Posted 6/12/2011 6:07 PM (GMT -6)
I have mixed reactions to the article.
First, it is clear that offering all the options "in house" seems to smack of big business, which I tend to dislike.
It is also more than a bit concerning that companies would actually specialize in building the environment. But then it is yet another business.
But, I am a bit skeptical of Dr. Dattoli as the author. We know that he has a clinic specializing in radiation therapies, and the literature and books I've seen from his clinic are, in my "patient - reader" opinion, a bit heavy on the wonders of radiation.
Where the RT clinic is managed well, impartial, and professionally staffed, I can't see an issue for the patient. Where not, well, that would be a different discussion. But then we can make the same observations about the VA - we have seen widely diverse opinions expressed here about some localities.
I will say that my surgery and adjuvant radiation were done in an environment where there was a business relationship between the partners of the urology clinic, the RT clinic, and the major university hospital where I had my surgery. I did do my research, and all of the doctors and facilities involved had the highest ratings from my insurance company, and were well known to the local support groups/foundations I contacted. I had the option of, and did investigate, some large national cancer centers, one of which advised that they would not consider me for their programs (seeds or Proton RT), and others that suggested that the care available in my area was equal to the services they could offer. The issues of time and travel were not manageable with my job and insurance coverage, so local it was.
(Note I was not yet aware of HW when I did all this, so no bashing over not having followed any particular advice, please!)