The best way to find the right mesothelioma clinic for you or your loved ones is to ask around and visit several locations to get an idea of how each one is run. There is no right or wrong opinion in terms of choosing a care provider. You should go with a clinic where the staff makes you feel comfortable, and that is fully equipped to handle the type of care you need. Start by visiting all clinics in your area, talking with the doctors and nurses, and discussing potential options by speaking to friends and family members.
While taking a tour of each facility, you will likely have many questions about the care you would receive as a patient there. Feel free to talk about any of your concerns, and discuss your questions openly with the physicians and nurses you meet. Questions may be about the types of treatment the mesothelioma clinic offers, how often you will receive treatment, how many doctors are in the practice, and what kind of insurance plans are accepted. If you receive a government-funded medical insurance plan, your options may be limited. Ask for a list of clinics that accept government insurance.
You may also wish to discuss the hospital with which the clinic and its doctors are affiliated. If there is more than one hospital in your area, this is an important thing to consider. If you have an emergency situation related to your illness, you will receive better care if you visit the hospital affiliated with your clinic. However, if that hospital is too far away from your home, you may want to consider an option closer to where you live.
If you don’t have insurance coverage or if your policy does not cover your treatment, you may want to find a mesothelioma clinic that provides payment plans for those who self pay. Some may be more agreeable than others, but most clinics will provide non-insured patients with some kind of lowered price or payment plan.
Another good way to find the best mesothelioma clinic is to talk with friends, family members, and colleagues that may have had an experience with a particular doctor or clinic. You can also speak with your general practitioner or family doctor and have him recommend specialists in your area. Since your primary doctor will know your medical history, conditions, and struggles, he may be able to recommend someone who is capable of working with you.