Anyone with info re: UCSD radiology for brachytherapy?

My husband and I meet with RO Dr Eincke at UCSD on Friday. He was one of two RO doctors we were referred to and were told both would do an excellent job.

Not sure why, but Demanes was not on that list of referrals. I’m trying to get my husband to get a consult there also.

We just found out from UCSD that Eincke is somehow a subcontractor with Kaiser, our provider. Which means we have coverage where we thought we wouldn’t, if we go that route. But I read online that they use seeds primarily, and only do HDR in special circumstances. HDR is what I’m hoping my husband chooses.

I know this RO is experienced and gets good reviews for patient care, but we have had such a weird experience with Kaiser through this process—now I’m not feeling comfortable with anyone associated with them, as it pertains to prostate cancer. We’ll have to see how the appt goes, but I suspect they will offer only seed therapy to us because it’s cheaper.

I’m wondering if I’m over thinking it and should just be happy we found someone decent that’s covered under Kaiser. I’ve read about better outcomes with HDRvs LDR in terms of side effects. Is it worth it to push for Demanes if my husband wants to go other route? Thank you!

You should be able to set up a consult directly with Demanes, although you may not actually be able to see him since as I understand it he's semi-retired and is not in the office as much. But the whole team that is in place has been part of Demanes's team for years. In my case, I initially consulted with Demanes, but then had one of the other doctors on his team--Mitchell Kamrava lead the procedure. Kamrava now heads up the HDR brachy program at Cedars-Sinai, so that's another place to keep in mind.

Re the insurance question, as much as I have personally have had a very good experience with HDR brachy and it has a very good track record, if I had to pay out of pocket for the procedure it would really make me stop and think of the cost/benefit of pursuing it--particularly since your husband has a favorable diagnosis. Do any of the Kaiser facilities perform HDR brachy?

Kaiser at Santa Clara does HDR Brachy. You might call them to discuss the availability of this procedure at their location or elsewhere in the Kaiser California system.

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Charles