When diagnosed with cancer or any ailment requiring radiation therapy, in this case CyberKnife, patients have a lot of questions. We asked the team at CyberKnife Miami to share the answers to FAQ’S so you can have them right now. Maria Kristina Borgen is the first person you will likely talk to when you call the center, and she is the one who answers most of the questions when patients first call our cancer center. Maria Kristina is the office manager, and so much more. She schedules appointments and helps patients manage their treatment plan, including working with your insurance. Her goal is to make the process for patients as easy as possible and get you treated as quickly as possible, which is vital because a cancer diagnosis is stressful and can be overwhelming. What you will notice first and foremost is the compassion and understanding the team has for patients, we put their needs first, above our’s.
Here are the answers to the most FAQ’s answered by Maria Kristina Borgen
- Does my insurance cover the procedure?
“Most insurances cover CyberKnife but as reassurance I always verify prior to scheduling consultation and obtain eligibility details, and if there is any patient responsibility. I am transparent with financial fees upfront and offer payment plan options depending on the situation. I always offer to work with patients so it will not be a financial burden, nor deter them from pursing treatment.”
- Is there a long wait before my treatment appointments are scheduled?
“Usually not, unless the doctor treating you is away. We try to accommodate patients as best we can. I consider factors such as the patient’s work schedule, account time for commutes, especially if they are coming from a longer distance such as the Florida Keys or the West Palm Beach area. The typical time frame to start treatment is usually within two weeks after your consultation, but I have to consider external factors such as insurance authorization if required, and doctor availability.”
- Can I work after my treatment?
“The answer is usually yes, unless indicated otherwise by your treating physician. This is addressed at the time of your consultion, but most of our patients resume daily activities right after their treatment session, including hitting the gym to workout. It’s most often just a personal decision if they elect to go back to work right after treatment or take time off from work.”
- How long is each treatment session?
“Time can differ depending on the area we are treating and how many fractions are scheduled, but typically it’s between 30-to-45 minutes on an average. The patient is informed how long each treatment will take prior to starting so they know what to expect. We also have to account for set-up time when they get on the CyberKnife treatment table. That can add another 5-to-10 minutes.”
- Do I have to be accompanied by someone each time I get treated?
“No. It isn’t necessary to have someone come with you and we don’t require it unless you elect to take an oral sedative because you’re nervous, or if your case requires you to wear a mask and you’re claustrophobic and have taken a sedative, then you need someone to drive you. Other than these instances, we do not require it and leave it up to the patient. Most patients tolerate the treatment very well, don’t need sedatives to calm themselves, and actually find it relaxing and end up taking a little nap during their treatment session.”
Hopefully we helped answer your most pertinent questions, but we know you will have many more and we are happy to answer all of them for you. Just reach out to us at 305-279-2900. And just FYI, chances are you will get a real person on the phone when you call, not an answering machine. If we can’t because we are with patients, or it’s after hours, we will call you back as soon as we can.
In addition, you can email us with any questions, and we will answer those too because we know this is a scary time and you need answers and reassurance as soon as you can get it to ease your mind. Here is our email address. info@cyberknifemiami.com
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