1. A delay in treatment can be due to the doctor, the plan, the patient, the insurance, or the machine schedule.
1.1. 2. Why is there a delay with the doctor?
1.1.1. The doctor may have other appointments scheduled and could delay the planning process.
1.1.1.1. 3. Why doesn't the doctor set aside time in their schedule to plan?
1.1.1.1.1. This will be implemented sot that the doctor has time to work on the plan.
1.2. 2. Why is there a delay with the plan?
1.2.1. Once the planning starts, the doctor could change the plan or the plan could be difficult.
1.2.1.1. The plan can be difficult because of the patient's body habitus, location of the tumor/tumor bed, dose constraints or protocols.
1.2.1.1.1. 4. Why is the patient's body habitus and issue?
1.2.1.1.2. 4. Why are dose constraints an issue?
1.2.1.1.3. 4. Why is the location of the tumor an issue?
1.2.1.2. 3. Why is the plan diffcult?
1.3. ROOT CAUSE: Patient is not simulated in the correct or most ideal position. This is a correctable problem, the sim therapist needs to consult with the doctor.
1.4. 2. How does the patient delay the treatment?
1.4.1. The patient may have a trip scheduled, need to set up rides, or other extenuating circumstances.
1.4.1.1. 3. Why would this affect the patient?
1.4.1.1.1. This is a decision made by the patient. There are no more why questions because we do not have influence over this.
1.4.2. ROOT CAUSE: Not enough new start times on the schedule. This is correctable by either adding more times permanently or on an as-needed basis
1.5. 2. Why would the machine schedule delay the patient?
1.5.1. Sometimes we have a number of patients simulated around the same time and we only have a limited number of new start times. This is usually discussed with the patient and is not an common issue.
1.5.1.1. 3. Why do we have limited time slots?
1.5.1.1.1. To start a new patient, we need to have a doctor present. These times have been designated as new start times. The doctors have these times on their schedules.
1.6. 2. Why would the insurance delay the patient?
1.6.1. The insurance requires either preauthorization or pre-determination for a patient to begin treatment.
1.6.1.1. 3. Why does the patient need preauthorization or pre-determination?
1.6.1.1.1. To begin treatment, a patient is required to have preauthorization or pre-determination by the insurance company.