Just Diagnosed With Cancer? What to Do Next

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When you find out you have cancer treatment changes and improves all the time. What was best for someone in the past might not be the top choice for you now.

Ask your doctor about the success rate and side effects of each treatment. This will help you decide which options you could handle. Weigh your choices based on what you’re comfortable with.

Prepare for Expenses

Treatment for cancer can be very expensive. There could be unexpected costs if your insurance plan doesn’t cover everything that you need. You may have to pay for some or all of the fees for things like:

  • Office and clinic visits
  • Lab and imaging tests
  • Drugs
  • Rehab
  • Procedures
  • Transportation and lodging (if you have to travel for treatment)

You might also have expenses for things that aren’t directly tied to your treatment, like:

  • Counseling
  • Child and elder care
  • Help with household tasks, like cleaning or cooking meals
  • Assistance with financial or legal matters, including writing a will

It’s important to learn as much about your treatment as you can before it starts. Don’t forget that it’s different for everyone. Plus, getting any questions answered can help you plan for what’s to come.

Some questions you might want to ask include:

  • How long will I be in treatment?
  • What could this treatment plan cost? Are there options that may not be as expensive?
  • How much of my treatment costs will I have to pay myself?
  • Do I need to get approval from my insurance company for any part of my treatment before it starts, including hospital services?

You might also want to ask to speak with an oncology financial counselor or social worker. They may be able to help you find financial assistance. Your medical team can put you in touch with one.

Also be sure to know everything you can about your insurance policy, including:

  • Terms
  • The doctors, hospitals, and clinics that are in-network
  • What out-of-network services will cost

Most health care facilities have financial departments that take care of insurance issues. Ask a member of your team if someone can help you understanding claims and codes.

With everything that could be on your plate during treatment, it might help to ask a family member or close friend to help you keep track of costs. They could also go to your appointments to ask questions about the financial end of things.

Second Opinions

You may want to get another doctor’s thoughts on your cancer diagnosis. This might be the case if you have a rare type of cancer or if your doctor doesn’t specialize in cancer. Another point of view can also help you decide on a treatment.

Tell your doctor that you’re interested in other opinions and ask them for referrals. Look for a practice or center that specializes in cancer care.

If two doctors give you similar information, you probably don’t need to seek a third opinion. You’ll most likely hear the same advice from there on.