The following are some answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) by patients who have been diagnosed with cancer.

What should I do if I can’t afford treatment?

A financial counselor is available to answer any questions you have about insurance benefits, Medicare, and supplemental or secondary insurance.

Why can’t I be billed for co-payments?

Co-payments are required at the time of service as specified by your insurance carrier.

What are clinical trials?

Clinical trials test new treatments in people with cancer to find better ways to treat cancer and help cancer patients. It is important to remember that in the majority of clinical trials, the treatment being evaluated has already given researchers reason to believe that it is an improvement over current therapies. However, people who participate in a trial cannot be sure that they will be in the group that receives the treatment being tested. The people who do not receive the new treatment will be given therapy that meets the current standard of care, meaning a therapy that people may typically be treated with now.

How will I benefit from participating in a clinical trial?

While a clinical trial can be a good choice for some, this treatment option has possible benefits and drawbacks. Please consider the following factors carefully.

• If you participate in a clinical trial, you cannot be sure that you will be in the group that receives the treatment being tested. However, even if you are not in the group that receives the new treatment, you will be given therapy that meets the current standard of care, meaning a therapy that people may typically be treated with now.
• You may be among the first to benefit from a new treatment approach.
• You are taking an active role in a decision that affects your life.
• By participating in a clinical trial, you may improve cancer treatment for both yourself and others.
• New treatments may have unexpected side effects or side effects that are worse than those associated with standard treatment. New treatments under study are not always better than, or even as good as, standard care.
• The treatment being studied may not work for you. Even treatments that have been proven effective for many people do not help all patients.

If you are a candidate for a clinical trial, we will discuss the potential benefits and side effects with you. We encourage candidates to also discuss these factors with the people close to them.

Is Hematology Oncology Associates of Illinois participating in any clinical trials?

Hematology Oncology Associates of Illinois is currently conducting trials in cooperation with US Oncology and Northwestern University. If you are eligible for participation in a clinical trial, we will let you know.