“The Bayou State” offers a vast network of resources to help cancer patients cope with the life altering news of a diagnosis. Louisiana cities such as New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport are home to world class medical facilities that have licensed and experienced oncologists on staff to conduct accurate tests and perform cutting edge cancer treatments.
Support groups throughout the state help you or a loved one cope with the anxiety that can overwhelm the stoutest patients. The Social Security Administration (SSA) runs a benefits program that helps eligible cancer patients focus less on money and more on recovery.
Oncologists in Louisiana
A licensed Louisiana oncologist will run a series of tests to determine the presence of cancer, as well as diagnose the severity of the disease. Advanced diagnostic equipment and super fast processing machines produce results quickly to prevent the fear of the unknown from gripping patients.
Oncologists are also responsible for maintaining meticulous patient medical records for submitting all the information required by the SSA to facilitate Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims. The SSA refers to its Blue Book of benefits guidelines to establish eligibility.
Here is a short list of some oncologists licensed in Louisiana:
Hematology and Oncology Specialists
4228 Houma Boulevard
Metairie, LA
(504) 373-5433
Hematology/Oncology Clinic
8595 Picardy Avenue, #400
Baton Rouge, LA
(225) 767-0822
Feist-Weiller Cancer Center
1501 Kings Highway
Shreveport, LA
(318) 813-1000
Cancer Support Groups
After a cancer diagnosis, many patients have a hard time coping with the bad news. Support from family and friends alleviates some of the fear caused by the scary news, but cancer patients that join support groups have a much better chance of fighting the devastating disease.
Current patients and cancer survivors attend support group meetings to share stories about how they handled the stress of a cancer diagnosis. Oncologists discuss the latest breakthroughs in cancer research to give patients information that gives them renewed optimism.
Find out more about one of the following cancer support groups:
Touro
New Orleans, LA
Meets one time a month from 12-1pm
Call (504) 897-8678 for 2018 and 2019 dates
American Cancer Society
10528 Kentshire Court
Baton Rouge, LA
Call (225) 927-0782 for dates and times
Willis-Knight Cancer Center
2600 Kings Highway
Shreveport, LA
Call (318) 212-8300 for dates and times
Applying for Social Security Benefits to Fight Cancer in Louisiana
SSDI benefits allow cancer patients to focus on what is most important: making a full recovery. Cancer patients that receive approval for SSDI benefits can use the proceeds to pay off medical bills and daily living expenses like food and housing. Cancer patients that have experienced 12 consecutive months of unemployment or are living with a terminal cancer diagnosis typically receive approval for SSDI benefits. There are dozens of SSA offices located throughout Louisiana.
SSA New Orleans
400 Poydras Street, #500
New Orleans, LA
(800) 772-1213
SSA Baton Rouge
5455 Bankers Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA
(866) 613-3070
SSA Shreveport
1240 S. Pointe Parkway
Shreveport, LA
(877) 319-3074
Getting Legal Aid for Your Claim
Although an oncologist is responsible for submitting the paperwork requested by the SSA to process SSDI claims, a licensed lawyer who specializes in health care cases will make sure the SSA reviews your application in a timely manner.
A Social Security disability lawyer also fights for the legal rights of cancer patients on the job and when seeking medical care. Fill out the Free Case Evaluation to be put in contact with a disability attorney that can help you successfully receive disability benefits.
