Subsequent review consultations will be for monitoring your progress and response to treatment.
Maintaining all scheduled appointments during cancer treatment is important for monitoring progress and addressing any side effects. Your oncologist will closely monitor your condition, make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan, and provide support, information, and guidance on managing side effects. Regular pathology tests, imaging, and monitoring tests will also be ordered to ensure that the treatment plan is effective.
A current referral from your general practitioner or referring specialist is required for types of all consultations with your oncologist. This is a requirement of Medicare Australia and it will enable you to receive a Medicare rebate from the cost of your consultation.
Open communication with your oncologist is key to ensuring that your care is tailored to your needs. Be sure to discuss any concerns or issues and ask questions. Self-care and self-monitoring, such as being aware of changes in your body and reporting them to your oncologist, are also important components of follow-up care. Eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising can help improve your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being and reduce treatment side effects
