Erlanger Health System: LDRT for Osteoarthritis

Yes. Services can change, so call 423-778-8525 to check before you schedule.

The closest other listed locations are Tennessee Oncology - Parkridge in Chattanooga, TN (about 6 miles away), Tennessee Oncology - Tullahoma in Tullahoma, TN (about 66 miles away), Wellstar Cobb Medical Center in Hiram, GA (about 80 miles away), and WellStar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, GA (about 81 miles away). Distances are straight-line, not driving distance.

Usually, yes. Medicare and most major commercial insurance plans cover LDRT for osteoarthritis, though coverage details vary by plan. The radiation oncology office listed above can verify your specific benefits before you schedule.

It depends on your insurance plan. Many plans allow scheduling directly with a radiation oncology department once osteoarthritis is documented; others require a referral from your primary care doctor, orthopedist, or rheumatologist first. Call the office above to ask what they require.

A typical LDRT course uses a low total dose delivered over six treatments, substantially less than the dose used in cancer treatment. Long-term clinical experience hasn't identified a clear signal of increased radiation-related cancer risk after LDRT for osteoarthritis, though studies aren't large enough to rule out a very small risk entirely. A radiation oncologist here can walk you through how the benefit and risk apply to your specific case.

A consultation, then a CT planning scan, then typically six treatment sessions given two to three times a week over two to three weeks. Each session takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes, mostly positioning; there's no needle, sedation, or recovery time.