We strongly suggest that you bring a supportive relative or friend to your first appointment at our regional oncology center. Not only will this person serve as an extra set of ears to make sure you don’t miss any details, he or she will also be able to ask questions you may not think to ask and discuss the appointment with you after it’s over.  

At each appointment, your provider will go over a variety of topics and information to ensure you are informed. It’s a good idea to take notes during each of your appointments so you may capture key information regarding your treatment plan and the process. This can help you remember important details and feel more confident about the next steps in your care. One easy way to stay organized is to purchase a binder that includes paper for notes and pockets where you can place information given to you.  

A few items to include in your binder for your first visit include: 

• New patient paperwork. Completing your new patient paperwork before your appointment can save you significant time during your check-in
• Copies of your insurance and ID cards. Make sure you have your health insurance details and a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport or green card.
• Medication list. Bring a complete list of your medications, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements. If you don’t have a complete list, take pictures of your prescription bottles for easy access and digital records.
• Medical and family history. Each person’s cancer journey is unique and sharing your history provides important details that help your cancer care team identify the best treatment options specifically for you.
• Your medical records.  Include any images, lab results, notes from previous visits and any other information related to your cancer diagnosis. Reach out to your primary care provider, if they haven’t sent the files to your oncologist.
• A list of questions. Talk with your family and friends and put together a list of questions you have for your cancer care team. Having these questions on hand can make sure you don’t miss anything during your first appointment. We have compiled a list of possible questions you might want to consider below. 

At your first appointment, you’ll meet with one of our oncologists, a compassionate physician dedicated to diagnosing and treating cancer. To create a treatment plan that is uniquely suited to you, your oncologist will conduct a thorough and thoughtful examination, which will include the following steps:

• A review of your current medications and your medical, surgical and family history.
• Assessment of the scans and tests that you have had previously.
• A physical examination and discussion of current symptoms.
• Discussion of your cancer’s location and test results.

During your first appointment, you can expect to do a lot of listening as your oncologist takes the time to explain everything they know so far about your type of cancer. They may also discuss the various treatment options available to you. 

Your oncologist may not, however, have enough information yet to make a final recommendation for a specific treatment plan as other tests may be needed to determine which plan is best for your specific cancer.  But your first appointment will allow you to begin the conversation about treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy or radiation.

Our financial team may or may not know at your first appointment what you can expect for treatment costs. This is because they typically have to wait to know which treatment plan is going to be used before financial information is available. As soon as they have the information, you can spend time talking to them about payment options.

In order to help with financial counseling SCRI Oncology Partners has partnered with Findhelp, America’s leading social care network, to connect you, your family members and your caregivers with resources to help. To learn more, visit, Usoncology.findhelp.com or ask any member of your SCRI Oncology Partners healthcare team for help.