Navigating thyroid cancer care:The One-stop follow-up service

In his latest online article. Professor Chris Nutting gives us his insights into One- Stop thyroid cancer follow up service. He talks about what it is, how it works, the benefits, eligibility, how often you should use the service and the costs.

What is the One-Stop thyroid cancer follow up service?

Patients with thyroid cancer need ongoing follow-up, usually for 10 years post-treatment. These patients are often young and have jobs, families, and busy lives. They require checkups 3 or 4 times a year, including blood tests and consultations. A one-stop service for thyroid cancer aims to simplify this process by using video appointments after an initial in-person blood test. This will be convenient and save time for patients who need the service.

How does the One-Stop thyroid cancer follow up service work?

The One-Stop thyroid cancer follow-up service is designed to make things simpler for patients who have been treated for thyroid cancer. Here's how it works:

First appointment for blood test: Patients start by visiting the clinic for a blood test. This helps the doctors understand their health status.

Talking to doctors via video calls: After the blood test, patients have appointments with their doctors through video calls. This lets them talk about how they're doing, get updates about their health, and discuss any worries they have.

Regular check-ins: Patients continue to have check-up appointments, usually 3 or 4 times a year. They talk to their healthcare team and get their blood checked to make sure everything is okay.

Easy and saves time: The video appointments mean fewer trips to the clinic. This is great for patients who are busy with work, family, and other things. It also cuts down on travel time.

Long-term care: People with thyroid cancer need to be watched over for about 10 years after treatment. The One-Stop service makes sure they get the care they need during this time.

Staying safe: Even though it's convenient, the service keeps patients safe. If anything changes with their health, the healthcare team can take care of it quickly.

What are the benefits of using the One-Stop thyroid cancer follow up service?

Using the One-Stop thyroid cancer follow-up service offers several advantages:

• : Patients only need to make one in-person visit for a blood test, reducing the need for frequent clinic trips. This convenience is particularly beneficial for individuals with busy schedules and commitments.
• : The service minimises the time patients need to spend on appointments. Virtual video consultations eliminate the need for travel and waiting time, making the follow-up process more efficient.

Efficient monitoring: The combination of blood tests and video consultations ensures that patients receive thorough and consistent monitoring of their health status.

Patient-centered care: The service is tailored to the needs of patients, allowing them to engage in consultations from the comfort of their own homes while receiving the necessary medical attention.

Reduced disruption: Patients can maintain their work, family, and other commitments without the burden of frequent clinic visits, resulting in less disruption to their daily lives.

Enhanced communication: Video consultations enable direct communication with healthcare providers, allowing patients to discuss their progress, ask questions, and address any concerns in real-time.

Long-term Management: The service supports the long-term monitoring required for thyroid cancer patients, ensuring their health and well-being are consistently looked after for up to a decade post-treatment.

Safety and prompt care: Despite the remote nature of video appointments, healthcare professionals can quickly respond to any changes in the patient's condition and provide necessary interventions, ensuring patient safety.

Minimised travel: Patients, especially those living in remote areas, benefit from reduced travel requirements, saving them time, effort, and potential costs associated with commuting to clinics.

Holistic approach: The service takes into account the practical needs and challenges faced by patients, providing comprehensive care that considers their individual circumstances.

Who is eligible for the One-Stop thyroid cancer follow up service?

The One-Stop thyroid cancer follow-up service is typically designed for individuals who have been treated for thyroid cancer and require ongoing monitoring. Eligibility criteria for this service may include:

Thyroid cancer patients: Individuals who have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer and have undergone treatment such as surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, or other relevant interventions.

Post-treatment monitoring: Patients who require regular follow-up and monitoring after their initial treatment to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and to detect any potential recurrence or complications.

Stable health status: Patients whose health status is stable and who do not require immediate in-person medical attention or interventions.

Ability for virtual consultations: Patients who have access to the necessary technology (such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet) and internet connectivity to engage in video consultations.

Consent and preference: Individuals who are willing to participate in virtual appointments and prefer the convenience of remote consultations.

Medical team evaluation: Eligibility may also be determined by the treating medical team, who will consider the patient's medical history, treatment plan, and individual circumstances.

How often should I use the One-Stop thyroid cancer follow up service?

Individuals who have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer typically undergo regular checkups, occurring approximately 2 or 3 times annually and spanning a period of up to 10 years. As a result, this constitutes a recurring service provided to patients as part of an ongoing protocol subsequent to their treatment.

What are the costs associated with using the One-Stop thyroid cancer follow up service?

The expenses related to the one-stop service will align with standard charges and will be covered by your private medical insurance. Blood tests will incur regular charges set by the hospital provider, while video consultations will be billed at the equivalent rate as in-person appointments with the consultant.

Professor Chris Nutting is a distinguished clinical oncologist with over 30 years of experience. You can schedule an appointment with Professor Nutting on his Top Doctors profile.