How should I find a doctor to check for cancer?
I suspect thyroid problem and want to see a specialist and do some testing to diagnose if there’s any issue with my thyroid. I also have a family history of thyroid disorders/cancer so I’m at an increased risk.
I’m not sure where should I start as I haven’t been to hospitals or anything like this in the US (and not very familiar with how these things work here)
Should I go to urgent care, or primary care, or specialist, or a hospital/lab? Will the testing be on the same day of the office visit? How to make sure the doctor uses the in-network lab? I’m very confused when looking at the in-network list of doctors on the UHC page and don’t know what to do next :(
I don’t have a PCP. I have a HSA medical plan (UHC) through my employer and haven’t paid anything for in network deductible so far, so I also want to be mindful of the cost while making sure to get a good quality and proper treatment.
Thank you!
Location: Bay Area
comments
Re in/out network, generally they work with labs / specialists within their hospital, so patients would just use that. They won’t look for an in-network lab/specialist for you, though, so you will have to verify independently (you can call the lab and ask how much it will be to get XYZ done. They’ll have to call your insurance to verify). Generally, call your UHC people and explain your situation and ask the best way to proceed.
problem with Primary care referral is -you might not end up with a good specialist ( you might be referred to some doctor with bad ratings - always check patient ratings to see how good the specialist doc is , there are bad doctors here too.