Preparing for your appointment is the best way to assure that you have a visit that is as successful and productive as possible. You will need to set aside a certain amount of time for the visit and allow for a number of steps.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR VISIT AND ITEMS TO BRING WITH YOU
The following may help make your appointment go smoothly:

Download the forms you will need to fill out and bring with you (PDF).

• Arrive 30 minutes early so that you have time to complete any needed paperwork.
• Have knowledge about your medical and family history and/or bring the completed health questionnaire which may have been sent to you. This information will help us care for you.
• Bring a list of your current medications and allergies.
• Have your insurance information, including your insurance card with ID number and group number and prescription plan information.
• Bring referrals from your primary care provider if your insurance requires.
• Be prepared to pay any in-office co-payments necessary.
• Bring any relevant radiologic images (x-rays, ultrasounds, PET, CT, MRI, bone scans and others- in either film or CD-ROM format) and pathology slides and their written reports.
• Bring a pen and paper to take notes and written questions you would like to ask.
• If you have one, bring a copy of your advance directive (living will). Download a living will document (PDF)

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR AND OTHER HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS
Before and during your visit, think about what questions you need to have answered by your healthcare provider. This may include information about staging of your condition, side effects of treatment, next steps in care, medications, follow-up limitations after treatment, or other matters.

The following are things you may want to ask when visiting your doctor or other healthcare providers. Not every question will apply to you. They are meant to be ‘things to consider’ and some can be asked either at your initial visit or further along in treatment.

Possible Questions

• What type of cancer do I have?
• Is my cancer local or has it spread? What is the stage of my cancer?
• What treatments are considered the best or gold standard for my cancer? Are there other treatment options?
• Is my cancer something that you see often?
• Does this institution have access to all these treatments? If not, where can I receive these treatments, locally and institutions at further distances?
• What are the pros and cons and side effects of these treatment options?
• Are there any clinical trials that I may be eligible to participate in?
• If treatment is done here, who will be clinically in charge of my care, a quarterback of sorts? And who will be the other treatment team members?
• Will receiving this treatment prevent me from getting another or different type of treatment in the future?
• Will this treatment affect my ability to have children in the future?
• Are there any more tests which need to be done before making final decisions on the treatment plan?
• What are the survival rates with these treatments?
• Are these treatments covered by my health insurance?
• How long will treatment last?
• Are there tests that determine how my cancer responds to treatment?
• Will you change my treatment if it appears not to be working?
• How often will I see you during and after treatment?
• What signs or symptoms should I bring to your attention to inform you with regards to my response to treatment?
• Who do I call if I have a question or concern? How do I reach them?
• Do you expect a cure from these treatments? What is the goal of my treatment?
• What percentages of patients with my type of cancer live 5 years or more?
• What is my chance of a recurrence of this cancer and chance of another cancer?