Cancer Treatment Centers of America

SavedbyGrace1972

Hello Everyone, 

Was wondering if anyone has been treated at the caner treatment centers of America and would like to share their experience? Recommendations? I just scheduled an appointment at a center near me in Georgia. Trying to be proactive and even though I was only diagnosed 18 days ago, I would really like to get the process started and moving along. I've read so many stories, some move faster or slower than others, but right now I've only met with a BC and I have very little confidence in their services.  My treatment thus far has been subpar to say the least. I actually had to inform them that my MRI results were back and they were incomplete.  That set back treatment a week in my opinion because the results were available on 12/25. I notified them on 12/26 and 12/27. Finally got in contact with them on 12/28 in which they were supposed to schedule follow up tests per radiologist suggestions. Only to call them back today 12/29 and nothing has been done. No appointment, no schedule nothing. Claim they were waiting on a return call for the MRI center that never happened and now they were out of the office for the holiday!! I am steamed.  So now I am already seeking another team. 

Any thoughts and opinions are greatly appreciated. 

Thanks

MelissaDallas

I personally would prefer an NCI designated cancer center at a major university hospital, like Emory, but I'm sure they are fine. CTCA cherry-picks patients by only accepting people with very, very good insurance. They have also gotten in trouble in the past for their commercials that were only about a step above snake-oil salesmen

SavedbyGrace1972

thanks for replying. I think I will cancel my appointment with them. I have read some not so flattering reviews about them. Gosh I just want this nightmare to be over with already. It's so difficult getting treatment started that I can't even begin to imagine the woes of radiation, chemo and surgery.

edwards750

Me too Melissa. I think their infomercials are very misleading. They charge a small fortune even with insurance coverage. I have never seen final results on some of the patients in their commercials as to survival rates, etc.

What exactly do they do that a reputable cancer center doesn’t do? They can’t make promises about increasing survival rates unless they actually do.

So I second Melissa’s assessment of CTCA. Surely there is s reputable cancer facility in your town. I don’t blame you for being frustrated though. There is no excuse for incompetence.

Post where you are located and see if there are ladies in your area who post on this website. When I was looking for a BS and ONC I asked around and read reviews on the doctors.

You certainly need a medical team you have confidence in. That’s crucial.

Good luck. Keep us posted.

Diane

SavedbyGrace1972

Thank you Diane. I just feel so lost and desperate even if that's possible. Grrr!!! Ok so I will try other places. They offered a little hope whereas everyone else just gives me the run around. My guess is if they aren't producing results, how can they take advantage of people who want to fight for their lives? So awful!!!

Lord help us! My fight is just beginning and I already feel defeated! Thanks for chiming in and saving me some heartache, headache and future disappointments

Icietla

>>What exactly do they do that a reputable cancer center doesn't do?<<

Good question.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevensalzberg/2012/12/31/making-a-profit-from-offering-ineffective-therapies-to-cancer-patients/#2d5c22584a2b

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-cancer-ctca/special-report-behind-a-cancer-treatment-firms-rosy-survival-claims-idUSBRE9250L820130306

https://respectfulinsolence.com/2010/07/26/cancer-treatment-centers-of-america-natu/

SavedbyGrace1972

thanks for the info. It was great!! I'm canceling my app

Mquara

I have been going to CTCA in Zion, Il for my treatment. If you want first hand info send me a message with any questions and we will discuss. I am in North NJ, I have access to some of the top Cancer Centers in NYC, and I chose CTCA with ZERO regrets.

SavedbyGrace1972

Mquara

What made you choose them versus other centers? I just feel hopeless and I am ready for some action.

Mquara

I sent you a PM

ricke51

Check your insurance coverage before signing on with CTCA. I have excellent insurance and CTCA considered way out of network and I would have to pay 40% of everything.

Silbar

Try researching Winship Cancer Institute at Emory and Gwinnett Medical Center's Center for Cancer Care

dtad

Hi everyone...just want to add that my recommendation is for a university based teaching hospital. Good luck and keep us posted. Happy New Year

sandcastle

They are a FOR PROFIT Place...I would not even call them a Hospital!  My, friend went to the one in Newman Ga....I was not impressed with it at all...she is no longer here....Liz

bevin

my sister in law went there for ovarian cancer

She had nothing but the best care and attention. She found them rea tive, proactive, compassionate and knowledgeable.

I'd express your concerns to them.

SavedbyGrace1972

Thanks everyone for your responses. This is so scary and already expensive. I'm going to steer away from them. I've got a lot of life left in me and want the best care possible, but also want responsible care. It's the center in Newman, GA, that I have an appointment with.

I will research Emory but I've heard some concerning things about them as well. Not enough to make me run the other way as with cancer treatment centers of America.

One lady I know from crafting had a consult at MD Anderson in Houston. It was a second opinion she was receiving and basically both doctors recommended the same treatment. She is facing stage 4 IBC with lung mets. Stinks really but bad zest and willingness to fight inspires me daily. 6 years ago when she was dx with IBC stage 4, she fought like hell!!! Right now she's still fighting!!! Drains in her lungs and still does take kwon d0.

Right now I want to start treatment so I can get back to living! I feel I've put my life on hold since being diagnosed.

sandcastle

Saved.....I, do think this is wise of you....at least you research...My friend was not that wise when it came to medical...impressed with things that really did not matter...Liz

SavedbyGrace1972

sandcastle

Did your friend win her battle? You mentioned she went to CTCA, did they help her at all?

sandcastle

Her Oncologist was a DO....not impressed with their Education....much OverTreatment...they sell HOPE....She is no longer with us.  

sandcastle

If, you are in the Augusta Area....you have some good hospitals there....Liz

EastcoastTS

UNC and Wake Forest are actually very highly regarded as well with excellent breast centers. I've gone to UNC. (Ranked higher than Duke, believe it or not.)

Also very good options and they will get you in quickly with one call.

SavedbyGrace1972

EASTCOASTTS, what is UNC? University of North Carolina?

Sandcastle, I am in the Atlanta area a suburb north west of the airport. So sorry for your loss. It's sad being taken advantage of in such a fragile state. But the world is full of evil people who will stoop at nothing. I've got to remember to be anxious for nothing and pray and petition for everything. This road is so well traveled that I am glad I have resources, yet it stinks being here. Although, I look forward to sharing my knowledge with others. Hoping one day there won't be others.

Thanks for your kind words. Hugs 🤗 to you all!

edwards750

We all sympathize with the financial drain this DX causes. I was inundated with bills left and right. We have BC/BS which helped but our out of pocket is $5000. We reached that max in 2 months after the DX, surgery, etc.

The good thing was though when we reached 100% coverage my 33 radiation treatments were totally paid for. I can’t imagine how we could have paid the thousands of dollars that it would have cost.

Also we did arrange payment plans with several facilities. It took us awhile but we paid them off. You do what you can. They have to know very few people can write them a check for thousands of dollars.

Good luck whatever you decide. You have to be your own advocate. I learned that the hard way. Happy ending but the fact is it’s our bodies and our lives.

Diane

SavedbyGrace1972

Diane, I have BCBS but not all BSBC are the same. Ours is out of Alabama and it's not as good as the one we had when we lived in Illinois. Now we live in GEORGIA. I'm hopeful in prayer that I will find the right medical team. My plan is to encourage my children to go into the pharmaceutical industry, medical industry and insurance industry. Even law because they make they big bucks and decisions regarding issue so they won't ever have to worry about. Cancer is definitely not a poor person petson disease yet it affects us all regardless of income.

exbrnxgrl

I have not been treated at CTCA, but did make an inquiry call when I was first dx'ed. When they asked about my insurance, there was a a long pause, a loud sigh and I was then informed that they did not accept my insurance. However, they said they could see me if I made a huge down payment, which I believe was somewhere in the $20-30,000 range! Yes, I realize that not every facility accepts every insurance, but they were definitely looking for a Cadillac plan. I am a state employee and consider my insurance coverage quite good, but apparently no good enough for CTCA. Additionally, I really don't see anything particularly cutting edge in what they offer and the for profit aspect bothers me.

So, I stayed with my original providers, who are fabulous. I have no annual deductible and my out of pocket costs are minimal, including low priced prescriptions. My facility offers all sorts of great classes (excercise, nutrition, yoga etc.), a weekly farmers' market and even acupuncture.

Good luck to you!

PS: I don't doubt that people get good care at CTCA, but IMO, you can get excellent care at a multitude of non-profit facilities that accept patients without requiring Cadillac insurance or cherry picking potential patients.

MelissaDallas

I'm not sure what you are seeing negative about Emory-they have a stellar reputation for both treatment and research

SavedbyGrace1972

Hey Melissa,

I read something about the chemo clinic being somewhat problematic but nothing else besides that.

SavedbyGrace1972

exbrnxgrl

l am glad you found treatment. The for Profit aspect worries me because that means to me they might over inflate prices to make a profit. Treatments are expensive enough without anyone wanting to make anymore of a profit.

sbelizabeth

I have read that CTCA also cherry picks patients that are more likely to have good outcomes, which enhances their outcome statistics. I don't know this for a fact, though.

When I was first diagnosed I wondered if they had some kind of magic bullet, based on the commercials I'd seen. Everyone wants access to excellent care--our lives are at stake! I don't believe CTCA has anything to offer that a reputable cancer center doesn't have.

SavedbyGrace1972

sbelizabeth thank you for your input. Hopefully I will have my MRI guided bilateral biopsy next week or the week after, then I'll have more answers and options. You are 100% correct in saying that we want the best care available! I have no idea why so many are diagnosed with cancer lately. Is it the food, chemicals, environment or just plan genetics!! One day I would like to be on the research team but I'm older now. Hopefully my kids will be.

sandcastle

You, should read about the FOUNDER of the Place and his Epic Divorce...Liz