Tests will give specialists a better idea of your situation.
Questions to ask:
Is there a Tumor Board at the Clinic where various specialists discuss your treatment options?
One should be given a choice of treatment options - which will depend on the characteristics of the cancer.
Ask the surgeons if they provide latest surgical options - like video assisted thoracic surgery vs. open chest. Ask Radiation Oncologist is they offer both Proton and Photon. Only some 40+ places in the US offer Proton radiation - a place that does is obviously very advanced - even if one doesn't need it. Ask Medical Oncologist what therapies they offer.
What is the volume of cancer patients and the volume of surgeries they do. Experience matters!!!
For example, my local Pulmonologist wanted to do a needle biopsy, but her own Radiologist refused to do it because it was too risky, and he could not get a sufficient sample to warrant such risk. Fortunately, my insurance allowed me to self-refer to Mayo. They knew what I had from the CT and PET scans and proposed a combined bronchoscopy with tumor removal wedge resection at same time. Then I went back and did a second nodule different lung, no biopsy. I then had SBRT on a third nodule, no biopsy. They know what I have and PET /CT scans direct things. So far it is all stage 1, so I do not require chemotherapy.
Basically, one is looking for a high-volume center specializing in the area you need.
I agree with Merry, the Surgeon is not supposed to be my friend. I want someone very experienced, and knowledgeable.