These are questions commonly asked by patients during their initial consultation with their radiation oncologist.
Q: How often do I see my radiation oncologist?
A: Each patient will be seen at periodic intervals in examination rooms adjacent to the treatment rooms to ensure quality of treatment as well as to recognize and treat side effects.
Q: How does radiation treatment begin?
A: Patients referred for evaluation and management with radiation therapy are given an appointment with a radiation oncologist. The patient will meet with the physician to be evaluated and undergo a physical examination.
Q: What is the purpose of CT simulation?
A: Following the examination with the radiation oncologist, an appointment for a spiral CT simulation will be made for the patient. The patient will undergo a CT scan of the tumor area and the scan will be utilized for treatment planning to ensure the most accurate and effective treatment.
Q: When do I come in for my treatments?
A: After the completion of the CT simulation, the patient will be given an appointment to begin radiation treatments. Appointments are usually given to patients between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Appointment times may be changed depending on the volume of patients under treatment on a given day. Treatments are given five days a week with no treatments being delivered on holidays or weekends.
Q: How long do the treatments take?
A: Typically, each appointment takes between 20-25 minutes. This varies depending on the complexity of the treatment program. The usual course of radiation treatments could extend between six and nine weeks.
Q: Should I come earlier than my scheduled treatment time?
A: Patients coming in for treatments should ideally come in to the Cancer Center at least 5-10 minutes before their appointment time to sign in at the reception desk and be seated in the waiting room until they are called.
Q: What do I do when my daily treatment is over?
A: Following their treatment, patients may leave and will not experience any immediate side effects. Most patients will be able to drive to and from work or home for their treatments.
Q: What do I do when my treatment program is complete?
A: An appointment with a radiation oncologist will be scheduled when you have finished the prescribed number of treatments. The purpose of this appointment is for the oncologist to evaluate the effects of radiation. You should also make a follow-up appointment with the doctor who diagnosed you with cancer.
Q: How do I schedule an appointment?
A: Before leaving after your last treatment the therapist will ask you to make a follow-up appointment at the front desk for either two weeks or a month from that day.
Q: How will I be billed?
A: Unless other arrangements are made, your insurance will be billed first. After your primary and secondary insurance have paid you will receive a statement indicating your deductible, co-payment and any balance due. Please contact us if you have any questions.
