Oncologists in Nashville, TN
Compare 208 oncologists in Nashville, TN. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
208
Oncologists
100%
Accepting patients
78%
Most common: MD
Top-Rated Oncologists in Nashville, TN
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Specialty: oncologistState: TNCity: Nashville
About oncologists in Nashville, TN
Nashville earned the nickname "Healthcare Capital" because more than 500 healthcare companies are headquartered here, including HCA Healthcare, the largest for-profit hospital operator in the country. Vanderbilt University Medical Center is the academic powerhouse, while TriStar (an HCA division) and Saint Thomas (Ascension) run the community hospital networks. The industry doesn't just serve patients here; it defines the local economy.
Nashville has 208 oncologists. The most common credential is MD (78%). 100% are currently accepting new patients.
Nashville's healthcare infrastructure clusters around two corridors. Vanderbilt's campus and Saint Thomas Midtown are in the West End and Midtown area, while TriStar Centennial is just south of Music Row. The suburbs are well-served by TriStar and Saint Thomas outpatient campuses along I-65 (south to Brentwood and Franklin) and I-24 (southeast to Murfreesboro). Nashville has limited public transit, so most patients drive.
Providers practice throughout Nashville. East Nashville is a rapidly growing area across the river from downtown, with new medical practices and community clinics. The Gulch is a trendy downtown neighborhood near TriStar Centennial Medical Center and Vanderbilt outpatient clinics. Germantown is a revitalized historic neighborhood near Meharry Medical College and Nashville General Hospital. 12South is a walkable neighborhood with boutique wellness practices and proximity to Vanderbilt's campus.
Nearby hospitals include Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TriStar Centennial Medical Center, and Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. Local training programs run through Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Meharry Medical College. Nashville is known as the Healthcare Capital of the US, with over 500 healthcare companies headquartered in the city.
What to expect at your first oncologist visit in Nashville, TN
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.
Tips for Nashville, TN patients
Vanderbilt, TriStar, and Saint Thomas are the three main systems. Your insurance network determines which is most affordable. Vanderbilt is the referral center for complex cases; TriStar and Saint Thomas handle the bulk of routine care.
When to see a oncologist
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.
Typical costs
Office visit copay: $30-75 · Chemotherapy cycle: $1,000-12,000+ · Immunotherapy cycle: $5,000-20,000+ · PET scan: $1,000-6,000
Browse oncologists by neighborhood in Nashville
Frequently asked questions about oncologists in Nashville, TN
Nashville, TN has 208 licensed oncologists. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of oncologists in Nashville, TN are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is the dominant carrier, covering the majority of employer-sponsored plans. UnitedHealthcare and Cigna also have strong networks. TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid) is accepted at Vanderbilt, Meharry, and most TriStar and Saint Thomas locations.
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 Nashville, TN 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.
Nashville has three main systems: Vanderbilt (academic), TriStar/HCA (for-profit community), and Saint Thomas/Ascension (nonprofit community). Vanderbilt is the referral destination for complex specialty care. For routine primary care and urgent care, TriStar and Saint Thomas both have convenient suburban locations.
77% of oncologists in Nashville, TN 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.
Some oncologists in Nashville, TN accept TennCare, the state's Medicaid program. Medicaid covers cancer treatment in all states. The Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act provides Medicaid eligibility for women diagnosed through screening programs. Contact the provider's office directly to confirm TennCare participation before scheduling.
More than 500 healthcare companies are headquartered in Nashville, including HCA Healthcare (the largest for-profit hospital chain in the US), Community Health Systems, and Envision Healthcare. The industry employs over 300,000 people in the metro area.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center is consistently ranked as the top hospital in Tennessee and is the academic referral center for the region. For routine care, TriStar and Saint Thomas hospitals are excellent and often more convenient for suburban residents.
Nearby Cities
Other specialties in Nashville
Insurance & Oncologist coverage
Top accepted carriers in Nashville, TN include unitedhealthcare, medicare, qhp-17091, qhp-14002, and cigna.
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.
