Questions to ask your doctor about mesothelioma.

The following are some questions to ask your doctor in dealing with mesothelioma.  Use them and pass them to anyone you know who may be afflicted with mesothelioma.

What training do you have to treat my cancer?

How can I locate articles or papers you have written about Mesothelioma?

How many patients with Mesothelioma have you treated?

Have you had patients participate in clinical trials? What is the success rate?

Who supervises you patients when you are unavailable or on vacation?

What hospitals are you associated with and do you use?

What types of medicines and treatments do you use for my disease?

Will you accept my health insurance?

What training do you have to treat my cancer?

Do not be hesitant to ask, “What training do you have to treat my cancer?”  It is important to know if your doctor has had any experience.  You should check to see what his or her board certifications are, and how long he or she has been practicing in this area of medicine.  A doctor that has had formal training in this area may also be a good resource to find out more about other recuperative strategies.

How can I locate articles or papers you have written about Mesothelioma?

A doctor that has had experience in treating patients with mesothelioma may have had articles published.  Ask your doctor “How can I locate articles or papers you have written about Mesothelioma?” This way you can learn more about the specific research he has done or patients he has seen.

How many patients with Mesothelioma have you treated?

Asking your doctor, “How many patients with mesothelioma have you treated?” is a fair question.  Knowing this, you will be able to decide how much experience the doctor has as well as how much experience the staff has.  When it comes to managing mesothelioma, you will be dealing with the entire medical staff in the office.  Never be hesitant to ask questions that will allow you to get to know your doctor better.

Have you had patients participate in clinical trials? What is the success rate?

Some doctors are not big supporters of clinical trials.  You may be very interested in them and have an interest in participating in a study.  If you ask, “Have you had patients participate in clinical trials?”, you can find out if the doctor is open to clinical trials and whether he or she will be open to allowing you to participate in one.  Make sure you also ask the question, “What is the success rate of any clinical trials you have administered?”  This will give you insight as to the progress he or she has made with directed or independent studies. 

You should always feel comfortable to ask your doctor whatever you have on your mind.  Specialists should be able to have that time of explanation available for you and more importantly, he or she should be able to satisfy your medical needs.  Do not forget to understand your legal options as well, as this is an area that’s unfortunately overlooked too often.  Contact an attorney today for a free consultation to examine your legal rights as they relate to your original exposure to asbestos.

Who supervises your patients when you are unavailable or on vacation?

Doctors do not work every single day.  They too will be unavailable at certain times.  This is when physicians need to have a plan for coverage in place.  You want to ask your doctor, “Who supervises your patients when you are unavailable or on vacation?”  Once you know this, you can visit with the covering physician or physicians so you can feel comfortable with them in case you need medical attention when your doctor is on vacation.

What hospitals are you associated with and do you use?

It is important for you to know what hospitals your doctor has privileges to work at so you can see if it is a hospital or clinic that you are close to since you’ll be visiting there quite often.

What types of medicines and treatments do you use for my disease?

As you may have learned already, you have a variety of treatment options.  They are, of course, based on the progress of your mesothelioma.  You may be interested in using methods such as drug therapy or homeopathic therapy which your doctor may or may not support.  Be open with your doctor and make sure you come to a treatment decision that’s comfortable for both of you.

Will you accept my health insurance?

You want the best doctor and the best service, but sometimes you have to go with what will be covered by your insurance, and if it’s not being covered, then you may have to consider whether the cost is worth the care you’ll receive..

It is important to understand your rights as a mesothelioma patient.  This is a disease with no cure.  You may have gotten it without ever knowing you were exposed to asbestos, which is the cause of mesothelioma.  Contact an attorney that can help you investigate whether you would be entitled to justice as a result of your terminal disease.  Do not wait - contact an attorney today for a free consultation.