How To Find the Best Oncologist
Cancer Diagnosis?
Three Easy Tips to Finding the Best Oncologist For You
If you (or a loved one) receive a cancer diagnosis, you aim to seek the best possible cancer care. As you navigate this journey, the most important first step is choosing the best oncologist for your unique needs. They become a critical member of your health care team and will play a lead role in providing the highest-quality treatments and services to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Our team has compiled a helpful list of three key tips to help you find the right oncologist for you.
Tip #1
Start simply with some basic research from the people and resources you trust.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral.
Your doctor is a great place to start and will have a larger database and network of experts to help you find an oncologist. The best question to ask your doctor is, “Whom would you recommend to a family member?”
Research their qualifications.
Check online to make sure the oncologists you’re looking into have positive reviews and ample experience. Below are a few things you should check:
- Learn where they went to medical school and received training, how many years of experience they have and the location of their practice.
- Look for a board certification. Board-certified doctors have had extra training in special areas, such as medical oncology (cancer care), and hematology (diseases of the blood). This tells you the doctor has the necessary training, skills and experience to provide cancer care.
- Be aware of malpractice and disciplinary history, if any, posted on Healthgrades.com and state websites.
- Read reviews online via Healthgrades.com and Google.
Tip #2
Ask questions … lots of questions.
As you research your prospective oncologists, make a list of questions that can provide you with reassurance that your care will be their priority. We’ve provided some samples below.
- How soon can you see me and get treatment started?
- How many patients have you treated with my type of cancer?
- Who else will be involved in providing my care?
- What services are provided at your office location?
- Will I be able to receive all the care I need at this location?
- How are you keeping up to date with advancements in cancer care?
- Will I have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials if I am interested?
- What other support services are available (e.g., emotional support, financial counseling, social services)?
- What will my treatment cost, and what payment options do I have if I lack generous health insurance?
Tip #3
Consider the little things that make a big difference.
Explore communication style and personability.
A doctor’s communication style and attentiveness equally contribute to patient satisfaction. Setting up a consultation with a physician is a great way to find out if you can trust them with the care you need. During your appointment, you may want to take note of the following:
- How they greet you, and how they respond to your questions.
- Do they make you feel comfortable?
- Do they take time to provide clear answers and use terms that you understand?
- Do they show an interest in you as a person, and will they consider your treatment preferences?
Gender Preference
You will need to openly discuss very personal information throughout your treatment, and this factor may be important to you. If so, some oncologists specialize in gender-specific cancer care.
Insurance Coverage
Ask your oncologist what your treatment is expected to cost, and if they have an expert on their team to assist you. Be sure you understand your deductibles, co-insurance, pharmacy coverage and any other costs and considerations.
Location
The best cancer center isn’t exclusive to national or academic treatment centers. Getting quality, cutting-edge treatment closer to home has numerous benefits. Cancer treatment can take a long time, and it involves multiple appointments, tests and forms of treatment.
Ideally, you’ll want to find an office location closer to home that is easy to access. Some additional items to consider:
- Is there convenient or free parking?
- Do the office hours work with your lifestyle and schedule?
- Are you comfortable receiving treatment at this location?
Contact Us
Don’t Settle
When choosing the best cancer care, no question is too silly, and no amount of research or preparation is too much. Do not be afraid to ask what you want to know, and confirm your doctor when you feel comfortable with your decision. Now that you know what you’re looking for, you are on your way to choosing a quality oncologist who will help you through your cancer journey.
Here’s a Place You Can Start
At Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, we are dedicated to supporting patients and families through every step of the cancer journey. Here are some quick facts about us:
- With required paperwork and authorizations, newly diagnosed cancer patients can see the doctor within 48-72 hours after scheduling their appointments.
- Our physicians are board-certified and are consistently ranked nationally as Top Doctors by U.S. News & World Report.
- We bring the newest and most advanced cancer therapies to communities across Florida.
- Testing and other diagnostics are performed in-house. Results come back faster than the national average.
Your best cancer treatment is our priority. If you are looking for an oncologist, please consider speaking with one of our experts today.
