology Center.

WHERE CAN I FIND AN ONCOLOGIST?

If you did not receive a referral to an oncologist after you received a cancer diagnosis, you can talk to your primary care physician to get one. You can also reach out to your health insurance company or the local hospital in your area, both of which should be able to refer you to an oncologist that is best suited to treat your type of cancer.

We recommend using all of your resources to compile a list of multiple oncologists to schedule consultations with, since getting second and third opinions will allow you to choose which oncologist will provide you with the care you are looking for.

HOW DO I FIND THE RIGHT ONCOLOGIST?

When you’re trying to choose the right oncologist for your cancer treatment, below is a list of important factors that will be able to help you find the right match.

  • Focused On Your Type Of Cancer – an oncologist that specializes in treating your specific type of cancer may have an advantage when creating a treatment plan.
  • Accepts Your Medical Insurance – Cancer treatment can be a long and costly process, so finding an oncology practice that accepts your health insurance will help make getting the treatment you need much more manageable.
  • Experienced & Certified – Ask questions or do research on the oncologist’s experience to see if they are board-certified, or have received advanced education or training in their field. Also asking how long they’ve been practicing or how many patients with your type of cancer they have worked with before will give you a better idea of what their experience is.
  • A Practice Where You Feel Comfortable – During your treatment, you’ll typically be spending a lot of time at at an oncology practice or hospital, so finding a place where you feel comfortable will make the treatment process easier for you.

CONTACT US WITH YOUR QUESTIONS

Our elite team of physicians and medical staff are ready to help you in your battle against cancer, so if you have any questions about what you should be looking for in an oncologist, how to find the right one for you, or to schedule a consultation with us, just contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.