Overview
Treatment centres are hospitals and health services that provide cancer treatment. These centres are located throughout metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. Some treatment centres specialise in particular treatments or cancer types.
Your doctor will refer you to the closest centre that offers the treatment you need. In regional areas it may be necessary to travel to a larger regional or metropolitan hospital to receive the treatment you need.
Public or private hospital
It is important understand the differences between having treatment in a public or private hospital.
Under Medicare, you are entitled to free treatment as a public patient in a public hospital, even if you have private health insurance. However, you can’t choose your doctor and you might have to wait for treatment.
If you choose to be treated privately you can choose your own doctor or health professional and won’t have to wait as long for treatment. Doctors, service providers and hospitals in the private sector can set their own fees. Private health insurance can help to cover some of these fees. Visit Cancer Care and Your Rights for more information.
If you are deciding whether to have treatment in a public or private hospital, speak with your GP and specialist. You can also call 13 11 20 to speak to our experienced cancer nurses who can provide information to help you make an informed decision.
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Questions to ask about this service
When looking at a service it is important to ask questions about how the service works before you decide to engage with them. Below is a list of questions you might like to ask when enquiring about a service.
Am I eligible?
Some services have specific criteria that a person must meet before they are able to use a service, for example location, means testing or a specific cancer type. It is important to know if you are eligible to access a service right from the start.
Do I need a referral?
Some services require a referral from your specialist, GP or a social worker. This helps to make sure that the right patients are being connected with the right services. It’s a good idea to ask if a referral is needed and if so, exactly what type of referral the service requires.
How much will this cost me?
Some services are free, and some come at a cost. At a time when people should be focused on their treatment and recovery, the cost of cancer can be a source of stress and worry for many. It’s a good idea to ask about the fees attached to a service and if there are any subsidies or benefits you might be eligible for before committing to the service. It’s important to know that you are within your rights to ask about the cost of a service or treatment before agreeing to take part. For more information you can visit cancer and your finances.
Is there a wait time?
Sometimes demand for a service is high which can cause wait times. You might find it helpful to ask if there are any wait times for the services you are looking at, especially if you require support as soon as possible.
Will I be treated as an inpatient or an outpatient?
Depending on the type of treatment or care you are receiving you may be seen as an inpatient or an outpatient. You are considered an inpatient if you have been admitted to the hospital for treatment. Alternatively, you are considered an outpatient when you receive treatment at a hospital, but without being admitted. It’s important to know if you are going to be treated as an inpatient or an outpatient as this can impact the cost of treatment, and will help you to understand the amount of time you might need to spend at the hospital.
Treatment in regional Victoria
There are many excellent cancer centres in regional Victoria. However, for some people it may be necessary to travel to a larger regional or metropolitan centre for treatment. This can be because:
- your local hospital does not offer the treatment you require
- a particular type of specialist may not be available
- there is a long wait to see a visiting oncologist
- you wish to seek a second opinion.
If treatment for your cancer type is not available close to home and you must travel for treatment, you may be eligible for financial assistance to pay for travel. Accommodation costs may also be covered. Speak to your treatment team to find out more.
Health professionals you might see
When you visit a service there are a range of health professionals you may see. There could also be other health professionals you see at this service that are not included below.
Cancer care coordinator
A health professional who coordinates your care, liaises with the range of health professionals involved in your treatment, and supports you and your family throughout your cancer experience Care may also be coordinated by a clinical nurse consultant.
Clinical trials coordinator
Coordinates finding people for the trial (recruitment) by talking to potential participants, making sure they are eligible and explaining the purpose of the trial. This person also provides emotional and practical support to the patient and acts as a link between the patient and the researchers or the health care team.
Counsellor
Counsellors can listen to what is going on in your life and offer strategies for dealing with issues you are facing. They do not need to have any qualifications to practise, although many do, so it’s a good idea to check before making an appointment.
Dietitian
Helps with nutrition concerns and recommends changes to diet during treatment and recovery.
Exercise physiologist
Also called accredited exercise physiologists (AEPs), these allied health professionals have completed at least a four-year university degree. They use exercise as medicine to help with chronic disease management and overall wellbeing.
General Practitioner (GP) or family doctor
Assists you with treatment decisions and works in partnership with your specialists in providing ongoing care.
Genetic counsellor
Provides information, support and counselling to individuals and families before and after genetic testing. Genetic counsellors can clarify your risk, discuss what management plans may be appropriate and can discuss the limitations, potential benefits, disadvantages and appropriateness of genetic testing.
Medical oncologist or oncologist
Treats cancer with drug therapies such as chemotherapy and hormone therapy.
Nurse
Administers drugs and provides care, information and support throughout treatment.
Occupational therapist
Assists in adapting your living and working environment to help you resume usual activities during and after treatment.
Pain medicine specialist
Treats all types of pain, particularly ongoing pain or pain that is difficult to control.
Palliative care team
Your palliative care team will be made up of medical, nursing and allied health professionals, who offer a range of services to assist you, your family and carers throughout your illness.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a trained medical doctor who specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illness. As well as providing psychological support and discussing issues with patients, a psychiatrist may prescribe medicines to help manage a range of emotional conditions. You need a referral from your GP to see a psychiatrist.
Radiation oncologist
Treats cancer by prescribing and overseeing a course of radiation therapy.
Radiation therapist
Plans and delivers radiation therapy.
Social worker
Links you to support services and helps you with emotional, practical and financial issues.
Speech pathologist
Helps with communication and swallowing difficulties during treatment and recovery.
Surgeon
Surgically removes tumours and performs some biopsies.
Planning your visit
There are a number of things you should think about ahead of attending appointments at your treatment centre:
- Prepare a list of questions and place them in order of priority. If someone is coming with you to the appointment discuss these questions together, as they might have different questions. If you need assistance in coming up with questions, speak with one of our cancer nurses on 13 11 20.
- Find out where you can park and how much they charge. Have spare coins in case you need to use meters. Speak with your treatment team to find out if there are concessions available.
- If English is not your first language ask for an interpreter to be present. Contact the hospital prior to your appointment.
- If possible, bring someone with you for support. Take someone who can support you but will not dominate the appointment.
- Bring any paperwork you might need, like referral letters, prescriptions and test results.
- You may spend time waiting or your treatment may take time; bring things to keep you occupied i.e. books, magazines, phone, craft. Bring a bottle of water and a healthy snack.
- Connect with your treatment team to find out what support is available to you.
- Ask your doctor what you should bring to your treatment/hospital stay.
- Find out what the visiting hours are, and let your family and friends know.
- Call 13 11 20 to speak to one of our cancer nurses for information and support about attending appointments.
More information
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