Compare 78 oncologists in Charleston, SC. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
78
Oncologists
100%
Accepting patients
83%
Most common: MD
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Charleston is a healthcare city built around MUSC, the oldest medical school in the South and the state's only comprehensive academic medical center. Roper St. Francis provides the community hospital alternative, while Trident Medical Center handles the growing North Charleston and Summerville populations. MUSC's research engine and the city's biomedical startup ecosystem have made Charleston an increasingly serious player in health innovation.
Charleston has 78 oncologists. The most common credential is MD (83%). 100% are currently accepting new patients. Practitioners see patients in neighborhoods including Downtown Charleston (South of Broad), Mount Pleasant (nearby), West Ashley, and King Street.
MUSC's campus sits on the peninsula in downtown Charleston, just north of Calhoun Street. Roper Hospital is also on the peninsula, while Bon Secours St. Francis and Trident Medical Center serve West Ashley, North Charleston, and the surrounding suburbs. Mount Pleasant, across the Cooper River, has its own cluster of outpatient practices and an MUSC satellite. The Ravenel Bridge connects the peninsula to Mount Pleasant, but rush-hour traffic makes that crossing unpredictable.
Nearby hospitals include MUSC Health University Medical Center, Roper St. Francis Hospital, and Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital. Local training programs run through Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and College of Charleston. MUSC is South Carolina's only comprehensive academic medical center and Level I trauma center.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina dominates the commercial market. South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid, so coverage gaps are wider here than in many states. For marketplace plans, BCBS, Ambetter, and Molina are the primary options. MUSC accepts most major insurance plans and serves as the region's largest Medicaid provider. 78% accept Medicare.
The first oncology visit takes 60 to 90 minutes. The oncologist will review your pathology reports, imaging, and medical history in detail. They will explain the type and stage of cancer, outline treatment options (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or a combination), discuss expected side effects, and answer your questions. Many patients bring a family member or friend for support and to help remember details.
MUSC primary care clinics can have wait times of two to three weeks for new patients. Roper St. Francis Physician Partners tends to schedule faster for routine care. Always call ahead to confirm insurance acceptance.
See an oncologist after a cancer diagnosis or if cancer is suspected based on biopsy results, imaging, or blood work. Your primary care doctor or the physician who found the abnormality will refer you. Some patients also see oncologists for genetic cancer risk counseling if they have a strong family history. Do not delay scheduling after a referral, as early treatment improves outcomes for most cancers.
Office visit copay: $30-75 · Chemotherapy cycle: $1,000-12,000+ · Immunotherapy cycle: $5,000-20,000+ · PET scan: $1,000-6,000
Charleston, SC has 78 licensed oncologists. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of oncologists in Charleston, SC are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina is the largest carrier in the state. Medicaid in South Carolina has not been expanded, so the uninsured rate is higher than the national average. MUSC operates as the primary safety-net provider for the region. For marketplace plans, BCBS, Ambetter (Centene), and Molina are the main options.
An office visit copay is $30 to $75. A chemotherapy cycle costs $1,000 to $12,000 or more. Immunotherapy cycles cost $5,000 to $20,000 or more. A PET scan runs $1,000 to $6,000. Actual costs in Charleston, SC depend on the provider and your insurance plan. Cancer treatment costs can be substantial even with insurance. Every major cancer center has financial counselors who can help navigate insurance, manufacturer assistance programs, and nonprofit grants. Ask for financial counseling early in treatment, not after bills arrive.
MUSC is the default for subspecialty and complex care, but Roper St. Francis offers a strong alternative for primary care and common procedures. North Charleston and Summerville residents often use Trident Medical Center to avoid peninsula traffic. Mount Pleasant has a growing number of satellite clinics from both MUSC and Roper.
MD stands for Doctor of Medicine and DO stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Both are equivalent qualifications. In Charleston, SC, 83% hold the MD credential and 5% hold DO. The difference is in training pathway, not quality of care.
78% of oncologists in Charleston, SC accept Medicare. Medicare covers cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation. Cancer screenings (mammograms, colonoscopies) are covered at no cost. Oral cancer drugs are covered under Part D. You can filter for Medicare-accepting providers on FindClarity.
Yes. MUSC accepts both self-referrals and physician referrals for most departments. Some subspecialty clinics prefer a referral, but primary care, urgent care, and many specialty clinics allow direct scheduling.
Mount Pleasant has a growing number of outpatient practices, including MUSC and Roper satellite clinics, urgent care centers, and independent specialist offices. For inpatient care and complex procedures, you will likely need to cross the bridge to the peninsula.
Top accepted carriers in Charleston, SC include unitedhealthcare, medicare, qhp-26065, qhp-73107, and centene.
Cancer treatment is covered under medical insurance, but costs can be substantial. Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy may be covered under medical benefits (infusion) or pharmacy benefits (oral drugs). Prior authorization is required for most cancer medications. Ask about financial counseling services at your cancer center. Manufacturer copay programs, nonprofit grants, and hospital financial assistance can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.