Medical Oncology - Specialist Visit
This is an office visit with a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and medical treatment of various types of cancer in adults.
This is an office visit with a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and medical treatment of various types of cancer. The specialty is known as medical oncology.
- A medical oncologist is an internist who specializes in the diagnosis and medical treatment of various types of cancer. Medical oncologists also consult with pathologists, surgeons and radiation therapists to determine the diagnosis and best treatments for patients with cancer.
- Medical oncologists may also be trained in hematology (diseases of the blood, spleen, and lymphatic system).
It is often best to start with your primary care provider before you see a medical oncologist. He or she will often be able to coordinate your health care needs and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist. Although a specialist is an expert in their field, you know your preferences and your body better than anyone else. Therefore, make sure you are an active participant in the decisions made about your healthcare. This is known as shared decision-making.
- If you are referred to a specialist, check to make sure they are an in-network provider.
What questions should I ask the specialist?
- Do I need any special tests? What are the benefits and risks of having the tests?
- Will the tests change your treatment recommendations? If not, is there a need for them?
- What are my treatment options (“watchful waiting”, chemotherapy)? What are the potential benefits and harms of each treatment? Why are you recommending one treatment over another?
- In addition to treatment with you, will I also be recommended for treatment by an oncologic surgeon or a radiation therapist?
- Can my symptoms be controlled with medications? If so, are their Tier 1 or Tier 2 medications on my Prescription Drug List that I should take?
- How long will I need to take these medications? What are the side effects of my medications?
- If a procedure is recommended, what is my diagnosis and reason for the procedure? Are there any alternatives to the procedure? Why are you recommending one treatment over another? What are potential complications if I decide against the procedure?
- If a procedure is recommended, how many have you done, and what are your typical results?
Source UHC.com
Also known as:
SpecialistOffice VisitMedical Oncology - Specialist VisitConsultationCancer Doctor
This is an office visit with a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and medical treatment of various types of cancer. The specialty is known as medical oncology.
- A medical oncologist is an internist who specializes in the diagnosis and medical treatment of various types of cancer. Medical oncologists also consult with pathologists, surgeons and radiation therapists to determine the diagnosis and best treatments for patients with cancer.
- Medical oncologists may also be trained in hematology (diseases of the blood, spleen, and lymphatic system).
It is often best to start with your primary care provider before you see a medical oncologist. He or she will often be able to coordinate your health care needs and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist. Although a specialist is an expert in their field, you know your preferences and your body better than anyone else. Therefore, make sure you are an active participant in the decisions made about your healthcare. This is known as shared decision-making.
- If you are referred to a specialist, check to make sure they are an in-network provider.
What questions should I ask the specialist?
- Do I need any special tests? What are the benefits and risks of having the tests?
- Will the tests change your treatment recommendations? If not, is there a need for them?
- What are my treatment options (“watchful waiting”, chemotherapy)? What are the potential benefits and harms of each treatment? Why are you recommending one treatment over another?
- In addition to treatment with you, will I also be recommended for treatment by an oncologic surgeon or a radiation therapist?
- Can my symptoms be controlled with medications? If so, are their Tier 1 or Tier 2 medications on my Prescription Drug List that I should take?
- How long will I need to take these medications? What are the side effects of my medications?
- If a procedure is recommended, what is my diagnosis and reason for the procedure? Are there any alternatives to the procedure? Why are you recommending one treatment over another? What are potential complications if I decide against the procedure?
- If a procedure is recommended, how many have you done, and what are your typical results?
Source UHC.com
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