How do you know what issues concern Family Doctor vs Oncologist?

My oncologist has told me to speak to my PCP to get A1c testing every three months, Cardiovascular issues, which then may be upgraded to the cardiologist, Are also referred to the PCP. Not have the swelling problem, but I imagine that also would start at the same place. Also referred me to the PCP for cholesterol testing.

My oncologist does order all the blood tests I have every month CBC, kidney tests, liver test, and PSA of course. Those are directly affected by the drugs we take. The oncologist isn’t specifically trained for those other issues.

Depends on the side effect. In my case, there are some cardiac rhythm issues. Follow-up is by a cardio-oncologist. I do know folks whose glucose level jumped, and they were referred back to their PCP's and others who were referred to endocrinology. I guess it depends on the specific SE and its severity. Oncology ( either genito-urinary or cardio) order all blood work.

I'm in the IRONMAN trial/registry/whatever, so my radiation oncologist *has* to see me every 3 months, even though I've been N.E.D. (no evidence of disease) for 4 years on ADT + Apalutamide. Otherwise, I'm sure he'd be happy to offload some monitoring onto my family doctor.

My oncology urologist and hematologist both did "fire" me (actually, they were really nice and asked if it was OK). But it looks like my R.O. is stuck with me for the long run. 🙂

@stew80
I am lucky to be a patient of Mayo Jacksonville since 2006. My doctors and sadly to say I have a lot of them work as a team. Whenever I see one they will go over my portal messages and other visits I have had with other specialist.

My PCP is outstanding. Calls me at home. He is the one that did not like my PSA rising over the years and referred me to urologist. Now I see PCP every 3 months not my urologist. I do see the R/O every 6 months now which will go to once a year after this year.

My PCP just discussed my dribbling complaint and referred me to urologist. Said probably will order a urinalysis. Right on urology called immediately to schedule and appointment and ordered a urinalysis and a urine flow test. Was worried about the urine flow test as being embarrassed as urologist is female so looked up the test on A.I. Found the test is done in privacy and gave me the procedure and how done.

I find every time I go to my Mayo Doctors they tell me I reviewed your visit with ___ and see this or that. Then we go over why I am there. I have been told over and over by Mayo Doctors, at least at Jacksonville, when you are under primary care (community medicine patient at Mayo) the goal is team approach to your medical needs.

All great comments and advice above.

The moral of my story will be: doctors don't like to address mistakes so see another doctor like your PCP or other doc in a similar specialty.

I'll put a little detail on it.
#1 RALP 01/22 and Lupron till 01/24.
#2Then had total knee replacement 12/24.
#3And THEN had compression fractures of 5 thoracic vertebrae 12/24 from osteoporosis (all other bones in great shape!!).

#1 and #3: I and my new, super experienced, ortho doctor believe the osteoporosis was triggered by the Lupron. When I suggested this to the Uro/Gen urologist he hemmed and hawed till he finally said it was probable but very rare; but maybe possible. He said that's why he put me on Prolia DURING (but not after) the Lupron shots. I think he was ducking the issue, totally. Now I"m back on Prolia for a long run plus gobs of vitamins for bones.
#2 my knee replacement was not good. Three vital areas weren't addressed. My new (super) ortho spotted two of them just looking at my knee. The third showed on X'ray.
The original knee doc said my pain, knee swelling, and a bulge were due to 'scar tissue' and would resolve in time. This was his 'duck and cover' story IMneverHO. The first ortho surgeons didn't do a good job, so now I'll need a repair job to my knee in the near future. And a new weeks/months long recovery.

Moral of my story: doctors don't like to address mistakes so don't hesitate to see another doctor like your PCP or other doc in a similar specialty.

I go over a full blood panel every 3 months with my PCP and she directs me to a specialist accordingly. I see my radiation oncologist every 6 months to discuss the PSA.

The little smartphone finger device is good for dysrhythmias but lengthening of the Q-T interval is not yet supported,

Depends on your health plan. If you have a PPO, you are free to go directly to the specialist best-suited for your concern. If you are part of an HMO, you most likely need a referral from your primary physician, before you can see the specialist that "they" choose for you. Medicare is similar. I am in a Medicare Advantage Plan HMO. Everything must flow through my primary Internist, however, I did get two referrals without seeing my Internist. I merely called his office, told the person on the phone what my two unrelated issues were, and within 24 hours, I was sent an e-mail with two hardcopy/printable referrals to the specialists that I had sourced and asked for specifically. Pretty easy. Bottom line: see the specialist that you know that you should see. Good luck.

It depends where you go for your treatment. If you go to a comprehensive cancer center or teaching hospital, you will more than likely have a team looking out for your health. Private practice guys look out for themselves as they all have an ownership stake in the business.

@stew80, this is a great question. I adjusted the title to reflect the question about handover between cancer care and general health care with the family doctor.

Has your follow-up been transferred to your family physician now?