Questions to Ask Your Medical Oncology Colleagues

Communication between the orthopedic surgeon and the medical oncologist can have the utmost ramifications for patients with metastatic disease. Efficient and well thought out communication can prevent unnecessary surgery, predict perioperative challenges, and promote optimal outcomes. This chapter aims to foster focused, thoughtful questions about the patient, the disease, the treatment, and the logistics of surgery, so the orthopedic surgeon can coordinate with the medical oncologist to reduce mistakes and miscommunications. This chapter is a framework for efficient, effective communication between providers that can prevent complications and improve outcomes.