Editing Mesothelioma Treatment Centers (section)

== How Can Patients Access Care at Distant Specialized Centers? ==

Geographic barriers should not prevent mesothelioma patients from receiving optimal care at specialized centers. Multiple pathways now exist to access expert evaluation and treatment guidance regardless of location.

=== Telemedicine Consultations ===

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated telemedicine adoption, with '''44 states now mandating telehealth reimbursement''' by private insurers. Major mesothelioma centers offer virtual second opinion programs:

'''Cedars-Sinai''': Comprehensive reviews costing $590-$790 with expert matching and personalized reports delivered within 1-2 weeks.

'''Cleveland Clinic''': Automated record collection system with average turnaround under 2 weeks for comprehensive case review.

'''Dana-Farber Cancer Institute''': Secure online consultations with International Mesothelioma Program specialists who can review pathology, imaging, and recommend treatment approaches.

Medicare covers 80% of approved telehealth services, enabling seniors to access specialist consultations from home. The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact streamlines licensing requirements, allowing physicians to consult with patients across state lines.

=== International Centers of Excellence ===

For patients considering international treatment options, several centers demonstrate exceptional mesothelioma outcomes:

'''Princess Margaret Cancer Centre''' (Toronto): Dr. Marc de Perrot's SMART protocol (Surgery for Mesothelioma After Radiation Therapy) demonstrates innovative sequencing of radiation and surgery. Fast-track diagnostic procedures minimize treatment delays.

'''Swiss Mesothelioma Clinic''' (Geneva): Professor Loïc Lang-Lazdunski reports among the world's lowest surgical mortality rates with over 1,000 patients treated.

'''German Centers''': ViDia Hospital Karlsruhe and University Hospital Heidelberg offer advanced HIPEC programs with established expertise in peritoneal mesothelioma treatment.

----