How to Choose a Doctor for Brain Tumor Treatment

You may or may not have the option to choose a doctor for brain tumor treatment, depending on your insurance provider. In some plans, your primary care doctor will send you to the doctor of his choosing. Other plans allow you to choose within a network of affiliated doctors. Still other plan types will pay for services at a discounted rate for the health care provider of your choice. Finding the right doctor for your brain tumor treatment is critical to your peace of mind during this most difficult time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Know Important Facts About Doctors

1. There are many types of physicians involved in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors. These include a neuropathologist, diagnostic neuroradiologist, medical oncologist, neuro-oncologist, radiation oncologist, interventional neuroradiologist and surgical neuro-oncologist. You may require the services of one or several of these doctors.
2. Do your research before choosing a doctor. Confirm that the physician or surgeon has valid credentials. This can be done by contacting the state's medical board listed on the Federation of State Medical Boards (see Resources below).
3. Ask about experience. The last thing you want to encounter during brain surgery is a surgeon who has minimal experience with the procedure that's in your best interest. Ask about the number and frequency of brain tumor surgeries he performs on a monthly basis.
4. Inquire about the continuing education required for the neurosurgeon to maintain her credentials. Each state varies on what is required to maintain surgical privileges in a hospital. Hospitals often have additional criteria to qualify for admitting privileges.
5. Get bold and ask the doctor about the success rate of surgeries that treat your diagnosis. Since there are over 120 types of brain tumors, there are many variables in each case.
6. Explore the ratings and qualifications of the hospital where the surgery will occur. Hospitals are surveyed by the JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations). Ask for the most recent evaluation and the ratings given.
7. Ask about services your doctor may order, such as rehabilitation following the surgery. It is best to choose a doctor and facility where everything can be completed in one location.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid doctors who practice in hospital settings that are not accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (see Resources below).