Hearing that you’ve been diagnosed with the big C can turn your entire life upside down. You may feel overwhelmed by the situation. Most patients feel alienated and helpless. However, taking an active role in decision-making can help you come to terms with the diagnosis. And one fundamental decision can make all the difference to improve your chances of survival. This decision includes choosing the right treatment centre and oncologist.
Patients must do some research before they make their decision. It is necessary to ask a lot of questions since the wrong choice can cost patients their lives. But, how do you choose the right hospital and oncologist for your treatment? Well, worry not. Listed below are some tips that will come in handy.
1. Ask for referrals: No one knows your body better than your primary care provider. They understand your concerns and issues. So, consulting them for referrals is an excellent starting point. They may know a specialist with the correct knowledge to deal with specific types of cancerous developments. You can also ask your friends and family for recommendations. Online research can help you look up the credentials and experience of your shortlisted candidates. Most doctors also offer consultations. So, take advantage of the opportunity and have a face-to-face chat with the specialist.
2. Consult professionals with legal know-how: Some cancer patients develop the illness because of their employer’s negligence or malpractice by a company that causes hazardous carcinogens to release into the environment. Therefore, they may be eligible for financial compensation for their condition and treatment. However, these claims often require expert advice from legal professionals as well as oncologists. Not only should your oncologists understand the disease, but they should also know how to work with litigation. Patients seeking compensation from lawsuits should choose someone familiar with the process to ensure a favourable settlement.
3. Choose high-quality care: Treatment centres with a multidisciplinary approach are best for cancer patients. Every cancer patient is different. Their symptoms, reaction to the medication, and side effects may differ from others. So, a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. Patients can receive input from surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and social workers.
4. Consider their speciality: Patients with rare forms of cancer should consider specialists who have a lot of experience with their kind of cancer. For example, mesothelioma is a complicated and rare cancer. Patients usually develop mesothelioma after they work with asbestos and breathe it in over the years. However, the long latency period of the condition makes an accurate diagnosis impossible. Often, inexperienced doctors make a misdiagnosis, wasting precious time. So, consult with someone who knows about your disease.
5. Look for a seal of approval: The National Cancer Institute recognizes outstanding cancer facilities. There is a directory for the best cancer treatment and care hospitals in America. These centres have state-of-the-art equipment with diverse experts and experienced medical professionals. They have thousands of cancer patients, so they usually have doctors from all specialities who are experts in their fields. So, these treatment centres provide the best treatment approach to cancer.
6. Think about their gender: You must be comfortable with your oncologist since you will share personal information with them. Cancer patients may have to lay their lives bare for a better prognosis. Unique characteristics can affect your treatment plan. So, your age and gender affect your prognosis. Furthermore, there is a difference in caring for women and men. So, ask your oncologists about their experience with gender-specific cancer care.
7. Evaluate their communication skills: Choose someone you are comfortable with because you will have long discussions with your oncologist. As a cancer patient, you will have several questions for your doctor. So, you may feel unsatisfied with your treatment if your oncologists discourage questions. Go for a consultation and notice how the oncologist responds to your questions. Are they clear and frank about the information? Choose someone who respects your decisions and makes your feel comfortable.
8. Meet with several doctors: Choosing an oncologist is one of the most significant decisions of your life. Your future hangs in the balance of your decisions. So, it is okay to take your time with the decision. Meet with different doctors and compare them with each other to finally shortlist someone you can trust.
9. Research the hospital: The hospital is also vital to your treatment plan. Hence, do some research about the quality of the hospital. Patients under treatment at hospitals with the highest ratings have a better prognosis. They also have experienced professionals looking after their health. Furthermore, the location of the hospital is also important. You will be travelling to and from the hospital, so a centre close to home can reduce your commute.
10 Think about your insurance: Cancer treatment is expensive, costing an average cost of 150,000 dollars. Therefore, you have to consider the price of treatment when deciding on an oncologist. People with insurance can manage expenses and receive insurance benefits by choosing someone who participates in their insurance plan. But, the credentials and experience of the oncologist also matter. So, keep these factors in mind when selecting someone from your insurance plan.
