Things You Will Want To Discuss With Your Oncologist At Your First Appointment

As you get ready for your first appointment with your oncologist, you will want to make it a point to sit down to think about all of the things you want to ask and discuss. This way, you will not have to worry about leaving the appointment feeling as though you do not have all of the information you need. The last thing you need right now is any extra stress. To help keep your mind at ease, you will want to consider discussing the following things with your oncologist.

Ask About How To Get Questions Answered Later

While you might try to ask as many questions that you can think of at your oncologist appointment, there is a good chance that you will think of more once you are at home. Instead of dealing with the stress of having to wait until your next appointment, you will want to ask who you can call when you have any questions. You might reach out to your specific doctor, a nurse, or one of his or her many associates. Make sure that you are getting the best telephone number to use for questions and ask about their standard turn around time for returning calls. This way, you are not sitting there worried because you were not called back the same day. Depending on how hectic their office is, you might not get a call back until the following day.

Ask About Allowing Your Spouse Or Family Member Get Information About Your Treatment

There might be times throughout your treatment where you are not feeling very well and you might not be up to making any phone calls. This is why it is good to designate someone close to you who can call to ask questions on your behalf. Without signing the proper papers with your oncologist's office, they will not be able to release any information on you due to the HIPPA laws. In order for the office to be able to speak with your spouse or anyone else, you will have to sign a release form. This is a form you will want to fill out right away, as many people tend to forget about it later on.

Ask What Is Considered An Emergency

You will want to know the signs of trouble that would indicate that you are dealing with an emergency situation. This way, you will know when it is time to call for an ambulance or have a family member take you to the emergency room. Make sure that you are writing those things down and give a copy of that information to your family.

By discussing those things with your oncologist at your first appointment, you will find that your mind will be a little more at ease because you are not going to be left in the dark.

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