Selecting an appropriate oncologist is one of the most important things that you need to do when being diagnosed with cancer.

It may be quite an difficult task for patients especially for those in Kolkata to make this decision since the city boasts of a relatively growing healthcare facilities and options.

This guide by Karetrip will give you all the necessary tips that would help you to choose the right oncologist in Kolkata to ensure that you get the best kind of treatment that you are in need of.

Know your Cancer

If you are preparing to look for an oncologist it is crucial to know your type of cancer and the available treatments. There are specific oncologists who deal with different cancers; medical oncologists for instance handle chemotherapy, there are radiation oncologists who handle radiation and then the surgical oncologists who handle operations.

Generally it is quite helpful to find out what your individual requirements are in order to filter through the pool of medical professionals better suited for handling your illness.

Seek Referrals and Recommendations

Begin your search by taking referrals from your regular doctor, relatives and friends, or any other health care practitioners that you know. Word of mouth is very helpful in providing information on the reputation of the oncologist, his/ her dealing with patients and the results of the treatment given.

Besides, talk with other cancer patients in social media groups, where they can give some recommendations regarding the oncologists in Kolkata.

Hospital Affiliation and Facilities Evaluation

The role of the hospital in which an oncologist is located is very essential in the course of treatment. Identify hospital’s standing, comparability and accessibility of cancer care centres, technologies, and services.

Prominent health care organisations of Kolkata include the Tata Medical Center, the AMRI Hospitals, and Fortis Hospital that have efficient Oncology units. It is also desirable to select an oncologist that is associated with a hospital that provides a full range of services for cancer patients.

Reflect on the Communication of the Oncologist

• It is important that when you are undergoing the treatments for cancer, there is good communication between you and your oncologist.

• While setting up for the first appointment, you should try to gauge the extent to which the oncologist is able and willing to address your concerns, get back to your queries and discuss options with you in a language that is easily understandable by you.

• A good oncologist should be friendly, and available always to listen to or speak to the patient over the process the patient is going through.

Check Availability and Accessibility

• The treatment process may often demand the patient to make numerous visits and therefore the oncologist should be easily accessible.

• With regard to the place where the oncologist practices, the convenience of the appointment and the time that patients spend waiting for a visit.

• Also, ask for the working hours of the oncologist if ever there are some concerns that need immediate attention or urgent consultation.

• Having an extended ability to actually speak to an oncologist, one that is responsive, can substantially decrease stress during treatment.

Evaluate Identification of Treatment Approach and Treatment Philosophy

Some oncologists may recommend specific treatments which may not be the same with those recommended by other oncologists and their attitude towards treatment.

There may be some specialists who would like to use a more active management approach while others may recommend the opposite.

Use your treatment preferences to screen possible oncologists to guarantee that you are both on the same page.

It should also be helpful to ask the oncologist about his / her recent knowledge and exposure to new methods, the likes of immunotherapy or targeted therapy.

Verify Insurance Coverage and Costs Cancer is costly and so you will need to check whether you are being attended to by an in-network oncologist and clinical facility.

Visit the insurance company to clarify details of your insurance or contact the insurance company to let them know that you will visit their premise to seek answers to questions that concern out-of-pocket costs one may be required to pay.

Also, find out and compare the cost of consultations, treatments, and follow-up visits for any need for financial aid to be considered.

Seek out Multiple Discipline Health Care Teams

Oncologists that can operate in a team with other caregivers can offer better care to the patient because of the coveraged nature that the team provides.

They generally comprise surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, nutritionists, and other clinicians who join in providing one package.

This makes it easier, for instance, for a surgeon to work with an oncologist in order to know all details of the cancer treatment process of a patient.

Consider Second Opinions

If you have health worries, do not be afraid to consult more than one doctor especially if you do not understand the doctor’s findings or recommendations.

People might also get a second opinion in order to afford or make sure that the given course of treatment is the best one for the patient.

Indeed, reputable oncologists will not in any way frown at your decision to seek the advice of another doctor.

Go Through the Reviews and Testimonials

Public and patient feedback is also a good source of information given by the patients about the oncologist and their experience. Ideally, check for the app on reputed Physiotherapy websites including Practo, Lybrate or reviews on Google.

It is very important to listen to what others are saying about the qualifications of the oncologist, the personality of the oncologist, the process of treatment and more.

However, it is pertinent to understand that the results of these may be different with everyone, so use ratings as just one of the factors to consider.

The information provided represents the views and opinions of Karetrip. It is crucial to conduct your own independent research before making any decisions regarding your healthcare journey.