Factors to Consider When Looking for Cancer Treatment Center
One concern for people diagnosed with cancer is whether there is time to choose a good treatment facility such as a cancer center Orange County-based.
Choosing a good cancer treatment center can be challenging. The following are some factors to consider when looking for a cancer care center.
Credentials: Many organizations have made it their obligation to review cancer centers and hospitals offering cancer treatment. One must seek treatment at a facility that has been accredited by:
- The National Breast Cancer Accreditation Program
- The American College of Surgeons
- The Commission on Cancer
- The American College of Radiology
Quality Ratings: Both private and government organizations compute quality ratings of facilities using Medicare data for various treatments, including cancer. These organizations include:
- HealthGrades.com
- Medicare.gov
Technology: Developments in radiotherapy have enabled specialists to offer higher doses in a better manner. This technology ensures less tissue damage.
Staff Experience. It is important to find out the number of cancer cases similar to yours the facility has handled recently. The more the cases are handled, the better the facility.
Specialists: Cancer treatment often lead to exhaustion and fatigue. Most patients would want a treatment facility that mixes especially required medications such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, the pharmacy, and consulting specialists, all located near each other.
Clinical Trials and Research. A treatment facility that participates in research and clinical trials is ideal for cancer patients, especially those who do not respond to conventional treatments. These centers provide options currently being researched by Cancer Institutes that are not available in most treatment facilities.
Location of the facility: Cancer treatment may need more than one visit to a facility per week. Therefore, it would be convenient to choose a treatment facility that is near your home. Nonetheless, the closest treatment facility may not always be the best option.
