If you’re wondering where Kolkata is, you probably already know where it is because it used to be called Calcutta. This is the capital of West India’s Bengal territory, where the famous saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta hails from.
Her Mother House and Missionaries of Charity are still in this bustling city. Kolkata was famous for being an East India Company training post, at the time when it was the country’s capital during the British Raj.
Today, it remains popular for its colonial architecture, vibrant art galleries, and robust cultural festivities.
Because of these factors, almost 15 million people call Kolkata home. With such a large number, there is a diversity when it comes to ethnic origin. However, one thing people share in common is the need for quality healthcare.
Unfortunately, the NCBI (Nation Center for Biotechnology Information) stated that India possesses one of the world’s highest cancer statistics. If you happen to get this diagnosis, you will need to find the best oncologist in Kolkata.
An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of cancer. Getting ill with something of this magnitude is not easy to cope with. You must be comfortable with your specialist, feeling at ease with his/her personality and approach.
Here are some tips to help you find a good oncologist with excellent support staff to give you the best care in the world:
Match With the Right Oncologist
Cancers are very different when it comes to the areas they target and the stage they are discovered. Because of this, you need to look for an oncologist who is adept and experienced in treating the specific type of disease you have been diagnosed with.
If you are on a more advanced stage, you may need the help of someone with more training and specializations. You may need a medical, radiation, and/or surgical oncologist. Depending on the nature of your cancer, you may also be recommended to work with more than one type of oncologist.
Read up on the different classifications in this field so you can make an informed decision about your own treatment plan. Remember, when it comes to your health, you are your best advocate.
Check the Financial Aspect
Unfortunately, one aspect that cancer goes hand in hand with is your finances. Cancer treatment is very costly so that it will have an impact on your budget. If you have insurance, check to see if a particular oncologist falls under your network coverage.
You can ask your insurance representative to verify this information. As much as possible, you want all the fees, labs, procedures, etc. Covered, so you don’t need to make a huge hole in your pocketbook.
If you don’t have insurance, you may need to take a close look at your finances if you can afford the costly procedures. You may seek government aid, private financial assistance, or go through other resources like a Go Fund Me or You Caring page.
Seek Guidance from Close Family and Friends
Sad to say, but cancer has become a fairly common disease in this modern world. If you are looking for the best oncologist in Kolkata, consider asking your close family and friends to recommend someone.
Even your colleagues or neighbors may know someone who has received treatment for the same cancer as yours. Ask about their experience so you can gauge if a healthcare provider is the best match for you.
Evaluate the Credentials of the Doctor
Once you have a shortlist of prospective oncologists, you need to dig deeper by doing homework better than a student. Find out if a doctor has received specialty training with board certification on oncology.
Ascertain how long the doctor has been practicing in this field. Ask information about how many patients he or she has treated with your type of cancer. If you have rare cancer, don’t be ashamed to ask if you are a clinical trial candidate.
Your oncologist will be at the helm of your cancer journey, so you need to find out as much information as you want to assuage your fears and worries. Usually, this specialist will have support staff to manage your care, so find out who these other people will be because you will see them regularly.
Final Word
Choosing your oncologist or cancer care expert is a crucial decision. Even medical professionals understand that this is not something you will take lightly. You may even go out and ask for a second opinion to verify the diagnosis or treatment path.
It is within your right to consult a doctor with more extensive experience with your case. You could also be just in search of a better patient-doctor relationship. The important thing is to find a doctor that is the right fit for YOU!
