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Frustrated and looking for a 2nd opinion
After a consultation with my urologist, I told him that I would like to potentially do cyberknife. He said he would refer me and that it would take about 2 weeks for them to call and schedule a consultation. The next day I received a call to schedule a 6month lupron shot. (I told them that I was not doing a lupron shot until I met with the radiation oncologist and maybe not at all). It has now been just past 2 weeks, so I call the radiation oncologist facility to check, only to find out that I have not been referred. (I should have called earlier but still frustrating) I am venting a little bit. I am looking for a place to get a consultation/ second opinion. Do cancer centers require a referral for a second opinion? Or a consultation?
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I got into the Mayo network thru my health insurance, so not sure about their requirements for a referral. But on my own, I called Vanderbilt (a COE) and got an appointment. So Vandy did not require a referral. For what it's worth, Dr Chang my Vandy Urologist, is awesome. I highly recommend him if travel to Nashville is an option for you.
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2 Reactionssometimes you have to put some sense of urgency in the matter..kinda like Michael Corleone said to Tom Hagan " are you gonna go along with me on these things I want to do?" Meantime I would be scouting up another oncologist team..you didn say where you were located..that may be a factor before you go scorched earth on them..but remember you are not their only patient and the fact that you are not being tended to prob does not affect their sleep at all...so maybe you need to call them at night at home. ;=)
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4 Reactions@xahnegrey40 Im in West Virginia. Im willing to travel a little bit for the right situation.
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1 ReactionBeing in WV you have some options, John Hopkins in Baltimore would probably be the closest for you. Also University of Penn or Fox chase in Philadelphia.
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6 ReactionsProvided that you have a diagnosed case of prostate cancer (biopsy) very few places require a referral UNLESS your insurance plan requires one (that is what they check; seems everyone wants to get paid).
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2 Reactionshttps://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/kimmel-cancer-center
probably closest to you..I am sure they will take good care of you.. good luck !
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2 ReactionsPPO plans do not require a referral, as long as the Dr or Hospital system accepts your insurance and is willing to take you on as a patient. HMO plans do require a referral. If you are on Medicare, a Medicare Advantage plan will require a referral, but if you have Medicare Part A and B and a supplemental plan, you don't need a referral. Good idea to check your RX provider's formulary as well if you will be going on ADT. Cancer drugs are insanely expensive.
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4 ReactionsIf you mention where you live and what your diagnosis is, I may be able to recommend a doctor that is appropriate. Advanced cases can get an oncologist, milder cases Get a urologist.
Might be able to tell you if a Center of excellence in your area
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1 ReactionWith you low gleson score you might not even need ADT . I think that it is very wise decision to ask for second or even the third opinion. With such low risk cancer you really are not in extreme hurry and you have time to find the best care and a doctor that will work "with you" and not "over you".
Best wishes for super successful treatment and complete eradication of cancer 🍀.
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3 Reactions@jeffmarc im near charleston wv