Oncology
Understanding who oncologists are and how to get connected to cancer care.
What does an oncologist do?
Oncologists are physicians who care for people with cancer. The field has several branches that often work as one team: medical oncologists coordinate overall cancer care, surgical oncologists operate, and radiation oncologists deliver radiation-based care. Which specialists are involved, and in what order, depends on the diagnosis, and your oncology team explains that plan.
Almost no one starts at an oncologist's front desk. The path usually runs through another provider: a concerning finding on imaging or a biopsy leads a primary-care provider, surgeon, or other specialist to refer you. If you're facing that referral now, the most useful things you can do are practical, and they're below.
Navigating a referral, and your first visit
Bring the paper trail: imaging discs or portal access, the pathology report if a biopsy was done, your medication list, and your questions written down, because first oncology visits carry a lot of information. It helps to bring a second set of ears; many people ask a family member to join. Second opinions are normal and expected in cancer care, and good oncologists are comfortable with them. If your care runs through the military health system, the guides below explain how specialty referrals work, and how veterans can get seen through the veterans health system.
ProviderQuoHealth shows each provider's credentials, accepted insurance, and contact details. Questions about your diagnosis, what it means, and what happens next belong with your care team; this page is navigation, not medical guidance. For severe or sudden symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Don't search a directory.
Find oncology providers near you
Oncology on ProviderQuoHealth
FirstHealth Radiation Oncology — Oncology
FirstHealth Radiation Oncology is an oncology practice located in Pinehurst, NC. The practice provides radiation oncology services to patients in the region.
FirstHealth Gynecologic Oncology — Oncology
FirstHealth Gynecologic Oncology is an oncology practice located in Pinehurst, NC. The practice specializes in gynecologic oncology.
Sanford Hematology Oncology — Oncology
Sanford Hematology Oncology is an oncology practice located in Sanford, NC. The practice provides care to patients in the area.
FirstHealth Cancer Center — Oncology
FirstHealth Cancer Center is an oncology facility located in Pinehurst, NC. The center provides cancer care services to patients in the region.
Moore Regional Hospital Cancer Center Pinehurst-Sanford — Oncology
Moore Regional Hospital Cancer Center Pinehurst-Sanford is an oncology facility located in Pinehurst, NC. The center provides cancer care services to patients in the region.
Madhuri V Vithala, MD
Madhuri V Vithala, MD, specializes in oncology and practices in Lillington, NC. She provides care for patients seeking oncological expertise and treatment options in her community.
Sydney Welt, MD
Sydney Welt, MD, is an oncologist in Fayetteville, NC. Dr. Welt provides comprehensive care in oncology and works with patients to develop individualized treatment plans.
Lindsey Elizabeth Woody, MD
Lindsey Elizabeth Woody, MD, is an oncology provider serving patients in Fayetteville, NC. She works with individuals navigating cancer care and treatment options in her specialty.
Avinash Pasam, MD
Avinash Pasam, MD, is an oncology provider serving patients in Fayetteville, NC. He offers comprehensive cancer care and treatment planning for his patients.
Frequently asked
Do I need a referral to see an oncologist?
Usually yes, as a practical matter: oncology care starts from a finding that another provider works up, and most insurance plans expect a referral. If you've been told you need one, ask the referring office to send your records ahead so the first visit starts informed.
What should I bring to a first oncology appointment?
Imaging and reports, the pathology report if you've had a biopsy, a complete medication list, your insurance information, and written questions. Consider bringing a family member or friend; a second set of ears helps with information-heavy visits.
Is it okay to get a second opinion?
Yes. Second opinions are a normal, expected part of cancer care, and records, imaging, and pathology can be shared between institutions for review. Your care team can tell you how to arrange one; this page is general navigation, not medical advice.
Are you a oncology practice?
Add your practice to ProviderQuoHealth and connect with patients actively searching for oncology care. Listings are free during launch.
About our medical review process
This page was reviewed by Myra A. Jones BSN, RN, CCM, a registered nurse, for medical accuracy and adherence to current clinical standards as of July 7, 2026. ProviderQuoHealth’s health content is reviewed by licensed healthcare professionals before publication and re-checked when the content materially changes.
Important: Not Medical Advice
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you have about a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice, or delay seeking it, because of something you have read on ProviderQuoHealth. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.