Where possible, select a physician who specializes not just in cancer but in the nuances of your specific type of prostate cancer. How do you find such a doctor? If you are newly diagnosed, start by consulting your diagnosing doctor, that is, the one who found your prostate cancer. He or she may be an expert in the field, or they may refer you to one or more doctors who are.
Other factors to consider when selecting a doctor:
- Are they covered by your health insurance?
- Are they affiliated with a university or research hospital?
- Does their “bedside manner” align with your personality? Are they analytical? Compassionate? Do they seem interested in making you a partner in this process? Do they seem interested in what is important to you?
Remember:
- Take your time
- Don’t be afraid to shop around and get second or even third opinions.
- Be careful of advice that seems highly opinionated, e.g. “surgery is the best” or “radiation is the best” or “eat this herb and your cancer will be cured.” For accurate information, use data on reputable websites and those that your doctor recommends.
- Once you have committed, trust is key, but continue to be your own advocate: ask questions, do research, and remain curious.
Resources to Find and Evaluate Doctors/Providers
Administrators in Medicine DocFinder
www.docboard.org
Information on licensing and disciplinary actions taken against doctors in 18 states; links to state medical boards of remaining states.
American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)
www.abms.org
Includes a database to find doctors who are ABMS Member Board Certified Specialists, a designation achieved through additional training and education.
American College of Surgeons
www.facs.org/find-a-surgeon
Information about finding surgeons who are Board Certified as well as information about surgical specialties. Includes database of member surgeons.
American Medical Association DoctorFinder
https://doctorfinder.ama-assn.org/doctorfinder/html/patient.jsp
Education, board certification, and hospital admitting privileges for doctors who belong to the AMA.
American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) RT Answers
www.rtanswers.org/
Includes searchable database of radiation oncologists.
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Cancer.Net
www.cancer.net/find-cancer-doctor
Oncologist-approved cancer information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) can be found on the site Cancer.Net. This site includes a “Find a Cancer Doctor” tool with tips on choosing a doctor and a database of oncologists.
Medicare Physician and Other Healthcare Professional Directory
www.medicare.gov/Physician/Home.asp
Provider profiles including specialties, practicing locations, and phone numbers. Other information may also include education, gender, residency, foreign languages spoken, and hospital affiliation.
National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC)
https://findageneticcounselor.nsgc.org/
NSGC has a patient-oriented site where you can learn about genetic counselors (aboutgeneticcounselors.com) and search using your location or select “telehealth” as an option.
Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO)
https://suonet.org/resources/find-a-provider.aspx
The purpose of the SUO is to enable qualified members primarily interested in the care of patients with malignant GU diseases to meet for the purpose of discussion, development and implementation of ideas to improve care. Site includes a database of members.
Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA)
https://app.v1.statusplus.net/membership/provider/index?society=smsna
SMSNA Find a Provider Directory is provided by the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA) as a public service for those who wish to locate a Sexual Medicine Provider in their area. This directory contains the names and addresses of SMSNA members whose professional activity is (partially) devoted to the practice of Sexual Health and see patients. The SMSNA acknowledges that the providers listed on this website are members of SMSNA.