What to Bring to Your First Appointment

It is important that we understand your medical history and the previous care you have received so we can provide you with the most appropriate and effective cancer care. Please bring the following items with you to your first appointment:

Medications: You should bring a complete, up-to-date list of all medications you take, or bring the bottles and packages with you.

Insurance and I.D. Cards: Please bring your insurance card and driver’s license or picture I.D. If your insurance company requires that you have a referral for your first visit, please make sure that your referring doctor has provided this.

We will quickly verify your insurance coverage and benefits, and let you know of any out-of-pocket expenses you will incur at the time of the visit. If we cannot validate your referral or insurance coverage prior to your first appointment, your appointment may need to be rescheduled, or you may be financially responsible for your visit. We will file your insurance claims on your behalf, and help you with questions or concerns regarding payment of your bill.

If you would like to speak with our patient services advocate regarding your insurance coverage or bill, please don’t hesitate to ask for a consultation.

Referring Physician Information: It is critical for your Comprehensive Cancer Centers’ oncologist to directly communicate with your primary care and/or referring physician(s), so information can be shared to determine the best treatment for your disease. Please bring any authorizations and referrals with you, and provide contact information for your other doctors.

Your Comprehensive Cancer Centers medical team may send copies of your test results and reports to your other physician(s), and follow-up with them for collaboration on your condition and treatment plan.

Medical Records: Please arrange to have your previous test results and reports provided to us. Some physicians and clinics will directly send them to us on your behalf. Others will give these records to you, so you can bring them to your first visit. Examples of these are:

Your actual diagnostic films and related reports including X-ray, CT, or others ordered by your physician(s). These films and reports can be obtained from the radiology department at the facility where your tests were completed.

If you have already been diagnosed with cancer, a pathologist has probably made a diagnosis by reviewing a biopsy or tumor specimen under a microscope. Please make sure that we receive the written reports. These can be obtained from the pathology department at the medical facility where your biopsy was performed.

Questions and Concerns: You may find it helpful to bring a written list of questions on your first visit to review with your physician. We will give whatever time is necessary to answer all your questions and consult on your condition and treatment plan.

Click here to download a list of the items listed above.