Should I get a second opinion on my cancer treatment?
A second opinion may reveal additional treatment options for your type and stage of cancer, or confirm a current treatment approach. Some treatment options may result in a speedier recovery, with fewer side effects and a better prognosis. Exploring a second opinion may help you make a more informed decision about your cancer treatment.
How do I get a 3rd opinion on cancer treatment?
You also might need to get 3rd opinion from another specialist— a pathologist, surgeon, medical oncologist, or radiation oncologist — to talk about the two opinions and give their opinion on your situation. You may need to do your own research on the latest treatment guidelines.
Is there a lawsuit against cancer treatment centers of America?
Cancer Treatment Centers of America has had some lawsuits filed against them and they have been issued multiple warnings by the FTC for their practices. The FTC had discovered that Cancer Treatment Centers of America was conducting clinical studies that did not follow the proper FDA requirements.
Are cancer treatment centers of America ratings on Glassdoor affected by filters?
They are not authored by Glassdoor. This rating reflects the overall rating of Cancer Treatment Centers of America and is not affected by filters. Want more demographic options? Coming soon! We’re still collecting data to inform categories such as Age, Disability, Sexual Orientation, and Veteran Status.
How much does it cost to get a second opinion?
The all-inclusive cost for a virtual second opinion for patients in the U.S. is $1,850. This fee includes: Consultation with your nurse care manager. Medical record collection from doctors and hospitals.
Should you get a second opinion on cancer treatment?
Doctors are usually happy to help patients arrange a second opinion. Your doctor may even recommend it when the best treatment approach for your cancer is not clear. You should seriously think about getting a second opinion if: You have been diagnosed with a rare type of cancer.
How do you get a second opinion on oncology?
Making sense of the second opinionMake an appointment with your first doctor to talk about the second opinion.Ask both doctors to explain how they arrived at their treatment plan.Ask them how they interpreted your test results.Ask what research studies or professional guidelines they consulted.More items...•
How much does it cost to go through cancer treatment?
According to AARP The Magazine, the total cost of cancer treatment on average is $150,000. However, this number may be much greater or smaller depending on the patient's cancer, treatments, insurance, and resources. Navigating the costs of cancer on top of the disease itself may seem overwhelming.
How do I get a second opinion on treatment?
You can ask them why you have a particular treatment and whether there are any other options for you. They can explain to you why a specific treatment is best for you. After you have spoken to them and if you still feel unsure, ask your doctor to refer you for a second opinion.
How many cancer patients get second opinions?
Consumers have also recommended that information on the 'possibility of a second opinion' be considered an indicator of patient-centred care [3]. A review of 20 quantitative studies of patients with cancer seeking second opinions found that the rates of seeking second opinions ranged between 1 and 88% [1].
Where do I go for a second opinion?
How to Get a Second OpinionAsking your insurance provider to recommend a specialist.Asking a local clinic for a recommendation.Asking a local hospital for a recommendation.Searching a medical association for a specialist near you
When should you get a second opinion?
“A second opinion is most useful when there is not a perfect answer and you want more input,” Dr. Grauer says. He points out that doctors themselves ask other doctors for their input regularly; the Spine Center has multidisciplinary conferences where cases may be presented.
What happens at a second opinion appointment?
The doctor giving a second opinion will probably ask for the results of any tests or procedures you already had. Ask the second doctor's office if any test results, imaging scans, or other medical information needs to be sent ahead of time, before you have your appointment.
How much does cancer treatment cost out-of-pocket?
Some cancer patients may face out-of-pocket costs of nearly $12,000 a year for one drug. In 2014, cancer patients paid $4 billion out-of-pocket for cancer treatment. Newly approved cancer drugs cost an average of $10,000 per month, with some as high as $30,000 per month. Just over a decade ago, the average was $4,500.
How much does chemotherapy cost per session?
Expect to pay $650, not including doctor fee or drug fee, for one hour of chemotherapy IV infusion, and about an additional $160 for each additional hour of treatment, with the same drug or another drug. They charge about $780 for chemotherapy administration into the central nervous system, including a spinal puncture.
How much is a round of chemo?
Again, the costs can vary considerably, but a basic round of chemo can cost $10,000 to $100,000 or more. Additionally, many people need medication and chemotherapy at the same time.
Why get a second opinion for cancer?
When you’re fighting a disease like cancer, you want to have confidence in the treatment options available and know that they are being delivered b...
What types of diagnostic testing do you perform?
An accurate diagnosis is critical because it is the basis upon which your treatment plan will be determined. For example, PET/CT scans help determi...
What does my diagnostic testing tell me?
The information you should receive from diagnostic tests includes: where the cancer originated, the size of the tumor, the stage of cancer and whet...
What treatment options are available?
What do you recommend and why? Many types of cancer have a variety of treatment options available. Your doctor should be able to explain the potent...
What happens if a treatment approach doesn’t work for me?
At any point, you should feel comfortable asking your doctor about the status of your treatment. When choosing a care team, you may want to conside...
What are the side effects of treatment, and how often do your patients experience them?
No two people will have the exact same response to cancer treatment, and side effects may vary depending on what type of treatment you choose. Ask...
How will you help me manage side effects?
Integrative therapies may help prevent or manage side effects, to help you stay strong and avoid treatment interruptions. Some therapies that may s...
How many patients have you treated with my type and stage of cancer, and how successful have you bee...
Ask how much experience your doctor has treating your type and stage of cancer, and whether he or she is board-certified in a relevant specialty. Y...
Who will be involved in my care, how often will they meet and who is my main point of contact?
An integrated care team including a surgical, medical and/or radiation oncologist; dietitian; naturopathic oncology provider; clinical nurse and me...
Where will all my treatments, appointments, tests, etc., take place?
When looking for a treatment facility, consider the coordination and convenience of your treatment. Having appointments and procedures in one locat...
Why do we need a second opinion?
A second opinion helps you feel confident that you are receiving the cancer care you need and deserve. A second opinion may reveal additional treatment options for your type and stage of cancer, or confirm a current treatment approach. Some treatment options may result in a speedier recovery, with fewer side effects and a better prognosis.
How many cancer patients are misdiagnosed?
According to one study, one in eight cancer patients is misdiagnosed. In some cases, a second opinion may point to a different type or stage of cancer, which would change the treatment plan. If the original diagnosis is confirmed, a second opinion may provide additional treatment options for you to consider.
What are some ways to help with cancer?
Some therapies that may support your wellness during cancer treatment include: nutrition therapy, naturopathic medicine, mind-body medicine, oncology rehabilitation, spiritual support and pain management. Ask your doctor if these are available at your hospital, and how they may be incorporated into your treatment plan.
What is CTCA in medical?
At Cancer Treatment Centers of America ® (CTCA), we evaluate your medical history and conduct comprehensive diagnostic testing to make treatment recommendations for your type and stage of cancer, as well as your individual and lifestyle needs. When you visit us, we do everything we can to make your time at our hospital as convenient and stress-free as possible.
What does it mean when a doctor says your cancer is untreatable?
A chance for hope: If one doctor says your cancer is untreatable, another doctor may explore additional treatment options with you. You have nothing to lose and much to gain by getting a second opinion.
What is advanced treatment for cancer?
Advanced treatment options: Some hospitals have technology that is not available at another facility. Seeking a second opinion from a doctor in a health system that uses state-of-the-art tools and technologies may provide more cancer treatment options, including treatments that are more advanced or more tailored to your individual needs.
What to consider when looking for a treatment facility?
When looking for a treatment facility, consider the coordination and convenience of your treatment . Having appointments and procedures in one location may make treatment less stressful for you, and it may allow you to start treatment sooner.
Is there enough time to wait for a second opinion?
Treatment decisions should be made after you have learned all you can about your diagnosis, prognosis, and available treatment options. This can take time, depending on the type of cancer you have. In a few cancers, there are some treatment decisions that have to be made right away.
Remembering what your doctor says
It’s hard to understand complex information when you are anxious or afraid. And sometimes, without knowing it, doctors use words that you don’t understand. If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor to explain it to you.
How to talk to your doctor about getting a second opinion
Some people find it hard to tell their doctors that they’d like a second opinion. Remember it is common for patients to get a second opinion, and doctors are comfortable with the request. If you are unsure of how to begin, here are a few ways to start the conversation:
The second opinion process: what to expect
Before you start looking for a second opinion, contact your insurance company to find out what your policy covers. In some cases, you may have to get a second opinion from another doctor who is part of your health plan before the plan will pay for your treatment
Deciding where to go for a second opinion
Let your doctor know if you want to get a second opinion. Most doctors understand the value of a second opinion, and they are not offended when a patient wants one. They may even be able to recommend another doctor.
Making sense of the second opinion
Although cancer patients seem to be asking for a second opinion more frequently, studies show the benefits of getting one are unclear . If the second opinion differs from the first, you may find the following tips helpful:
What is the name of the company that treats cancer?
A well-known company called Cancer Treatment Centers of America is a place that offers cancer patients various treatment options. Not only do they use conventional ways to fight cancer but they also have naturopathic methods of treatment as well. Cancer Treatment Centers of America has an integrative program that addresses the quality of life ...
How to become a cancer patient?
It even goes beyond that to the time after they have been released to head home. To become a patient of Cancer Treatment Centers of America, the initial step is to submit your insurance information so they can determine if your benefits will cover their services . If your insurance plan will cover the cost then they will set up a consultation ...
What is CTCA insurance?
CTCA is all about money/profit. From the insurance companies to screwing their low level employees by charging them for "benefits" they did not want on their paychecks they will make money any way and any how they can. No highly expensive vitamin supplement is going to cure or help your cancer or you.
Is CTCA better than any other hospital?
Fancy buildings and hotel rooms don't make up for the toll it takes on you flying back and forth. CTCA does not have any better treatments or doctors than any top notch hospital in the USA.
Is it good to catch cancer at its beginning?
Although they may do everything in their power to cure the cancer, sometimes it is not enough . Catching the cancer growth at its beginning stages is going to increase your chances of survival. Getting multiple recommendations from different doctors is important to deciding what route you feel the most comfortable with.
Does CTCA have better doctors?
CTCA does not have any better treatments or doctors than any top notch hospital in the USA. They just have greedier "oncology information specialists" who know how to cherry pick the most profitable patients and the few poor ones to keep the government off their backs. Helpful (0) Chris B April 07, 2018.
When is Patient Service Representative in Philadelphia PA?
Patient Service Representative (Former Employee) - Philadelphia, PA - April 18, 2019. doesn't matter if you are actually qualified or good at what you do - you know the right people and they like you - you are in. It's all nice and polished on the outside - but very disorganized behind closed doors.
What did shadowing doctors and nurses expose me to?
Shadowing the doctors and nurses exposed me to entirely new way of handling patient care. I was glad to see teams who cared about their work and the treatment processes.
Ratings by Demographics
This rating reflects the overall rating of Cancer Treatment Centers of America and is not affected by filters.
Good Position
Company valued employees with strong work ethic, benefits were good. Pleasant working environment. Diverse and inclusive.
great experience
philadelphia hospital closed its doors and did not transition to owner with same plan for operations
good while it lasted. Center now closed
Best people I've ever worked with, like no other hospital environment I've ever worked. Everyone is down to earth and put patient's first always
Ratings by Demographics
This rating reflects the overall rating of Cancer Treatment Centers of America and is not affected by filters.
Decent place to work- future is unclear however with City of Hope merger
The place is overall a good environment to work at. They allow full time remote employment for corporate non patient facing stakeholders. Benefits are good, with a 4-5% 401k match, vested immediately. PTO is front loaded for the year, and there are sick days as well. There is a tuition reimbursement program as well.
Management Fellow
Above average nice and support people and environment. Lots of mobility and autonomy to work on your full time project while seeking side opportunities within the firm.
I love CTCA
I am worried about our future. Now that we are being bought by city of hope I have much more faith in my long term employment.
Good stepping stone employer
Lots of knowledge stakeholders to work with. Great place to learn from as a newbie.
no communication
Decent benefit package. 401, paid time off, sick time, and tuition reimbursement.
How much does DeMarsh spend on her breast cancer treatment?
But she still spends about $7,000 out of pocket every year. Her medications and injections costs about $50,000 a month. Most of that is covered by her insurer and the drugmakers’ copay assistance programs. DeMarsh advises other women who learn that they have breast cancer to trust their instincts.
What kind of cancer did Demarsh have?
DeMarsh quickly visited an oncologist near her home for her new symptoms. Her doctor diagnosed her with inflammatory breast cancer, a fast-moving disease that’s usually caught in late stages. But her doctor’s next comment left her just as shaken as her diagnosis did.
Can oncologists shop around too long?
Schapira says in such cases, most oncologists are quick to try or at least accept new approaches. But when swift treatment is needed, shopping around too long may harm your health. The doctors “want to get it right, and they realize they have one chance to get the cancer treated properly,” Schapira says.
Can you switch doctors halfway through treatment?
Switching doctors can be tricky if you’ve already started your treatment. But even if you’re halfway through your therapy , you may have good reasons to want to try something else or just take a pause if you have a long-term illness like cancer.
Did Lynne DeMarsh have cancer?
Lynne DeMarsh woke one morning in 2017 with pain and discharge from one nipple. A decade earlier, the Rockledge, FL, resident had had a lumpectomy and radiation therapy for triple-negative breast cancer. But she had been healthy ever since.
How long does it take to get a second opinion on cancer?
Still, there’s almost always time to have another expert weigh in. Even in very urgent cases, you may be able to get a second opinion in as little as 24 hours.
What can a second doctor do?
A second doctor can confirm or uncover important details about your diagnosis —including your cancer type, stage, and location. They’ll also review your treatment plan and see whether other options, like a clinical trial, might be available. This can be especially valuable when you’re dealing with a rare type of cancer.
Is cancer scary in 2020?
Updated: February 11, 2020. Being diagnosed with cancer can be frightening and overwhelming. You want to do everything possible to set yourself up for treatment success. But it’s easy to question whether you’re doing everything right. Getting a second medical opinion can help.