How do you choose a radiation oncologist.

JFV

Hi

I will be starting radiation in October.  It was my expectation that I would use a radiation doctor and center near my home so I could return to work during radiation.  My oncologist said she does not know anyone where I want to go and wants me to see someone who is "good" and knows what they are doing. 

My problem with that is that the center she wants me to go to is so far away.  I can't do radiation and work if I go there.  I know I can get a second opinion at the local place.  But, I have no idea how to decide if one center or doctor is better than the other.

Any ideas?

somanywomen

Check with your insurance co...I did not realize until after my 30 treatments that I was charged an office visit charge for each day..This was because I chose to go to a free standing Cancer Center instead of my local hospital for my treatments...I chose the IMRT (is a state-of-the-art cancer treatment method that delivers high doses of radiation directly to cancer cells in a very targeted way)..To say the least, I was in shock when the bill came and this amount was not even considered towards my deductible...If I ever have to deal with bc again, I will choose a Breast Cancer clinic with all my docs in one place and any treatments needed...In my small area, I had one here, one there and then drove about 45 min for rad treatment....I still question the radiation treatments that I received as they were different almost everyday.....Start asking the nurses who they would go to if they were in your shoes.....Best of luck to you.....

redsox

I agree with somanywomen's advice.  The most important factors are insurance coverage, the reputation of the doctor and center, and your comfort with them.  Others that may matter include being part of an NCI Cancer Center, freestanding vs. hospital-based, level of equipment and personnel.  I would take the onc's concerns seriously and ask a lot of questions, but it may just be referral patterns and who she knows.  Research your options and ask questions!

I went to a center on the opposite side of the city from where I live because the doctor had the best reputation for treating breast cancer in the area and because I had great rapport with him from the initial visit.  I had a late afternoon appointment and worked through the whole treatment but I did have to leave work an hour or so early and did not make up the time.  That fell under intermittent FMLA for me -- check if you qualify.

lauri

I also chose a center closer to home (commute would have been about an hour each way for a 15-minute procedure, and I'm just lazy.)   I started out finding the places covered by my Blue Cross insurance, then looked up the backgrounds of radiation oncologists, selecting two who had been trained at UCSF where I was being treated.  And I checked about the per-visit charge, too (good call!)  

You definitely DO want to go where they know what they're doing and have updated technology.  But being able to work during treatment is important, too , especially if you're fond of eating regularly.  Whichever way you choose, make sure all reports are sent to your oncologist and your primary care physician -- and get a copy for your own files -- so everybody has all the information.

pj12

In my case I only saw the radiologist once a week. I saw the radiation therapists every day so I felt staffing was very important. I asked about how long the dosimetrist and physicist had been on staff. Consumer Reports said they are very important to the process. I asked about equipment - how old or new it was. I, too, had IMRT and felt it was worth the additional time. There was a $200/a day charge not covered by my insurance (BCBS) but the hospital waived it, thank goodness. 

I found the whole thing very stressful but survived !!!  You will too :-)  Good luck.

pam 

JFV

Thank you so much ladies.  I will call my insurance right away and ask the infusion nurses tomorrow.  I did not think of asking if I could leave work eary etc.  I work as a teaching assistant at a local school and will be a one on one with a diabetic first grader.  I sort of thought being there full days was important.  On the other hand I never thought about asking if they could be flexible about my hours.  Good point!

Lauri I noticed you are four years out at stage 3.  It is good to see fellow stage 3ers around!