I think most insurance pays (or not) per doc visits, procedures, tests, etc regardless of where they take place, as long as the facility accepts that particular insurance. However, if it's the type of insurance that requires everything be done in a specific network unless they give authorization to go elsewhere (such as a Medicare Advantage plan) you have to be sure that you go to a network facility. And if he has regular Medicare, he may also have a Medicare Supplement which picks up all or part of the 20% of charges Medicare doesn't pay. Can you find out exactly what insurance your dad has? Then you can look online to find out what it covers and where.

Call the insurance company or ask your parents if they were sent a directory of in-network physicians and facilities. You can also ask when you make the appointment.

Well just to update. We researched and found him a great oncologist with a lot of experience in OC. Hes at a cancer center in our area. He just had an MRI and CT scan this past Friday. He goes for the results on Monday.

His first meeting with the oncologist was a good one. He really likes her and she is very kind and understanding. According to her the spot is less than 2cm and she cannot feel any lymphs in his neck or jaw area enlarged. She said thats a good size that its localized, but said to take that very lighting until we get the results from the MRI/CT back.

For the first time in my life ive seen my dad show emotion. Hes obviously very shaken up. Not so much worrying about himself, but the possibility of leaving his kids behind. So we have been trying to keep him busy with various tasks around the house to keep his mind from going there.

Of course it hasnt been easy at all on me or my mother. We are both pretty nervous wrecks and I havent been sleeping as well as I would like with my mind so heavy.

Father met with the surgeon this past week to discuss the surgery needed. Hes going to have a partial glossectomy. And he also wants to remove a few questionable lymph nodes in the neck just to be sure. He was told the surgery would take 8-10 hours. We looked at many surgeons and decided on one that came highly recommended for treating many with OC. He tandems with a Vascular surgeon.

Dad is freaked out of the surgery and is worried that by the time the surgery is performed (Approx. 3 weeks from now) that the cancer will spread.

We are trying to keep him bust and reassured its going ot be alright.

It looks like you have a medical team that you like and can trust. That's a good thing.

Can you talk to your dad's surgeon about his fear of the cancer spreading and see if the doctor will give him some reassurance? If you or your dad can be proactive in this way, it will help him through the treatment ahead as he will feel he has some control.