How to Choose the Right Cancer Specialist

Choosing the right cancer specialist is one of the most important steps in your treatment journey. The right doctor can provide expert care, guide you through treatment options, and help you feel more confident in your plan.

This guide will cover how to find a trusted cancer specialist, research their qualifications, navigate insurance, and explore second opinions or telemedicine options.

Understand Your Needs Before Choosing a Cancer Doctor

Your cancer care team may include different types of specialists, each playing a role in your treatment.

Oncologists are doctors who specialize in treating cancer, but their expertise varies. For instance, a medical oncologist oversees chemotherapy and other drug treatments, while a surgical oncologist performs procedures to remove tumors. If radiation therapy is part of your plan, a radiation oncologist will manage that aspect of your care. For cancers that affect the blood, such as leukemia or lymphoma, a hematologist-oncologist focuses on treatments specifically designed for those conditions.

Finding the right specialist can make a difficult journey feel more manageable. If you don't know where to start, resources like the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the American College of Surgeons provide directories and guidance on finding a trusted oncologist or surgeon based on your diagnosis.

Why Does Choosing the Right Cancer Doctor Matter?

Cancer care is complex, often requiring multiple specialists, coordinated treatment plans, and access to the latest advancements. The doctor you choose will shape your treatment experience, influencing not just the medical approach but also how supported, informed, and empowered you feel along the way.

Here's why choosing the right specialist matters:

• Expertise in Your Cancer Type: Every cancer behaves differently, and specialists who focus on your specific type—whether it’s breast cancer, lung cancer, or a blood disorder like leukemia—will have the knowledge and experience to recommend the most effective treatments. They can also anticipate and manage side effects, helping you maintain the best possible quality of life during treatment.
• A Doctor You Can Trust: Undergoing cancer treatment can be incredibly challenging, and you need a doctor who listens, explains things in a way you understand, and makes you feel like an active participant in your care. When you trust your doctor, you’re more likely to feel confident in your treatment plan and comfortable asking questions or discussing concerns.
• Seamless Team Coordination: Cancer care isn’t just about one doctor—it often involves oncologists, surgeons, radiation specialists, nurses, and support staff like dietitians, social workers, and therapists. A well-connected doctor ensures that all aspects of your care are aligned, so you can avoid miscommunications, unnecessary delays, or duplicated tests.
• Access to Cutting-Edge Treatments: If your condition is complex or advanced, you may want to explore options beyond standard treatments. Doctors at major cancer centers often have access to clinical trials and the latest therapies, giving you the opportunity to consider innovative approaches that may improve outcomes.

Need help finding a trusted specialist? Solace advocates are here to guide you.

What Should You Know Before Looking for a Specialist?

Every cancer type requires a different approach, and the specialist you choose should have experience treating your specific condition. Before beginning your search, take some time to consider these key questions:

• What kind of cancer do I have? Your diagnosis—whether it’s breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, or a blood cancer like leukemia or lymphoma—determines the type of specialist you need. Some oncologists focus on solid tumors, while hematologist-oncologists specialize in blood disorders.
• What do I want from treatment? Some patients prioritize aggressive treatments aimed at a cure, while others focus on symptom management and quality of life. Your approach will help determine which doctor is the best fit for your care philosophy.
• What treatments might I need? If surgery is involved, you’ll need a surgical oncologist. A medical oncologist oversees chemotherapy and drug treatments, while a radiation oncologist handles radiation therapy. If your cancer affects the blood or immune system, a hematologist-oncologist will likely be involved.

Having clear answers to these questions will make it easier to find the right specialist.

Still not sure where to start? A Solace advocate can explain your options and find a trusted specialist.

How Can You Research Cancer Specialists?

Finding the right doctor takes more than just a quick online search. You’ll want to make sure any specialist you consider has the right qualifications, experience, and hospital connections to provide the best possible care. Here’s how to get started:

• Check their background: Look for board certification, which confirms that a doctor has undergone specialized training and meets high standards in cancer treatment. You can also check if they have experience treating your specific type of cancer.
• Find their hospital connections: Specialists affiliated with a major cancer center or teaching hospital often have access to cutting-edge treatments, clinical trials, and a multidisciplinary care team that collaborates on complex cases.
• Read reviews: Patient feedback can offer valuable insight into a doctor’s communication style, bedside manner, and approach to care. Look for comments about how well they explain treatment options and whether patients feel heard and supported.
• Use trusted resources: Websites like the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the American College of Surgeons, and doctor finder tools from leading medical organizations can help you find board-certified oncologists and surgeons who specialize in your condition.

Need help researching? A Solace advocate can locate qualified specialists in your area.

What Should You Consider When It Comes to Health Insurance?

Understanding how your health insurance covers your costs can help you avoid unexpected bills and financial stress. Before choosing a doctor:

• Verify in-network doctors: Contact your health insurance provider or visit their website to confirm that a specialist is covered. Even within the same hospital system, some doctors may not be in-network, so it’s worth double-checking before scheduling an appointment.
• Understand out-of-network costs: If you choose a doctor outside your plan, ask about out-of-pocket costs and whether financial assistance is available. Some insurance plans may offer partial reimbursement for out-of-network care, but this often comes with higher deductibles and co-pays.
• Look for financial support programs: Some cancer centers and nonprofits offer help with medical bills, travel expenses, and treatment costs. Programs like pharmaceutical assistance funds or local grants may also help cover prescription medications and specialized treatments.
• For seniors, know how Medicare and Medicare Advantage affect your choices: Original Medicare allows you to see any doctor who accepts Medicare, but it may require supplemental coverage to help with costs. Medicare Advantage plans often have restricted networks, meaning you may need referrals or face higher costs if your preferred specialist is out-of-network.

Solace advocates can find specialists covered by your insurance and secure prior authorizations.

Is Telemedicine an Option for Cancer Care?

If traveling to appointments is difficult, telemedicine may be a useful option. Many oncologists offer virtual consultations for:

• Second opinions
• Treatment planning discussions
• Post-treatment follow-ups
• Managing side effects

Telemedicine can be especially helpful for people in rural areas or those with mobility challenges. When researching specialists, ask if virtual visits are available.

What Questions Should You Ask the Doctor?

When meeting a potential doctor, asking the right questions can help you make an informed choice:

• What’s your experience with my cancer type? A doctor with experience in your diagnosis will be more familiar with treatment options. Ask how many patients they’ve treated with your specific type of cancer and whether they specialize in any advanced or emerging treatments.
• What treatments do you recommend, and why? Understanding their reasoning can help you feel more comfortable. It’s also helpful to ask about alternative options, success rates, and whether the recommended treatment aligns with your personal health goals.
• What side effects should I expect? Preparing for changes in daily life can reduce stress. Find out which side effects are most common, how they’re managed, and whether any long-term effects could impact your quality of life.
• Do you participate in clinical trials? Some patients may qualify for new treatments through research studies. Ask whether any clinical trials are available for your condition and if they might offer a promising alternative to standard treatments.

Need help asking the right questions? A Solace advocate can virtually attend your oncology appointments.

Should You Get a Second Opinion?

Yes! Seeking a second opinion can confirm your diagnosis and give you more confidence in your treatment plan. It can also introduce alternative approaches, different perspectives, or access to new treatment options that you may not have considered.

• Why it helps: Another expert may suggest different treatment options or clinical trials. They might also interpret your test results differently or recommend a less aggressive—or more targeted—approach to your care.
• Where to go: Major cancer centers often have specialists who review complex cases. These centers frequently offer multidisciplinary teams that collaborate to provide a well-rounded perspective on your diagnosis and treatment possibilities.
• How to do it: Ask your current oncologist for a referral, or use resources like the National Cancer Institute’s cancer center directory to find specialists in your area. If traveling for an in-person visit is difficult, some hospitals and research centers offer virtual second opinions.

Many health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicare Advantage, cover second opinions, but coverage details vary.

A Solace advocate can help you understand what's covered under your plan.

How Does Medicare Cover Cancer Treatment?

Medicare provides coverage for many cancer-related services, but understanding how different parts of Medicare apply to your treatment can help you avoid unexpected costs.

• Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, home health care, and hospice services. If your cancer treatment requires hospitalization, Part A will cover treatments administered while you’re admitted, including surgery and certain clinical research costs.
• Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers outpatient cancer treatments, including doctor visits, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, diagnostic imaging, durable medical equipment, and some preventive screenings. If you’re receiving chemotherapy in an outpatient clinic or doctor’s office, Part B covers many intravenous and some oral chemotherapy drugs.
• Medicare Advantage (Part C): Private insurance plans that replace Original Medicare and may have different networks, referral requirements, and cost-sharing rules. While Medicare Advantage plans must cover everything Original Medicare does, they may require prior authorizations or limit access to out-of-network specialists.
• Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Covers oral chemotherapy drugs, anti-nausea medications, and other prescriptions related to cancer treatment. If a cancer drug isn’t covered under Part B, Part D may help, but coverage varies by plan, so it’s important to check your drug formulary.

Navigating your Medicare benefits can be extremely complex, especially when you're seeking specialized cancer care.

A Solace advocate can help you find in-network doctors and avoid unnecessary costs.

How Can a Solace Advocate Help You Find the Right Cancer Specialist?

Managing cancer care can feel like juggling a thousand moving pieces—coordinating specialists, sorting through insurance rules, and making sure nothing slips through the cracks, all while coping with the emotional weight of a diagnosis. A Solace advocate can help you find the right doctor and get the care you need, all while steering clear of unnecessary delays and costs.

Here’s how they can help:

• Guiding you to trusted specialists and cancer centers: Your advocate will conduct research and connect you with board-certified doctors who specialize in your cancer type. They can also help you identify leading cancer centers with access to clinical trials and advanced treatment options.
• Scheduling and coordinating appointments: Long wait times for specialists can delay crucial care, and dealing with endless phone calls and hold times can be draining when you're unwell. Your advocate can handle the research and phone calls, using their knowledge of the healthcare system to schedule timely appointments with in-network doctors.
• Helping you navigate health insurance and financial assistance: Cancer treatment can be costly, and understanding health insurance coverage can be confusing. Your advocate can verify if a doctor is in-network, explain Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and private insurance options, and help you access financial assistance programs to lower out-of-pocket costs.
• Securing second opinions to expand your options: A second opinion can confirm your diagnosis or introduce alternative treatment options. Your advocate can help you schedule second-opinion consultations, including telemedicine appointments if travel is a challenge.
• Dealing with insurance, including pre-authorizations: Many cancer treatments require pre-approval from health insurance providers. Your advocate can secure prior authorizations, communicate with doctors and insurers, and fight denied claims so your treatment isn’t delayed or unaffordable.
• Simplifying the process so you can focus on your health: From appointment reminders to coordinating medical records between doctors, your advocate makes sure every detail is managed, so you can focus on your care.

Don't face cancer care alone–work with a Solace advocate.

FAQ: Common Questions About Finding a Cancer Specialist

Is it okay to get a second opinion for my cancer diagnosis?

Yes, and in many cases, it’s a good idea. A second opinion can confirm your diagnosis, provide insight into different treatment options, and help you feel more confident about your care plan. It can also open doors to clinical trials or newer treatments that your first doctor may not have mentioned. Many insurance plans cover second opinions, so check your policy to see what’s available.

How do I find a cancer doctor who takes my insurance?

The easiest way to start is by contacting your insurance provider and asking for a list of in-network cancer specialists. Many insurance websites also have directories where you can search by specialty and location. If sorting through these options feels overwhelming, a Solace advocate can help by narrowing down your choices and finding a board-certified specialist who not only takes your insurance but also has experience treating your specific type of cancer.

What should I do if I don’t like my first cancer doctor?

If something doesn’t feel right—whether it’s a lack of communication, a rushed approach to care, or a treatment plan that doesn’t sit well with you—you have every right to switch doctors. Cancer treatment is a long and challenging process, and you should feel comfortable with the person leading your care.

Do I need a specialist for every type of cancer?

Some cancers require highly specialized care, while others can be managed by a general oncologist. For rare or aggressive cancers, a doctor with deep expertise in that specific type may offer more advanced treatment options. Even with more common cancers, seeing a specialist can sometimes provide access to newer therapies, clinical trials, or a more tailored treatment plan.

How can Solace advocates help with finding a cancer specialist?

Sorting through doctor directories, insurance plans, and hospital networks can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially when you're already dealing with a diagnosis. Solace advocates take that burden off your shoulders. They help you find the right specialist based on your cancer type, treatment goals, and insurance coverage. They can also assist with scheduling, securing second opinions, exploring telemedicine options, and connecting you to financial assistance programs.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for professional advice. Information is subject to change. Consult your healthcare provider or a qualified professional for guidance on medical issues, financial concerns, or healthcare benefits.