Just heard from my doc that they can't get me an appointment with a head & neck guy in NJ for a 2nd opinion for resection and or reconstruction. Recommending that I try to get over to Philly (Fox Chase). Since I am Charity and Medicaid, it's up to me to facilitate this process on my own. I've called Social Services to put this into motion but now I wonder if it has to be Fox Chase. Problem is that I don't know anything about the hospitals or, more importantly, the doctors in Philly. I know U of P has a great reputation but so does Fox Chase. How do I make an informed decision?

Pat - 62 yr. old -DX 8/29/09 SCC stage III floor of mouth
Lower teeth& bone removed
Port& Peg
Cisplatin x3; Rad 35 - ended 12/21/09
Fox Chase 2nd opinion-mandibulectomy; tracheotomy; left neck dissection; jaw reconstruction 5/13/10; flap failed;new flap 7/13/10; lipo January 2011