This information explains how your thyroid cancer care will be transitioned from Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) to your local endocrinologist. It also answers some frequently asked questions.
An endocrinologist is a healthcare provider who treats problems with your endocrine system. Your endocrine system makes and releases hormones.
Your Care at MSK
At MSK, we have a plan of care for people who have completed treatment for thyroid cancer. This plan is based on your individual needs. You have passed the time when most problems from thyroid cancer happen. This means you can start seeing your local endocrinologist for your future healthcare needs. This transition may seem scary at first, but we’re here to help you.
Transition to Your Local Healthcare Provider
Your MSK doctor or survivorship advanced practice provider (APP, such as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant) will send your local endocrinologist 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.
Your MSK doctor and survivorship APP will be available to you and your endocrinologist if there are any questions about your care or if you develop a new thyroid problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have a local endocrinologist?
If you don’t have an endocrinologist, we can help you find one or your care can be managed by your primary care provider.
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 medication is in your goal range. Your MSK doctor or APP will discuss your goal range with your healthcare 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 endocrinologist contact information to make an appointment. As a returning patient, you can make an appointment by calling 877-284-5246.