Know Your Team

Know your team.

With many specialists on your team, it can be difficult to understand each person's role. Not all specialists are at every hospital or treatment facility, and additionally, they may go by different names, share names, and or responsibilities.

Therefore, it is very important to identify the specialists you'll be working with, as well as their job titles and responsibilities.

Diagnosing and treating myeloma is often very complex. Patients may often require the help of several different medical professionals.

First is your oncologist. The oncologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer. When treating myeloma, it is advantageous to align yourself, if possible, with an oncologist who specializes in myeloma. Being a specialist means they exclusively treat myeloma patients. Your oncologist oversees your care from diagnosis throughout the course of the disease. They will become your primary doctor.

The oncology nurse may also be known as the oncology nurse navigator. Oncology nurse navigators serve in many roles depending on their experience, advanced education, and specialized certification. This person will likely be by your side the majority of the time that you're on site at the hospital or treatment center. They will offer education and resources to facilitate informed decision-making and access to quality health and psychosocial care throughout all phases of the cancer continuum.

The responsibilities of the oncology nurse may include giving physical examinations, administering chemotherapy and other medication, identifying patient needs, coordinating with other members of the team, educating and counseling patients and families, and performing research as part of a clinical trial.

There's also the oncology nurse practitioner, or NP. NPs usually meet with patients independently while collaborating with the rest of the oncology team. They are always under the supervision of an oncologist. The responsibilities of the NP may include performing physical examinations and patient evaluation, diagnosing and treating certain conditions, recommending and diagnosing laboratory tests and reading the results, prescribing medications and giving chemotherapy, helping patients manage cancer and treatment side effects, educating and counseling people about cancer and their medications, performing certain procedures, and performing research as part of a clinical trial.

The patient financial navigator may also be known as a financial patient advocate or patient navigator. There may or may not be one of these professionals available at your facility. Don't hesitate to ask if they are not available. There are outside cancer organizations or private organizations available, such as the American Cancer Society, Patient Advocate Foundation, and Critical Care Financial Consultants. It's important to remember that navigators are unbiased and help you work to find the best health plan for your needs. This individual helps guide patients from diagnosis through survivorship. Their responsibilities may include assisting a person in finding counseling, and assisting and finding financial resources and other supportive services.

Palliative care doctors and nurses. The palliative care teams work closely with other oncology team members to prevent and treat the symptoms and side effects of cancer and its treatment. A palliative care doctor is especially helpful when a person is still experiencing pain and other symptoms, despite treatments for these symptoms.

The physician assistant, or PA. A PA works with a doctor delivering a broad range of services. The responsibilities of the PA may include performing physical examinations, recommending diagnostic and laboratory tests and reading results, helping with surgery, managing cancer and treatment side effects, prescribing medications and administering chemotherapy, educating and counseling people about cancer, and performing certain procedures.

Oncology social workers are usually assigned to you upon entering a hospital or a treatment plan. These specialized clinicians can help you cope with every part of your cancer journey, from understanding the diagnosis and treatment plan to navigating financial, social, and emotional issues, to assisting patients transition back to work and regular activities during or after treatment. You can also ask your social worker to connect you with available resources to help with financial challenges and help you navigate the unique resources available to your hospital or treatment center.

Oncology Resource Specialist. Not all facilities have these professionals, but it never hurts to ask. The oncology resource specialists can answer questions regarding the transportation options for patients, as well as local lodging for patients and their families during treatment. They will also help navigate other resources we will discuss, including government and organizational support.

The registered dietitian, or RD. An RD provides education on eating well and provides recommendations to help people with cancer cope with dietary needs. You may find during your treatment that your appetite has changed. These are great resources to rely on during that time.

The pathologist. A pathologist is a medical doctor who specializes in looking at cells, tissues, and organs to diagnose disease. You may never meet your pathologist, but he or she plays an important role in determining the type and stage of cancer. The responsibilities of the pathologist include determining the results of tests done on tissue samples, providing the final diagnosis of cancer, and working closely with the treating doctors.

A diagnostic radiologist. A radiologist is a medical doctor specialized in using imaging tests such as X-rays and MRI, to help diagnose disease. The responsibilities include reviewing and interpreting the results of the imaging test.

A rehabilitation therapist, such as a physical, occupational, speech, or recreational therapist. These professionals help people with cancer return to their highest level of functioning.

Patient billing or hospital financial services. Please remember that the hospital won't refuse to treat you if you don't pay your bill right away. However, your account should be in good standing. A payment plan can have many benefits, including discounts on the total amounts you owe. Many hospitals have billing departments that will meet with you and set up a plan that works well for your individual circumstances. Some even offer meetings with a financial counselor who will work closely with you on your insurance cost obligations, and identifying the right resources for you.

The chaplain or other religious support. A chaplain offers spiritual support and rituals for people with cancer and their families. These professionals may also lead support groups. Most hospitals have clergy on staff that will work with people of all faiths. Some people may prefer to work with their own clergy person.

Again, it is a very good idea to find out who your team is. Please keep a list of their names and phone numbers with you in the event you have questions.