Frequently Asked Questions
- What types of cancer can you treat?
We treat localized tumors as well as metastatic cancers - those that have spread - of many types of cancers. We have established conferences for the most prevalent type of cancers. A conference is a gathering of a patient’s caregivers from nurses to geneticists to radiation and medical oncologists. This aggressive approach ensures the most comprehensive, timely treatment possible. Currently, SCOA has conferences on breast cancer and general cancer at all three major Columbia hospitals and combined conferences at two of the hospitals on colon and prostate cancer.
Back to Top- Are you involved in cancer research?
We are very active in cancer research and are a sought-after partner for clinical trials. Clinical trials are important because they often bring breakthrough drugs and treatments to our patients earlier than they would be available to the general population.
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- How can I get an appointment at SCOA?
In most cases, a surgeon, your general internist or other specialist can give you a referral to a SCOA oncologist. You can either ask your physician to give you a referral to SCOA or direct your physician to our website, which provides information about making referrals.
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- What will happen when I come into SCOA for my first appointment?
After you’re met by one of our friendly receptionists, you’ll meet with a financial counselor who will help you sort through insurance and billing issues. This is a great time to ask any questions you may have about SCOA. Once you’ve seen the financial counselor, your vitals will be taken and then you’ll see your physician. After your physician sees you, any follow-up appointments and post-care visits are scheduled.
Because our goal is to provide you with the best care possible, all financial and business aspects of your visit are complete before being seen by your oncologist. We feel it’s important to deal with the paperwork aspects of your visit first, so you can focus on what’s truly important – your health. On subsequent visits, after seeing the financial counselor, you’ll go to the lab for blood diagnostic work. Your blood may be analyzed to ensure you’re ready for treatment as well as provide important clues as to what’s happening inside your body.
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- Will my SCOA oncologist replace my family doctor?
No. Your SCOA oncologist will consult with your family doctor about your care and treatment. Your family doctor will be informed and participate in your care plan.
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- Will I always see my oncologist?
Sometimes you won’t have to. We have a number of nurse practitioners that assist physicians in patient care. They are extensively trained in general medicine as well as oncology. If you’re coming in for chemotherapy treatment, you may only see one of our nurses. Many are certified oncology caregivers. You’ll find our staff is as highly-credentialed as it is caring.
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- What if I have an after hours emergency?
While you’ll learn how to take care of yourself during treatment, we’ll also teach you about side effects you may experience and other problems that may require medical intervention. If you experience a problem after office hours, our on-call system assures that someone will be able to answer your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Although your particular physician may not be on call when an emergency arises, each oncologist at SCOA is very knowledgeable and will notify your oncologist about your call.
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- Do you treat patients that don’t have cancer?
We also treat many patients who have disorders of the blood that are unrelated to cancer. These problems can include anemia, blood clotting and other disorders.
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- Will I have to go to the hospital to get treatment?
We offer clinical services as well as diagnostics in our comprehensive cancer treatment center. On-site diagnostics also eliminate the hassles of traveling between offices for procedures. If you require inpatient care, you’ll be admitted to a local hospital.
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