Vetting Your Cancer Care Physician

Cancer is not something you want to mess around with when it comes to choosing the appropriate medical care. Finding a cancer care team and physician should be done with a full attention to detail and a commitment to learning all you can about a doctor’s treatment style and the services available through their practice. So, what do you look for when it comes to finding a cancer care physician and associated medical facility?

* Locate a physician who specializes in your type of cancer. Cancer is not a generalized disease. Every cancer diagnosis is different and requires its own unique treatment plan. It’s important to find a doctor who specializes in your particular type of cancer.

* Look for education, credentials, and experience. Once you’ve found those doctors in your area who specialize in your type of cancer, take a careful look at their education, credentials, and experience of each one. What is their specialty? How much experience do they have treating your type of cancer? Have they been recognized in their field? All of this information begins to paint a picture of those doctors you may be considering.

* Determine treatment style. You will be working with your doctor very closely during your recovery. You want someone who is a good match for your personality and will be willing to answer your questions and lead you through the process.

* Consider the facility itself. Is there a commitment to patient care in the medical facility where your potential doctor practices? Is there a dedication to state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment equipment? You want somewhere you will feel comfortable and well-cared for through the process. So choose with your personality and emotional needs, as well as your diagnosis, in mind.

Just as you would choose any other medical professional in your life, choosing a cancer care physician requires a careful vetting and a commitment to finding just the right fit.