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Lumpectomy with Sentinel Node Biopsy Questions about Lumpectomy with Sentinel Node Biopsy. |
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| 04/26/2003 | I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I am now actively searching for an oncologist I feel comfortable with and is within reasonable distance from my home given an expected course of Chemo and radiation treatments. Fighting with the insurance company (Aetna HMO) is my current problem. I wanted to see Dr Sclafani who is associated with Sloan Kettering in their new facility on Long Island NY (2 blocks from where I live!) BUT the HMO tells me she is NOT a participating provider. Can anyone recommend both a good oncologist as well as breast surgeon in the Long Island area. I prefer someone who specializes in JUST breast surgery versus a general surgeon. I live in Hauppauge, Long island, NY 11788. For a good breast surgeon travel is acceptable since unlike radiation or chemo treatments, the surgeon visits would not be 5 days a week for 6-8 weeks. The oncologist I prefer as close to home as possible. Any recommendations would be most appreciated. | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 04/27/2003 | Due to your insurance hassles, sounds like you will need to get a list of the approved doctors in your area and then check them each out to make sure you are in good hands. Requesting names will only result in your finding out that the doctors recommended might also be like the one you want-- not part of the HMO covered plan. So get the list then check on the AMA website for details about each doctor as well as read over the document on our home page called "Breast cancer-- making the right choices for you" as it contains additional websites and information how to ensure you are in good hands.you will need a medical oncologist, surgical oncologist and radiation oncologist. | ||
Please note: This service is not intended to provide primary medical advice concerning specific medical care or treatment. Ask an Expert is a free service operated by health care professionals at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center. Due to the volume of questions and their complexity, there are times when medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists or oncology nurses are consulted for their input. These individuals volunteer their time for this service and will respond as soon as they are able. Please do not post or send the same question to us in multiple locations or categories.

