Scripps Proton Therapy Center

This is a two part review because this place is important. Part 1 is my initial visit, and Part 2 will be the last visit.
Part 1: So far so good!
I did not get here by accident. Sofie and I read the book
which discusses in detail the possible treatments for the disease in laymans terms and from a patients the point of view. We also studied
— a web site maintained by former patients of Proton Therapy. So, we decided to see if Scripps Proton Therapy Center could help my prostate cancer.
My first contact was by phone. The process was easy and very methodical to find out if I was a candidate for treatment: PSA/​Gleason scores, height, weight and all other pertinent details. Next insurance coverage to verify extent of payment. (I have Medicare and Anthem, so it’s 100%) The final decision for a visit is made by Dr. Rossi who reviews the details of the biopsy report and current blood tests.
Our visit was much like a job interview for a place I’d really like to work. Everyone was cheerful, helpful and empathetic. The building is like a moselem: a calm atmosphere, lots of natural stone, sunlight, the pleasant scent of cinnamon in the restrooms and the faint sounds of music. There was even Harper the dog there to greet us!
Sofie and I met with the finance person to go over insurance coverages. She explained the percentages of the charges that would be covered by my insurance.
Next we met with the nurse who would be assigned to me and assisting Dr. Rossi with the treatments. She explained all the details of the treatments: how they are conducted, what I need to do and how all is monitored with weekly meetings with she and Dr. Rossi. Maura is a bright and charming young woman who listened carefully and explained things with such clarity, calm and patience that I lost focus and started to think, «God! She has given this speech over and over again — yet it’s as if she has explained it all the first time. How does she do it?» Fortunately, Sofie was there and paid attention to what Maura had to say while my mind wandered. You should bring your «Sofie» when you visit the center.
Last, we met Dr. Rossi who reviewed my health and gave me options for treatment — side effects, how long treatments would take and probabilities of a favorable outcome of treatment. The ultimate decision for treatment was mine. I was worried that Dr Rossi might be aloof, hurried and difficult to talk to; but his manner was easy and thoughtful. Some individuals bring a warmth and peacefulness about them wherever they go. It is the smile, the cadence of the voice and the posture as they walk or sit in a chair. Dr. Rossi is like that. Sofie and I both went away feeling good to have Dr Rossi and his team take care of my cancer. We have done enough reading to know that he is one of the best PT oncologist. We look forward to working with Dr Rossi, Maura and the rest of the staff to treat this disease.
Part 2: Check back in 2016

Who would have thought that I’d be writing a review of a facility to treat cancer? But here I am.
A cancer diagnosis is never welcome, and the frenzy to figure out what to do about it is incredibly stressful. We explored every possible treatment option (open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, traditional radiation) and had pretty much decided on radiation when a friend suggested we look into Proton Therapy, something we had never heard of. A bunch of investigation, conversations, and Googling led us to Scripps Proton Therapy — and we’re SO glad it did!
As noted elsewhere, this Scripps facility is the leader in the field of proton therapy. There are only 13 (or so) places that do proton therapy in the US. Since we live on the West Coast, we had to choose between Seattle, Loma Linda (CA — the first such facility) and San Diego. We’re so glad we chose Scripps in San Diego!
The equipment is state of the art, the facility is bright and airy, and the doctors are brilliant. But, like David T., we found the people to be the real gems in this facility. Not only are they professional, but they are also kind, friendly, supportive, and just plain old nice. The receptionists, Rob and Katie, set the tone for the place. They are always helpful, always nice — with a smile for everyone and a real impetus to serve the patients. They make this a very patient-​centered place, a place that supports healing of body but also of mind and of spirit.
Since I’m the «Patient Support System» (PSS) and not the actual patient, I don’t have first hand experience of the process, but I have had a chance to see «behind the scenes» and have the technology explained clearly by both the therapists and the Radiation Physicist. No question is too «stupid» or repetitive for them. I have talked with many other «PSS» folk and all of our experiences have been similar.
Proton Therapy isn’t cheap — so make sure it’s covered by your insurance company! The folks here helped us with that — getting all of the approvals and agreements in place before the initial scanning, modeling, and QA testing were done. They continue to be great in following up on insurance issues and handling it all smoothly behind the scenes.
Overall, our experience with the Scripps Proton Therapy Center has been amazing. Of course, cancer wasn’t in our game plan, and there’s more than enough fear and pain to go round, but far less of both than we expected them to be before coming here. We have both felt supported here and agree that the level of care is far superior to most any other medical experiences we have had. I think you will find this to be your experience too.

Scripps Proton Therapy Center in San Diego is a superb medical facility. Not only is it the leader in Proton Therapy (utilizing the latest Pencil Beam technology) but it has the finest team of Doctors and medical specialists.
In terms of the equipment, the equipment here is second to none. Everything from the scan facilities (PET, CT, MRI) to the Proton Beam equipment is the latest and the best. Varian has built the Proton Therapy equipment and they have teams on hand in case of any technical issues.
Yet it’s the people in this facility which make this health facility so special. From the Radiation Oncologists to the Physicists to the Therapists, everyone is highly professional. Moreover, the hand-​picked teams are always friendly and positive, generating an environment that is conducive to healing.
I strongly recommend that should you have a malignant tumor, you should seriously consider Proton Therapy. And if you follow this route, then Scripps Proton Therapy Center, based in beautiful San Diego, is THE place to choose!
Congratulations to Scripps on opening an outstanding Proton Therapy facility!