When you go to your primary care physician because you have not been feeling well or you have some kind of rash or growth, you likely do not expect that you will come away with a cancer diagnosis. However, if after having tests run, you do find out that you have cancer, the next major step that you will need to take is to find the right oncology doctor for you. Before you jump in and hire the first medical oncology doctor that you find, get to know five tips for choosing an oncology doctor so that you can get the right oncologist for you right here in Denver, Colorado and get your cancer treatment started as soon as possible.
# One: Be Sure You Choose an Oncologist That Treats Your Specific Cancer Type
While you may be under the impression that all forms of cancer are essentially the same, the reality is that no two types of cancer behave the same way. Leukemia, for example, cannot be treated in the same exact way that lung cancer is treated. Because different types of cancer are so different, you need to be sure that you find an oncologist who specializes in your specific type of cancer. This will ensure you get the best possible treatment and outcome.
# Two: Check Their Credentials
Your oncologist’s education background and their medical credentials matter when it comes to entrusting them with medical care that could save your life. It is not only perfectly acceptable to check their credentials, but a virtual necessity to find the best possible doctor to treat you. Find out where they went to college and medical school. Look at their specific medical certifications and degrees. And look into whether or not they have been published in medical journals or any other professional publication. All of these factors can and will play into your decision process.
# Three: Find Out What Their Patients Think
Taking to the internet and looking at patient reviews and surveys can also help you to find out more about your potential oncologist. Patients and former patients will be able to give you an idea about what it is really like to work with a physician rather than just their credentials. After all, even if an oncologist looks good on paper, their bedside manner or interactions with patients may not always be up to your high standards.
# Four: Find Out If They Are Covered By Your Insurance
Of course, there are other factors to consider when choosing the right oncology doctor for you. You need to be sure that the physician you choose is covered by your insurance plan. Unless you are extremely wealthy, there is no way you can pay for an oncologist’s fees as well as your cancer treatments themselves out-of-pocket so finding a doctor that is in your network or covered by your insurance is a must.
# Five: Keep Your Comfort Level In Mind
Finally, you also want to be sure that you are comfortable with the oncologist you choose to provide you with your cancer treatments. When you first meet with an oncologist, you want to feel like you can communicate with them and that they listen to your thoughts and concerns. If you do not “click” with the doctor or are more comfortable with a female doctor over a male one (or vice versa), do not try to force yourself to work with the doctor because you are already meeting with them. You will be working closely with your oncologist over the upcoming months and years and you want to have a good relationship with them.
With these five tips in mind, you can be sure that your find the right medical oncology doctor for you here in Denver, Colorado and get your cancer treatment program started as soon as possible.