This information explains how your thyroid cancer care will be transitioned from MSK to your local primary care provider. It also answers some frequently asked questions.
Your care at MSK
At MSK, we have a plan of care for people who have completed treatment for thyroid cancer. Your plan is based on your individual needs. As you move forward after treatment, your healthcare needs may change. At this point in your care, you are past the time when most thyroid cancers recur (come back). This means your local primary care provider can manage your ongoing healthcare needs, including your thyroid labs and medicines. We understand this transition may feel scary at first. We are here to support you.
Transition to your local primary care provider
Your MSK doctor or survivorship advanced practice provider (APP, such as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant) will send your local primary care provider a detailed summary of your care at MSK and copies of your test results. This report will also include any recommendations based on the thyroid cancer treatment you received.
Frequently asked questions
What if I don’t have a local primary care provider?
Contact your insurance company to find a primary care provider in your insurance network. If you choose to see an endocrinologist, they can also help you find one. An endocrinologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats endocrine conditions, such as thyroid cancer.
Will I need any other care for my thyroid cancer?
Every year, you should have blood tests for your thyroid. You should have your thyroid tumor marker (thyroglobulin) checked once a year. You should also have your thyroid levels checked at least once a year to make sure your thyroid replacement medicine is in your goal range. The goal range will be included in the detailed summary sent to your local provider
What other care will I need?
You should follow up with your primary care provider to address your other health needs, such as checking your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. You should keep following our recommendations for cancer screening and other steps to improve your health, especially those related to diet and exercise.
I see doctors at MSK for reasons not related to thyroid cancer. Can I continue to do so?
Talk with your MSK healthcare provider and local healthcare providers about planning your care. Some people transfer other care they receive at MSK to their primary care provider or a specialist in their community. Other people keep seeing healthcare providers at MSK. Your MSK and local healthcare providers can help you decide what’s best for you.
What if I have another problem related to thyroid cancer and need to come back to MSK?
If you have any problems related to thyroid cancer or your thyroid cancer treatment, we want you to come back to MSK. We’ll give you and your primary care provider contact information to make an appointment. As a returning patient, you can make an appointment by calling 877-284-5246.
Learn about our Health Information Policy.