Finding a Doctor You Trust

Here are some questions you might consider asking to understand if your doctor has the necessary expertise in NETs to manage your care:

• How many NET patients are you currently treating? A low number may raise concerns about experience level.
• Would you be willing to consult or collaborate with a NET expert?
• Are you familiar with and are you willing to consult the latest expert guidelines for treating neuroendocrine tumors by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (NANETS)?
• Do you have a multidisciplinary team to collaborate with on my case? Will my case be discussed by a tumor board (a regular meeting of specialists who discuss treatment options for cancer patients)?

It’s best to find someone with whom you feel comfortable talking about your disease and whom you trust, whether they are an expert or not. If you read about a treatment online or hear about something in a support group, you should feel free to ask questions about what you learned and IF it might be appropriate to consider, either now or later. Do not assume that a treatment or intervention you hear about is appropriate for you but do expect your physicians to listen and advise you. In choosing a physician, take note of your ability to relate to and communicate with him or her during your initial appointment. Does the physician give you enough time during the visit to understand your situation and appear to listen carefully to what you are experiencing? If the physician is not providing satisfactory answers or is dismissive of you, it may be a sign to move on.