How do I pick an oncologist?

It is amazing how they expect you to choose. ::rolling eyes:: And wouldn't it be nice if we could turn it all over to someone else?

Melissa has some good thoughts. But I'd start by seeing which one (or ones) are in-network on your insurance plan. Then if I had a good relationship with another medical professional (PCP or nurse), I'd show them the (remaining) list and ask for assistance in either choosing or eliminating some of them.

And definitely research on-line. You want to know who is board-certified, or what sort of things they have to say about what they consider to be their specialties/special interests. And whether any of them have formal complaints filed against them. Are they involved in any clinical trials? (You can find out if their office is involved in any breast cancer/LCIS clinical trials by asking their office...before an initial appointment.)

And then, yes, it is a matter of chemistry. Do you think you work with them? Does their "style" of presenting info/choices match with yours?

If all else fails, post your location in a thread on the LCIS board and ask for recommendations.

HTH,

LisaAlissa

In addition to the excellent advice above (especially about getting an onc in your insurance network), I'd also put a priority on their 'bedside manner'. If I had something really life threatening (like a stroke), I'd want the best doc out there regardless of his/her bedside manner. Since LCIS is not life threatening, and you may be seeing him/her for a number of years, then I think bedside manner is a higher priority than if I just had a stroke. I got 'eased' out of seeing my onc after 10 years because probably its a waste of their time.

Knowledge is important too, though. I was rather put off by one onc visit where I asked if I should continue tamoxifen after 5 years. She asked me if I had invasive breast cancer. But I am skeptical of how much she really keeps track of LCIS, since it is much less serious than DCIS or invasive breast cancer.

Now, I know that isn't anywhere as bad as women who have had bilateral mastectomies, and when their doc comes in the room they ask her when she had her last mammogram. (Some women have replied, "I don't have any mamms to gram.")

I think that's a good point, Jennwith4kids.

I read something from an experienced doc who said that they'd rather have a younger doc do things like insert a port than a more experienced one. That's because the younger doc is more apt to follow all the rules and not take short cuts.

My new, young gyn finally got me the testing I had wanted done for years. I think she's more knowledgeable than older people.

But my PCP is near retirement age, and I've found his input important too: he knew (even though his practice has a LOT of pediatrics in it) that they don't know much about predicting about breast cancer. None of the 4 other docs for this problem said that.

I do think it is essential to have an initial visit so you can see what it is like to be a patient of that onc. You want a doc that you can at least 'get along with'.

As everyone mentioned, ask the nurse navigator. I personally am using the oncologist who was used by some women I know (from all stafes)who are surviving this dreaded disease. The best recommendation one can get (in my opinion) is from someone in your predicament.