Frequently Asked Questions

Q: HOW DO I SCHEDULE ONLINE APPOINTMENTS?

A: Simply sign up through our secure online patient portal. Once you have an account, you can select the appointment date and time that is most convenient for you. If there is no convenient appointment time, please contact us to request additional times. Once you schedule an appointment, you will receive an email confirmation of your registration and appointment, along with your user ID and password. Online payment is easy and secure with your credit card. After your initial session, additional appointments may be scheduled as needed. 

Q:  WHAT CONDITIONS ARE AMENABLE TO CONSULTATION?

A:  This service is specifically limited to breast cancer patients and those at high risk for developing breast cancer.

Q:  WHAT KIND OF MEDICAL GUIDANCE WILL DR. KALTMAN PROVIDE?         

A: Dr. Kaltman is a medical oncologist who specializes in treating breast cancer patients. In practice, an oncologist works as part of a team along with other breast cancer specialists (i.e. breast surgeons, plastic surgeons, radiologists, radiation oncologists, and pathologists) to come up with a comprehensive treatment plan for a newly-diagnosed breast cancer patient. While Dr. Kaltman is knowledgeable about the other specialties, her consultation and advice will mainly be focused on the medical treatment of breast cancer; specifically, the need for hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and/or biologic therapy. She will be able to prepare you for your visits with other cancer specialists, by providing a list of specific questions to ask your surgeon, radiation oncologist, etc.

Q:  WHAT EQUIPMENT OR SOFTWARE DO I NEED?

A:  Any computer with a webcam and a high-speed internet connection should work effectively.

Q: WHAT IS THE COST OF AN ONLINE CONSULTATION?

A:  Complexity of each consultation varies. Dr. Kaltman will review the fees with you, based on your specific needs, during the 15 minute free meet and greet session. The fee schedule may also be emailed to you upon request.

Q: DOES INSURANCE COVER ONLINE CONSULTATIONS?

A:  You will be provided with invoice/claim forms to submit to your insurance company for direct reimbursement. Reimbursement depends on your policy coverage as well as state-specific laws regarding payment for telemedicine consultations. Twenty-one states and the District of Columbia require that private insurers cover telehealth the same as they cover in-person services.  For the most up-to-date state-based information, go to : CCHPCA.org

Q:  IS MY PRIVACY PROTECTED THROUGHOUT THE ONLINE CONSULTATION?

A:  Yes. Our online consultation is HIPAA-compliant. Video conferences may be recorded with written consent only by either party. Your medical records will also be kept within a portal that is also HIPPA compliant and encrypted. Complete privacy policies are available to you on this website and also upon registration for the consultation. Standard email communication is NOT HIPPA compliant at this time so clinical issues cannot be addressed in this format. We hope to be able to provide secure messaging shortly.

Q:  WHY DO I HAVE TO LIVE IN ONE OF THE STATES (DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, MARYLAND, VIRGINIA, OR PENNSYLVANIA) LISTED ON THE WEBSITE TO HAVE A CONSULTATION?

A:  As this is a true medical consultation, Dr. Kaltman needs to be licensed in the states where she is practicing. Which means, if you are located in Virginia, Dr. Kaltman needs to be licensed in Virginia to provide any kind of medical advice. However, if you would like to subscribe to Dr. Kaltman's newsletter, you may do so regardless of the state in which you reside.

Q:  DOES BREAST CANCER CONSULTANTS PLAN TO OPEN UP SERVICES TO OTHER AREAS OF THE COUNTRY?

A:  Yes, over time we plan to expand and offer similar services beyond the mid-Atlantic region. If you are not in a state listed as one covered by Breast Cancer Consultants at this time and are interested in a consultation, please let us know.

Q:  WHAT IF I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AFTER MY CONSULTATION?

A:  Many types of consultations allow for brief follow up calls to discuss any new information that might be learned shortly after our initial consultation. If it seems that the issue is more complex than can be handled in a brief phone conversation, Dr. Kaltman may suggest that you schedule another follow-up video consultation.