A number of resources are available to help you find a treatment center. Your primary care doctor may be able to provide a referral or you can use doctor and insurance referral services.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) supports a national network of cancer centers. Each center must meet specific scientific, organizational and administrative criteria. See a list of NCI-approved cancer centers.
The following organizations can also help:
- The Association of Community Cancer Centers, which provides information about more than 670 community cancer centers
- The American College of Surgeons, which features a Commission on Cancer service called Find an Approved Cancer Program Near You
- The Joint Commission, which provides information about more than 15,000 U.S. healthcare organizations and programs
- The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Center Programs, which provides a listing of all NCI designated cancer centers across the country
- The National Marrow Donor Program, which offers information on U.S. transplant centers
- The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) provides information on health-related topics and links to resources
Questions to Help You Choose a Treatment Center
When you call or visit the treatment center you're considering, ask the following questions to help make your decision:
- Is care at the treatment center covered by my insurance plan?
- Does my primary care doctor or hematology-oncologist have confidence in this treatment center?
- What type of accreditation does the treatment center have? Do the treatment center and staff have experience treating my specific type of blood cancer?
- Does the center offer the most current treatments available?
- Does the center participate in clinical trials (research studies) related to my diagnosis?
- Are adequate support staff (nurses, social workers, case managers, patient advocates) available?
- Will I see the same support staff members at each visit?
- Is there a pharmacy on the premises or nearby?
- If a stem cell transplant is part of the treatment plan, is this center experienced in performing the type of stem cell transplant I will need?
- Can I speak to other cancer patients who are being treated or were treated at this center?
Click here to download lists of suggested questions to ask your healthcare providers.
Related Links:
- Download or order The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's free fact sheet, Choosing a Specialist or Treatment Center.