1How many CION centres are there in Hyderabad?
Seven: Ameerpet, Kukatpally, Kompally, Masab
Tank, L.B. Nagar, Tolichowki and Banjara Hills. All of them give
consultations and day-care chemotherapy. One helpline books every
centre, so you do not need to call each one to find the doctor you
need.
2Can I choose which doctor I see?
Yes. Tell the care team the name when you call.
They will tell you where and when that doctor sees patients. If your
reports suggest a different specialty would help more, they will say so
plainly and let you decide.
3Do I need a referral letter?
No. You can book directly. A letter from the
doctor who found the cancer is helpful but not needed. What matters
most is that you bring every report, scan CD and discharge summary,
including ones you think are old or unimportant.
4Where are operations and radiotherapy done?
Not at the CION centres. Your CION surgical or
radiation oncologist plans the treatment, and the care team books it at
the hospital or centre that gives it. You are told the place and given a
written estimate before you agree to anything.
5What is a tumour board?
A meeting where medical, surgical and radiation
oncologists look at your reports together and agree a plan. It means
your plan is not one person's view. You hear what they recommended, the
other choices, and why they chose as they did.
6Can I get a second opinion on a plan from another hospital?
Yes. Bring the plan and the reports behind it.
A CION oncologist will tell you whether they agree, and if not, why.
It does not commit you to treatment at CION. Many families do this
simply to feel sure before starting.
7Does CION help with insurance?
CION's team helps with cashless insurance and
gives you a written estimate before you start. Bring the insurance card
and policy papers to the first visit. If you hold a government or
employer scheme, mention it when you call so it can be checked.
8We live outside Hyderabad. Is it worth coming in?
Often, yes, for the first opinion and the plan.
Tell the care team where you live. They will try to group your tests and
consultation into as few trips as possible, and tell you which later
steps might be given closer to home.