BREAST CANCER SUPPORTING: SOME ADVICES FOR CHOOSING MEDICAL TEAM
Here are some things to remember as you choose your medical team:
? First and foremost, you are looking for the best doctors in your area with whom you feel comfortable.
? Most likely your medical insurance plan will place some limits on your choices. Your doctors will need to be on their list of approved providers/specialists.
? Geography matters. Although it is certainly worth traveling a reasonable distance for better care, remember that you will be spending a fair amount of time with doctors and treatments in the site you select. Since one overall goal is to make your life easier, not harder, whenever possible, you might want to consider geographic location very carefully.
? Trust your gut. Remembering that it is hard to like the messenger of bad tidings, pay attention to your reaction to the doctors with whom you are speaking. Do they treat you respectfully? Do they spend enough time to answer your questions? Do they talk to you and not to your spouse or partner? Do they tell you how to reach them or their coverage at any time, and do they suggest the best way to ask them questions at times other than during office visits?
? Ask to tour the treatment area. It will nor be as scary as you imagine, and different practices are set up in different ways. Would you be more comfortable in a large and airy space, where you can see other patients and the nurses at all times, or would you prefer a small and private room away from others?
? Ask who administers the chemotherapy and whether you can be introduced. Most often chemotherapy is given by skilled and experienced oncology nurses; some oncologists, however, do it themselves. One way is not better than the other; they are just different systems.
? Ask about available support services. Is there an oncology social worker on site? Can you and your family meet with her or him? Are there support groups? Peer support programs? Educational materials? Resources for your family—your partner, husband, children?
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