None of this medical section of this web site is "advice" (though it is believed to be true and accurate...BUT, it may not be up-to-date). While also making collected information available, one of my main goals is to illustrate how complex some medical issues are. And, one should usually infer that there are often a number of different correct decisions/treatments. Decisions rest on MANY factors...not the least of which are the patient's own personality and disposition factors. Competent and conscientious local doctors and other care-givers (who have been involved with you or your family...or, at least, your type of people...over a long term) are in the best position to know and appreciate the particulars of your personal and family background and traits so as to properly work with you....especially on answers to such issues as whether or not you need referral to a local or distant specialist. Personal investigation can be helpful as well as highly confusing.

Hospital based specialists...such as radiologists, radiation oncologists, and pathologists...who have rapport and vested interests in a given community... offer local advantages similar to the above. Pathologists who favor and promote the advantages of a local specialists believe in "point of care practice" as offering the broadest & best array of advantages.

It can be a serious disadvantage if you are covered under a health plan which restricts (directly and/or by hidden incentives) your ability to obtain care from the doctor, lab, hospital, or other entity of your choice. Keep in mind that distant major hospital and clinic referral centers may have a bias more toward filling research quotas rather than toward your personal single-case interests.

THE FOLLOWING ARE MY PERSONAL CHECKLISTS AND OPINIONS FOR MY OWN PERSONAL REVIEW BUT MADE AVAILABLE TO YOU FOR YOUR REVIEW AND PERSONAL USE. COPYRIGHT PROTECTED SINCE 1997.

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