The Surest guide to thyroid cancer
You have so much to think about with a cancer diagnosis—the last thing you should have to worry about is your insurance. Surest offers comprehensive cancer care coverage. Use this resource to better understand treatment options and your Surest plan benefits. You can also request a call from the Surest clinical team. We’re here to help.
What types of doctors might I see?
Several types of doctors and clinical professionals may be involved in your care. These providers are specialists in thyroid cancer care. They may include:
- Endocrinologist—a specialist in the treatment of thyroid and other endocrine disorders
- Surgeon—a specialist who uses surgery to treat cancer. This may be an
otorhinolaryngologist, oncological surgeon, or general surgeon. - Medical oncologists—a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer
- Radiation oncologists—a specialist in using radiation therapy to treat cancer
Search the Surest app or website for the type of specialty provider to view and compare copays for providers. The copay for an office visit will vary based on the provider and office location. Surest evaluates providers based on past performance for things like effectiveness and cost-efficient care. Those considered high value are often priced lower. If you know the name of the provider you’d like to see, you can also search by a specific name to see details. Contact Member Services if you have questions about cost or coverage.
What types of tests might I need?
Use the Surest app or website to search for the types of tests noted below. Copays may vary based on who delivers the service and where that service is provided.
Laboratory tests: Urine and blood tests
Many urine and blood tests, including TSH, T3, T4, thyroglobulin, and thyroglobulin antibody, are covered at a $0 copay when done by an in-network provider.
If your labs are drawn during a provider visit, a copay for the provider visit will apply. You can find the office visit copay in the Surest app or website under the doctor’s name.
Laboratory tests: Genetic testing
Genetic testing is used to look for inherited gene mutations that might put someone at higher risk of getting certain kinds of cancer.
These tests may need authorization before the test is done. Your in-network provider will initiate this process with Surest. Genetic testing prices will vary depending on the type of test and how it’s done.
Imaging tests
The cost for an in-network X-ray or ultrasound is a $0 copay. Note the copay is based on the exact location, not the health care system/group. Ask your provider to send your imaging test orders to the location you choose. Common advanced imaging tests include:
- Thyroid uptake scan: An imaging test that involves using small amounts of radioactive substances (radiotracers), a special camera that can detect the radioactivity, and a computer, to see structures such as the thyroid inside the body
- CT scan: A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of parts of your body and the structures inside your body. During the test, you will lie on a table that is attached to the CT scanner. The CT scanner is a large doughnut-shaped machine.
- MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body. When you have an MRI, you lie on a table and your body is moved into the MRI machine, where an image is taken of the area of the body being studied.
- PET scan: Positron emission tomography (PET) scans use a doughnut-shaped special type of camera, and a radioactive substance called a “tracer” to look at organs in the body. A computed tomography (CT) scan is often done at the same time as a PET scan.
- Bone scan: A test that identifies new areas of bone growth or breakdown. During a bone scan, a small amount of radioactive substance (radionuclide) is injected into the bloodstream. A camera takes pictures of the location of the radioactive substance in the bone.
Biopsy
A biopsy is a sample of tissue collected from an organ or other part of the body. The sample is then examined by a doctor trained to look at tissue samples (pathologist). The procedure of collecting the sample of tissue or cells is also called a biopsy. Common biopsies for thyroid cancer include:
- Fine needle aspiration (FNA): A biopsy procedure where a thin needle is inserted into tissue or fluid to collect a sample of cells
- Thyroid biopsy: A needle procedure where a small amount of tissue is removed from your thyroid to test for cancer
Your provider will talk with you about which type of biopsy is best for your care. The copay for a biopsy procedure depends on the type of biopsy and the location where it is performed. A biopsy can be done in the office or as an outpatient procedure. If you aren’t sure whether your biopsy is considered an office visit or outpatient procedure, contact your doctor’s office.
Can I get help making decisions about treatments?
With an increasing number of treatments available, it’s common to feel uncertain about your treatment plan and what is ahead. Surest can help. We have a clinical team available to help you navigate important decisions.
Our Clinical Advocacy team can also help you find other doctors who specialize in your diagnosis to get a second opinion on your treatment plan. Don’t worry about offending your current provider team when seeking a second opinion. You’re taking an active role in learning more about your condition and most doctors encourage second opinions. The Surest team is here to support you. I'd like some help.
What are common thyroid cancer treatments?
Use the Surest app or website to search for the types of treatment noted below. Copays may vary based on who delivers the service and where that service is provided. Surest copays are often lower for providers who may help you feel better, faster.
Surgery
Surgery is used to prevent, diagnose, stage, and treat cancer. Surgery can also relieve discomfort or problems related to cancer. Common surgeries for thyroid cancer include:
- Thyroidectomy (thyroid surgery)—removes all or part of the thyroid gland. Some lymph nodes may also be removed.
- Modified radical neck dissection (cervical lymphadenectomy)—removes more lymph nodes in the neck
Share price information with your doctor to help decide where to have surgery. Many providers practice at multiple locations, so ask about location choices.
Radiation treatment
Some types of radiation therapy may need prior authorization. Your in-network doctor will initiate this process with Surest. Some types of therapy include:
- Oral radiopharmaceutical therapy—a capsule or liquid containing a radioactive substance, such as radioactive iodine, is ingested by the patient. This accumulates in certain tissues and emits radiation to destroy abnormal cells.
- Non-oral radiopharmaceutical therapy—intravenous (IV) and other non-oral administration targets treat specific areas affected by cancer using radioactive substances. Once administered, the substance accumulates in certain tissues and emits radiation to destroy abnormal cells.
- Other types of radiation therapy—may be delivered by a machine outside the body (external radiation therapy) or inside your body (brachytherapy)
Drug treatment
Drug treatments may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy. These medicines may be used alone or in combination and can be given by infusion, injection, or as pills. Other points worth noting:
- Injections and infusions can be given in the office, in an inpatient facility, or an outpatient setting. A copay will apply each time you go in for an infusion or injection.
- Sometimes, an implanted port or central venous line may be needed for the delivery of drug treatment.
- The cost of oral medicine (pills) will depend on the type of medicine. You may be directed to a separate pharmacy site. If you see the prompt for this, follow the directions to see your cost for the medicine.
- If all or part of the thyroid gland is removed with surgery or radiation therapy, you will need to take thyroid hormone pills to replace the missing thyroid hormones your body needs. These pills may also help prevent the cancer from returning.
- Some medications may need prior authorization. Your in-network provider will initiate this process with Surest, if needed.
Active surveillance
Very low-risk thyroid cancer may not need treatment right away. With regular checkups and tests, your doctor can closely watch the cancer for any signs of growth. You and your doctor will talk about whether this is an option for you.
What other services might help?
Dietitian
A dietitian visit can be helpful if you have problems related to food and digestion.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine and can help with symptoms such as pain, fatigue, nausea, or vomiting. Acupuncture uses very thin needles to influence energy flow; sometimes heat, pressure, or mild electrical current is used along with needles.
Support for stress, anxiety, and uncertainty
A cancer diagnosis often affects the emotional health of patients, families, and caregivers. You’re not alone. Talk to your provider and loved ones about how you are feeling. Surest provides comprehensive coverage for mental health care. Click here for the Mental Health guide.
Use the Surest app or website to search for the specialty providers or types of care noted above. Copays may vary based on who delivers the service and where that service is provided. Surest copays are often lower for providers who may help you feel better, faster.
Surest is here to help.
The Surest Clinical Advocacy team is here to help you:
- Understand important decisions about your treatments
- Identify quality in-network doctors and facilities
- Share your preferences for care with doctors and other specialists on your care team
- Navigate your Surest benefits and understand costs for services
- Learn about resources and support groups with other people going through a similar challenge
Other thyroid cancer resources
- Health Library
- ThyCA.org is the thyroid cancer survivors’ organization. It includes a handbook for a low iodine diet, peer support, and resources for specific types of thyroid cancer.
- CancerCare.org
- Cancer.org
- Clinical Trials guide
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This content is not medical advice. You should always consult with your health care professional.