Tips to Ensure You Receive the Best Cancer Care

Tips to Ensure You Receive the Best Cancer Care

June is National Cancer Survivors Month, a time to reflect on the advances in cancer care and research that have led to more than 18 million cancer survivors today. Delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, and other forms of medical malpractice can negatively impact a cancer patient’s chances of survival, not to mention their quality of life. Below, Pegalis Law Group, LLC takes a look at tips to ensure you receive the best cancer care to save lives, create awareness, and hopefully celebrate more future cancer survivors.

Early Detection Is Critical: How Common Is Cancer Misdiagnosis?

As a cancer patient, you deserve access to exceptional cancer care. Healthcare professionals play a critical role in your diagnosis, treatment, and outlook for survival. Sadly, cancer misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis affects at least 5% of American adults every year. Mishandled lab results, understaffed hospitals, dismissed patient concerns, and general medical incompetence are often to blame. Hospitals and cancer treatment centers face the same staffing challenges as other industries. Sometimes, doctors don’t spend enough time analyzing their patients’ medical histories or lab results. Other times, they may not pay enough attention to their patients’ complaints, dismissing or ignoring them. Not diagnosing cancer accurately not only gives patients a false sense of health security, but it can also impact their cancer care options and overall chances of survival.

Choose Your Cancer Doctor & Treatment Center Wisely

Choosing your cancer doctor and treatment center is a crucial decision. Asking for referrals from your doctor, family, and friends is an excellent place to start. However, the Internet is also a great resource to have at your fingertips. The American Medical Association and the American Society of Clinical Oncology have onsite directories to help you find the right cancer doctor.

Ask Your Cancer Care Team the Right Questions

It’s essential to find a doctor who is part of your health insurance plan and specializes in your type of cancer. You should also select a doctor you feel comfortable with when discussing treatment options. The doctor-patient relationship will last through treatment and likely include follow-up care, so it’s important you can communicate with each other. Questions to ask your cancer doctor include:

• What’s your specialty training have they had?
• Do they have more than one board certification?
• How many cancer patients have you treated with my particular type of cancer?
• Are you involved in any clinical trials?
• Do you accept my health insurance?
• Who else will be on my cancer care team?
• Whom should I call when it’s after-hours or you’re on vacation?
• Which hospitals do you send patients to for treatment?

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for a Second Medical Opinion

It’s vital to explore all medical options regarding cancer diagnosis and treatment. Getting a second medical opinion can give you peace of mind that you’re making the best decisions about your care. Depending on the type and severity of your cancer, you may have time to consider other options. If there is any uncertainty about your diagnosis or treatment options, a second opinion can help you avoid a misdiagnosis and ensure that you receive the proper cancer regime for your particular type of cancer. Doctors want you to feel confident about your cancer care, so most are willing to provide recommendations for second opinions. Comparing both doctors’ test result interpretations, research studies, and treatment plans can make you feel better about your care.

Misdiagnosed? Consider Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim

Despite your best efforts to receive the best cancer care, medical malpractice may still occur. If you or a loved one has been wrongly diagnosed and this breach of care has resulted in severe health issues or injury, you may be eligible to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. There may be a statute of limitations (how much time you have to file your medical malpractice claim). Talk to an accomplished medical malpractice attorney right away to see if you have a case.

Focused on Medical Malpractice Issues for 50+ Years

As a New York-based personal injury and medical malpractice law firm for 50+ years, Pegalis Law Group, LLC cares about creating proactive patients. Please visit our website and follow us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for more tips to keep you and your loved ones happy and healthy this year.