How to Find a Local Health Care Provider

Cancer and cancer treatment can cause other health conditions, even many years later. These are called long-term or late effects. Cancer survivors need regular checkups and screenings for the rest of their lives.

It is important to find local health care providers who can help with checkups, prescription medicines, and routine medical care.

We want to make sure you get the best medical care possible. You will still come to St. Jude for follow-up appointments related to your cancer. But you will likely need more care, and it may be inconvenient to come back to St. Jude that often. It is safer and easier to have a health care provider in your home community who knows you and your medical needs. Your care team will tell you when a local health care provider is the best option for your care.

Having a local health care provider helps you get the care you need when you need it.

Tips for finding a local health care provider

• Ask your care team if they can suggest a local health care provider who would be right for you.
• Check with your insurance company. The back of your insurance card has a phone number to call. Ask for a list of health care providers near you who take your insurance plan. Also, you can use the insurance company’s website to search for a health care provider who accepts your plan. Ask your insurance company if a referral is required for specialty care and if they have a preferred pharmacy.
• If you need a specialist, your care team can give you information about the type of health care provider and care needed. Your local primary care provider (PCP) can also refer you to a specialist in your area.
• Ask friends, family members, neighbors, or co-workers to recommend health care providers or specialists. School nurses and local pharmacists are also good resources for health care providers in the area. Getting a reference from someone you know and trust is a great way to find a health care provider.
• Your St. Jude social worker can help you find health care resources and programs in your home community, including help with paying for medical care.

What to consider when selecting a health care provider

There are many things to think about when selecting a new care provider. Some questions you might have include:

• What type of practice are they? Are there other providers you can see if needed?
• How long is the wait for new patients to get appointments?
• Where is the office located? How far away? Is it easy to get to?
• What are their office hours?
• Do they provide the types of tests and medical services you will need?
• Do they offer telemedicine or telehealth services?
• If you speak a language other than English, is there a health care provider who speaks your language?
• If you need to see a specialist, you might also consider other factors such as:
  • What is their specialty area?
  • Are they board-certified? Board certification requires special training in their specialty area and they must pass an exam.
  • Does the specialist require a referral from your primary care provider?

Save your research and notes just in case you need to switch to another health care provider later.

Paying for health care 

Most health care in the United States is paid for through health insurance. Some people may qualify for public insurance programs such as Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

You might qualify for insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Find out by going to the Health Insurance Marketplace at www.healthcare.gov.

If you do not have health insurance, you will have to pay for health care on your own. This can be expensive. Low-cost or free care is available at community health centers for those without insurance.

Ask if there are programs to help cover the cost of your care. Some health care providers offer a discount if you pay out of pocket and have a low income. They may be willing to lower your bill if you pay cash. Learn how social workers can help you find resources.

Federally funded community clinics sometimes use a sliding pay scale. This means the fees are based on your income. Community clinics may be able to refer you to a specialist in your area who is willing to offer discounted or charity care. Charity care programs help uninsured patients who do not qualify for government aid.

Here are some resources if you have limited income:

• patientadvocate.org/connect-with-services/financial-aid-funds/
• usa.gov/paying-for-medical
• mygooddays.org/patients/assistance-types
• needymeds.org: Needy Meds can help you find free/low cost/sliding scale clinics in your community.
• medicineassistancetool.org

Frequently asked questions

What if my local health care provider has questions?

St. Jude can send your new health care provider medical records as needed, including test results, clinic notes, and medicine information. You can pick this information up to take to your local health care provider’s office or the St. Jude medical records staff can send it by mail or fax.

What if I do not have insurance or enough money for health care?

Your St. Jude social worker can help you find health care resources and programs in your home community. We do this because we believe it is important for your health.

What if I have new health problems related to my cancer or treatment?

Call your local health care provider first. If they have questions about your cancer diagnosis or treatment, we can send them your medical records. Your primary St. Jude doctor can also talk with your local health care providers about your condition and care.

What if I live in the Memphis area and want to see my St. Jude doctor?

You might be able to do this if they have an office outside St. Jude. Many St. Jude doctors have these offices, and you can see them there. St. Jude does not pay for these visits or treatments. If your St. Jude doctor does not have an office outside St. Jude, you can find a new health care provider for this care.

Find more information

If you have questions or concerns, talk to your social worker or primary clinic staff at St. Jude.