How to know when you’ve found the right hematologist oncologist for you
Forming a comfortable and trusting relationship with your physician is important for receiving the best possible care, especially when you’re faced with a serious or complicated disease like cancer.
The term “hematologist oncologist” comes from two different types of doctors. Hematologists specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases that affect bone marrow, blood, or the lymphatic system. Oncologists specialize in diagnosing and treating cancer. A hematologist-oncologist does both – they specialize in diagnosing and treating cancer in bone marrow, blood, or the lymphatic system.
Patients are usually referred to a hematologist oncologist when their primary care physician suspects they may have cancer. Going to a hematology-oncology appointment does not automatically mean you have cancer. In some cases, primary care providers make these referrals to specifically rule out cancer.
Find specialty care when you need it the most
When you’re on the hunt for leading hematologist oncologists near New York, MediFind makes sure you never settle for any provider less than the best.
MediFind is a website that is changing how we access medical specialists. A commitment to quality healthcare is what ultimately drove the company to develop and fine-tune its proprietary technology, which connects patients around the world with the most qualified medical professionals in their area.
MediFind’s sophisticated algorithm analyzes and aggregates dozens of medical datasets to identify and track leading specialists who are driving clinical innovation and treatment advances in their respective fields. This means only the top physicians make it to MediFind’s database of 3.5 million medical experts.
What to expect at your specialist appointment
Being as prepared as possible is the best way to approach a hematologist oncologist appointment. The experience may feel overwhelming, and there will be a lot of information to process. Having the right tools to start the conversation will be critical.
Consider bringing a loved one to the appointment to take notes and lend support. It’s also a good idea to draft a list of questions ahead of the appointment if you do receive a positive diagnosis of cancer. You may not be able to get through all of them during the first visit, so be sure to put the most pressing questions at the top.
Here are 10 sample questions to include on your list:
What type of cancer do I have, and where has it spread in my body?
How common is this type of cancer, and can it be cured or controlled?
What are the latest research and treatment advancements for this type of cancer? Are there any clinical trials underway?
What treatment or combination of treatments would you recommend to a family member if they were diagnosed with this type of cancer?
Where, when, and how often would I need to receive these treatments, and what are the side effects?
How will treatment impact my daily routine? Can I continue to work or travel during treatment? What lifestyle changes should I expect?
If I need surgery, how long will I take me to recover after the procedure? How long will I stay at the hospital?
What other cancer specialists will be involved in my care and treatment plan?
Does your practice coordinate support resources for patients, such as financial assistance, support groups, transportation, or childcare?
Who may I contact if I have a question or concern, and what’s the best way to reach them?
When it comes to your health and healthcare, don’t forget that your needs come first. Make sure to focus on the factors that are most important to you. You should feel comfortable with the provider you choose. So, don’t hesitate to refer to MediFind’s list of hematologist oncologists if at first, you don’t find the right fit.