Thursday, December 16, 2010

Find The Best Cancer Care Centers In The United States

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and around the world.


Finding the best cancer care centers in the United States can seem daunting. But as long as you follow certain steps, you will be on your way to making more informed decisions about the most effective treatment for cancer and the most distinguished care centers that carry out that treatment.


Instructions


Find a Reputable Cancer Care Hospital and Physician


1. Ask for a referral from your primary care physician or a local hospital patient referral specialist. Either of these medical professionals can provide you with information on renowned national or local cancer centers accredited by the National Cancer Institute, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American College of Surgeons, and other medical associations. Some examples of reputable cancer centers include Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Mayo Clinic.


2. Ask your insurance company if the physician you have chosen for cancer treatment your private health insurance plan. If the physician does not accept your health insurance, you may choose to pay all of the costs yourself or, if you are eligible, use a federal or state health insurance program, such as Medicare, to cover the costs.


3. Speak with your friends, family, and others you know well before making the final decision about a physician and a cancer center. They may be able to help you find highly qualified cancer care physicians that have been known to provide the most effective treatment. In addition, they may know which physicians have a good reputation or a bad reputation locally or nationally.


4. Ask another physician you, your friends, and your family might know well if the first physician you consulted does not meet your needs. If this secondary physician is unable to recommend a cancer care specialist for you, consult the National Cancer Institute, Mayo Clinic or other medical association resources.







Tags: health insurance, United States, Cancer Center, cancer centers, Cancer Institute, effective treatment, know well