Changing oncologists

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Thank you for the welcome to the forum - I spent a lot of time reading posts when I was in active treatment and found a wealth of good useful information.

I have a situation that I have not seen for anyone else.  I am a year out from treatment and in June I lost my job and consequently my employer based health insurance.  I have new insurance in a managed care plan (Kaiser) and I am going to have to change my oncologist.  I haven't had a problem with my other doctors but I had developed such a bond with my oncology team that I hate leaving them, even in follow up.  I am nervous about starting with a new team at Kaiser even though I am sure they will be fine.  My records are being forwarded to them and I am going to them armed with all my own paperwork.  I have my notebooks from treatment and a list of concerns and questions but I still feel like I am losing touch with a part of my life that is important.

Eileen

 

 

Comments

  • danker
    danker Member Posts: 1,276 Member
    edited September 2017 #2
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    Change

    The one thing for sure is that things will change.  Just asssume that all will be well, and don;t worry.  Best of luck to you!!

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,796 Member
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    Hoping not to be in the same boat

    My husband just retired and is starting a new job, thus new insurance. I didn't even think that this might mean I would have to find a new Oncologist, until I read your post. I hope not, because like you, I am VERY happy with my Oncologist. 

    My Rad Onc has already told me that I can continue to see him, regardless of insurane covarage, so that is good. 

    Good luck finding a new and equally special Oncology team. 

    Tru

  • NHMike
    NHMike Member Posts: 213 Member
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    I hope to keep working in my

    I hope to keep working in my current job because the insurance is great but we had a lot of layoffs in the last couple of weeks so times are uncertain. I would consider an oncologist at Dana Farber as there are some things that worry me but I don't know if the care plan would be any different. I'm hoping for the best for both of you.

  • Watersprite3
    Watersprite3 Member Posts: 31
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    New Oncologist

    I saw my new oncology team today at Kaiser.  I had been worried about leaving the one I had even though I was a year past treatment but my new doctor is good and very thorough.  I am one who carries a notebook with her, and I had my notebooks from my treatment days, all the records from the previous oncologist and from my resection surgery.  He was very grateful that I had such good records - I figure at my age (63) that my memory is not as good as it used to be and I write everything down.

    Thanks to everyone who responded to me when I expressed my concerns.

    Eileen

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,796 Member
    edited September 2017 #6
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    New Oncologist

    I saw my new oncology team today at Kaiser.  I had been worried about leaving the one I had even though I was a year past treatment but my new doctor is good and very thorough.  I am one who carries a notebook with her, and I had my notebooks from my treatment days, all the records from the previous oncologist and from my resection surgery.  He was very grateful that I had such good records - I figure at my age (63) that my memory is not as good as it used to be and I write everything down.

    Thanks to everyone who responded to me when I expressed my concerns.

    Eileen

    Good news

    That is good news, Eileen. 

    So happy to hear that you liked and felt comfortable with your new Oncologist. It really helps, deosn't it. 

    Tru