Finding regular doctor with no insurance?
Meet the Experts
Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. is a medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of breast cancer, with a a special interest in cancer survivorship, patient-physician communication, and quality of care for women with breast cancer.
Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.
Question from Diorella: I don't have health insurance, and my breast tumor was found at a local clinic during a free community health screening. I don't have a regular doctor, and I don't know where to turn.
- Answers —Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H.: Most hospitals have social workers and funds to help patients in your situation. You may find help through the local clinic that provided the screening. The doctors there may be able to get you access to a regular provider and to cancer specialists.
- Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: Many screening programs take responsibility for connecting people to resources if their programs result in the detection of a cancer. Get on the phone and ask them to give you the names and phone numbers of people who are most likely to help you get the attention you need, quickly. Don't do this alone. Work with the social worker and other key people in the early detection program you participated in.
There are also some resources listed in our Staying on Track with Treatment section that can be helpful with financial issues.
On Wednesday, February 19, 2003, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called The Doctor-Patient Relationship. Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about how to find the right doctor for you, and how to create and maintain a good, open relationship with your doctor so you can be sure to get all the care and information you need.
The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.
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