First Consultation with Radiation Oncologist....

Sherri_V

I have an appointment to see the radiation oncologist on Thursday.  It's my first appointment with him.  What do they do when you go in for the initial consultation?  How long is it usually until they start doing the radiation?  This may seem silly but do they charge you a co-pay EACH day as you go in?  I hate to think about paying $25 every day for 33 days!

I also posted this on my "chemo group" thread so sorry if post is a duplicate for you

RegulJ

The first visit for me was just a "double check" with the dr. to make sure I still wanted to go through with it. We talked a litte about the procedure and where exactly he wanted to zap. We also talked about long term affects, pros and cons.

I had 2 initial appts. One to see the dr.(as said above). One to get set up and have my form made about 3 days later and then started rads about 1 week after that.

I don't have copays, but I hate to say probably yes you will be paying everyday for 33days

msmpatty

Sherri - My experience was that the first consultation was just a talk with Rad Onc about the treatment plan.   Frankly, my consult was very short and I didn't get much out of it.   The second appointment was for the initial scans and getting the markings (some tattoos, some marks covered by clear tape) for the actual radiation treatments.   This one took a while.   The third appointment was for a "trail run" where they me put on the machine and checked the markings but didn't actually do radiation.  At this one they also discussed skin care and gave me samples of things to use.  I started actual radiation the next day.   Time from first consult to first radiation was 4-weeks.   I'm not sure how the co-pay works...sorry!   Patty

Ezscriiibe

My first visit was one where we went over the pathology report and discussed the treatment options and recommendations for radiation. He went over the expected side effects and also talked about what the treatments would be like.

We also talked about the copay (mine is $50 for specialists) and he told me that during the treatments, I would only meet with him once a week, and that is the only time the collect/bill for copays. The treatments throughout the week do not carry any copays.

I then had to wait until my chemo was over before I had the next appointment where we went over the dry run and they put on the marks and tattoos.

I will not begin my actual treatments for 2 more weeks because he likes to wait until at least 4 weeks out from the last chemo, and that was April 22 for me.

But he did say that he wants me to call him any time at all during this holding period to talk about whatever I want. He said no question is to small and doesn't want me going into the treatment with any unresolved fears, concerns or issues.

redsox

My initial consult with the rad onc lasted over 2 hours and included history and physical, review of films and path report, discussion of treatment options and the research evidence to support each, his recommendations, and discussion of the treatment, potential side-effects, and logistics. 

The second visit was the simulation with the CT scan and markings to gather the info for their treatment planning.  Then they usually need 1-2 weeks to define the treatment plan.

The third visit was the setup to check the treatment plan and make more markings. 

Then actual treatment started. Other than the time for treatment planning the intervals between these visits can be short. 

I paid a copay for the initial consult but no other copay.  Insurance plans vary but with most the unit of radiation treatment is a week's treatment which routinely includes one visit with the doctor.  I have seen people on this site who said they had more copays, so you should check the details of your plan.

somanywomen

Sherri, I was charged $30 office visit charge for each of my rad treatments...$30 x 30 =$900....No one mentioned this charge until I was completely done with rads....These were not even part of my deductible, I have been fighting these charges with my Ins. co. since Jan...so far they I have not been successful..I would not even mind paying for when I did see the Rad doc, but I only saw her twice during the 30 days and just saw her assistant on Mondays after rad....Check with your Ins company to be sure...good luck!!!

Ezscriiibe

Wow, somanywomen, what a rip off!

I certainly hope you win that fight because it is completely bogus! You clearly did NOT see the doctor those times, so it's completely out of line for them to force the copay as though you did. 

Treatments, at least in my policy, is never considered the same thing as an office visit copay.

Hope you get this resolved soon!

Sherri_V

I was SO relieved to know that I do not have to pay a co-pay every time I go in.  They will bill my insurance as outpatient services! 

What a stressful day it's been!  Thanks for replies to my concerns - I appreciate it

kk69Z

Sherri,

Of what I can remember, I did a sample run to make sure all my markings were lined up. And that took about an hour. I didn't have to pay a co-pay each time I went for radiation. The insurance took care of all that. After I was done and I had to see the radiologist twice for the following year, I did have co-pay.

somanywomen

Sherri..so glad you have no co-pays, we have enough stress!!!...Mine were a shock, as they did not tell me until the end of treatment when I got the bill...My treatments were done at a Cancer Treatment Center with the Trilogy IMRT Rad System (shapes the radiation dose within the beams), I was told this would be better since my lumpectomy was on my left side and heart/lung damage is lessened by this machine....I am still fighting charges and hoping to at least get these reduced....