Basic Questions To Ask
If you find yourself in a situation where immediate treatment is necessary, ask these basic questions.
- What is your experience in treating my type and stage of cancer? How many people have you treated? How long have you been doing my recommended procedure? What is your success rate?
- What advanced training have you had in cancer diagnosis and treatment?
- Are you board certified and licensed?
- Which professional societies do you belong to?
- How do you keep up to date on the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating cancer?
- Where would I receive my treatment? Are they accredited? What is their capability to treat my type and stage of cancer?
- Who else would be involved in my treatment? What is their role? What is their experience with my type and stage of cancer?
- Are you and the care facility you’re affiliated with covered by my insurance plan?
- Are you or a member of your staff always available in case I have questions or problems?
- How long would I usually have to wait to get an appointment or to have a phone call returned?
- How much time will you spend with me to evaluate my progress and address my concerns?
- How have you managed treatment of side effects or symptoms, such as pain, for other patients?
- Are there advanced treatments for my type and stage of cancer that are not available through you and the care facility you’re affiliated with? If one of those treatments would increase my chances for survival or give me a better quality of life, would you refer me to a care facility that offers it?
- How can I get more information about my disease?
- Are there any other oncologists specializing in my type of cancer with whom you consult?
