How to choose a radiation oncologist?

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chinablue
chinablue Member Posts: 545
edited June 2018 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I will be looking for a rad oncologist next month.  Of course, I need to consider my insurance and the proximity of the office to my house, but there must be other criteria.  Did any of you shop around? I am only mediocre on my oncologist, so I can't just rely on his recommendation.  Any advice would be great.

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  • pj12
    pj12 Member Posts: 25,402
    edited December 2009

    I was more concerned with the facility and staff.  I wanted the most up to date equipment and nice people to take care of me.  I visited two different hospital "cancer centers" and asked for a tour.  The radiologist was just part of the package.  I only saw him briefly once a week.  I also asked how long the dosimetrist had been on staff.  That person is VERY important in calculating your radiation dosage.  A major hospital in Florida had a disastrous event a couple years ago when the dosimetrist made a serious error and several patients got way too much radiation.  

    It's so hard to know what is the right thing to do.  Good luck.

    pam 

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  • redsox
    redsox Member Posts: 523
    edited December 2009

    I chose the radiation oncologist with the best reputation in the area for treating breast cancer even though the facility was not that convenient for me.  Anyone (who was not tied to a particular health care system) I asked for a recommendation immediately came up with his name first. I agree that he is a fantastic doctor.

    I would ask whatever doctors you trust or breast cancer patients in your area and see if one or more names keep coming up. 

    It is important to have a facility that is modern, well equipped, and well staffed, but usually the best doctors are in facilities with at least adequate resources.

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  • Squeaker
    Squeaker Member Posts: 87
    edited December 2009

    ChinaBlue - I agree w/those above that you need to see what names pop up in your area related to the best bc rad treatment you can find.

    Something else to consider as well when you chat w/these folks .... Many of these docs are more comfortable behind their machines, doing their calcs, treatment plans and then moving you back to the rest of your team as soon as their portion of work is complete. I had this experience the first time out and basically fired the lady at the end. That experience made me realize the importance of constructive dialogue up front, during & after. I've been lucky to find two other rad docs since who're just super in communications.  Don't settle for 'OK', it's too important you understand what's ahead and what options may need to be left open for the future. Wishing you the best!  ~Squeaker

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  • Hoolianama0508
    Hoolianama0508 Member Posts: 162
    edited December 2009

    Thanks for starting this thread, I am in the same boat. I moved before my surgery and now live too far away from the original radiation oncologist that I had my consultation with. I asked him to recommend someone however he would not recommend anyone outside of his hospital network.

    I too want the best of care, however I cannot handle a 45 minute drive every day for 5 weeks. I found another physician closer to my home and set up a consultation with them for next week.

    How different can radiation therapy be? Isn't it all the same procedures? I am nervous however, nothing ventured, nothing gained. It can't hurt to talk to someone.

     Good luck.

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  • sharonk868
    sharonk868 Member Posts: 1
    edited January 2010

    thanks you for the post

    hi guys, Im newbie. Nice to join this forum

     _________________

     [url=http://watchmoviesfree.biz]Movies Online Free[/url]

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  • Hoolianama0508
    Hoolianama0508 Member Posts: 162
    edited January 2010

    Update on my situation:

    After my post, I had my consulation with the Radiation Oncologist close to my new home. He was awesome and his facility has the exact same machines as the other physician that was too far away for me to travel.

    Guess what? I received a call from the old doctor's associate and she bascially blasted me for going outside of the network. I was in shock as she tried to use my cancer to scare me into doing this impossible commute to their offices.

    Well, I told her off for being insensitive to my life issues that influenced my decision. I mean, isn't my life issues a concern as well as my treatment? Am I asking for too much?

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  • springchicken
    springchicken Member Posts: 5
    edited January 2010

    I am having the same problems: balancing the realities of day to day life with the best treatment options. I may have to travel 1.5 hours each way per day or several states away to receive the treatment that I believe is best for me. It bothers me that I cannot find the treatment I need in the DC Metro area and my concerns are belittled by the doctors as being side effects that I should just accept since they are better than having a reoccurance of the cancer.

    I am shopping for a new Radiologist this week and have gassed up the car. These posts have been very helpful to me as I have seen my concerns regarding heart and lung side effects confirmed. Thank you ladies for speaking up. The more we do, the more likely things will change.

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  • vhqh
    vhqh Member Posts: 535
    edited January 2010

    I liked my radiation oncologist but she was "part of the package" in getting all my treatment done locally.  The only problem with her was every time I saw her she pushed me to go on disability, I finally got exasperated and told her I wasn't ready to quit living yet.  She was very caring but didn't understand that I enjoy my job and that it has kept me more active plus I really couldn't afford to quit working.  Of course she was treating me for brain mets so I can see her point of view.

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  • loboudger
    loboudger Member Posts: 1
    edited November 2011

    I live in College Park.  Did you find a good radiation oncologist in the DC Metro area?  Trying to decide between Johns Hopkins and Sibley.  

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  • mamabee
    mamabee Member Posts: 546
    edited December 2011

    loboudger, I'm now looking at ROs in the DC area. Did you find someone you like? Does anyone else have a recommendation for someone they like?

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  • Gayle56
    Gayle56 Member Posts: 277
    edited December 2011

    I have met twice with the RO recommended by my surgeon and I really like him.  His name is

    Ulrich Hermanto and he is with 21st Century Oncology.  They have  a facility in Mount Kisco according to their card.  I am going to their Yonkers location in a facility across the street from St. Johns Hospital.

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  • xcao11
    xcao11 Member Posts: 12
    edited June 2018

    Hi everyone,

    I am new here. I was diagnosed as BC recently (Stage1, 1 <cm, IDC, ER-/PR-, HER2-), and will have lumpectomy next week. I am looking for a radiation oncologist. Can anyone recommend me a good radiation oncologist in NYC ? Thanks !

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  • xcao11
    xcao11 Member Posts: 12
    edited June 2018

    Hi everyone, I live in NYC. Can you recommend a good radiation oncologist in NYC ( MSK and NYU )? Thanks !

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