Finding The Right Oncologist For You
When you put your life in someone else’s hands, you need to feel completely comfortable and confident with that person – especially when that person is your oncologist. How do you go about finding the right one for you?
One of the best ways to find an oncologist is through referrals from people you trust, such as your primary care physician, family, friends, local hospitals or your insurance company. Many insurance plans allow their members to search doctors by name or specialty. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) provides a free, searchable database of ASCO member oncologists. These doctors opt to make their information available to the public.
Other medical associations offering searchable databases:
- The American Board of Medical Specialties
- The American Medical Association
- The American College of Surgeons
- Medicare.gov offers a searchable database of doctors who accept Medicare.
Once you have collected and written down a few possible oncologists’ names, remember to ask yourself these three questions:
What are their credentials?
Board certification is one of the most important factors you should consider when choosing an oncologist. It assures you that the doctor has the necessary training, skills, and experience to provide healthcare in oncology. Additionally, choose a doctor that treats your specific type of cancer and has related experience with that disease. The more experience the doctor has with a certain cancer, the better your outcome will likely be. Your doctor’s hospital is your hospital, so don’t forget to research the quality of care offered at that location as well.
What blend of traits are important to you?
Languages spoken, gender, and education may be important to you. You may also have strong feelings about personality and bedside manner. Some people want their doctors to have a business-like manner, while others value a doctor who can help with their emotional health as well as their medical needs. Whatever your preferences, the most important thing is finding an oncologist with whom you are comfortable.
What is their communication style?
Choose a doctor that values and respects your questions and answers you in a way that you can understand. Clarity and candor are highly important characteristics for a doctor. Make sure that your doctor values both shared decision-making and the best available clinical evidence, as well as your personal values and preferences throughout your treatment.
Once you have found a doctor that meets all the above criteria, ask him or her for an introductory phone call before scheduling an appointment. You should interview your potential oncologist the same way you would interview a lawyer or an accountant. Don’t be afraid to set-up introductory calls or appointments with a few oncologists for comparison. You may also want to consider the size of your doctor’s staff and accessibility to clinical trials.
Alongside considering size of practice, clinical trials or proximity to home, make certain that your new oncologist is someone you can work closely with and trust. Your new doctor will become the most valuable member of your cancer team, so it is imperative that you choose a doctor with whom you are comfortable.
Resources:
http://www.cancer.net
https://www.healthgrades.com/explore/8-tips-for-choosing-an-oncologist
http://www.cancer.org/treatment/findingandpayingfortreatment/choosingyourtreatmentteam/choosing-a-doctor-and-a-hospital
