Sumana Nagireddy, MD in Chattanooga: Medical Oncology for Solid Tumors
Sumana Nagireddy, MD is a medical oncologist in Chattanooga who specializes in solid-tumor cancers, including breast, lung, and gastrointestinal malignancies. She operates within the Chattanooga Hospital system, where she accepts most major commercial and government insurance plans, with patient copay structures and deductible requirements varying by individual coverage.
What she treats
Dr. Nagireddy focuses on chemotherapy management, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy for adults with solid cancers. Her practice does not include hematologic malignancies (blood cancers) or pediatric oncology. She sees both new patients with a recent diagnosis and patients continuing treatment that originated elsewhere.
Referral requirements and scheduling
New patients require a referral from a primary care physician or another oncology provider. Appointment availability runs 1–3 weeks for initial consultations, depending on season; call ahead to confirm current lead times. Walk-in appointments are not available. Once established, follow-up visits are typically scheduled every 3–4 weeks during active chemotherapy, and every 6–12 weeks for patients in surveillance or on oral maintenance therapy.
Insurance and costs
Dr. Nagireddy participates with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, and Medicaid. Copays for office visits range from $20 to $50; copays for infusion visits and chemotherapy medications depend on individual plan design and drug tier. Verify your specific coverage with the office before your appointment. Patients without insurance may qualify for pharmaceutical company assistance programs for specific drugs; the office coordinates these applications.
How she compares locally
Chattanooga has two other board-certified medical oncologists accepting new patients: Dr. James Herndon, who emphasizes breast and gynecologic cancers, and Dr. Patricia Zhou, who specializes in lung and thoracic malignancies. Dr. Nagireddy's broader solid-tumor focus suits patients with less common diagnoses or those seeking a second opinion across multiple cancer types. Dr. Herndon may be preferable for breast-cancer patients who want specialized depth in that disease; Dr. Zhou is the choice for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer cases where specialized staging and molecular testing are central to the treatment plan. All three are Chattanooga Hospital-affiliated and share the same EHR, simplifying transfer of records.
First appointment
Bring your pathology report (biopsy results), any imaging scans on CD or via institutional transfer, and a list of current medications and supplements. The visit typically runs 45 minutes to 1 hour. Dr. Nagireddy reviews your diagnosis and staging, discusses treatment goals, explains chemotherapy side effects and monitoring expectations, and answers questions about clinical trials if relevant to your case. She will not begin treatment at the first appointment unless circumstances require urgent initiation; most patients have a 1–2 week interval to consider the plan and ask additional questions.
Treatment facilities and infusion logistics
Infusions are administered at the Chattanooga Hospital Oncology Center, located on the main campus. Parking is free for outpatients in the oncology garage. Infusions typically run 2–6 hours depending on the regimen; patients may bring one companion. Bathroom facilities and a small snack area are on-site, but bring entertainment or work, as wait times between setup and drug administration can vary. If you require pre-medication or anti-nausea drugs, arrive 15 minutes early.
Hours and contact
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. New-patient consultations are not available after 3:00 pm. The office is closed on weekends and major holidays. Call the main Chattanooga Hospital scheduling line to book; requesting Dr. Nagireddy by name ensures you reach her panel.
Dr. Nagireddy brings depth in chemotherapy pharmacology and a methodical approach to treatment selection, making her well-suited to Chattanooga patients navigating complex solid-tumor diagnoses or seeking coordination of care across multiple specialties.
