Your First Appointment
First appointments with an oncologist can be a stressful event. To help our patients prepare for the experience, follow these guidelines.
What to bring to your first oncology appointment:
A list of all current medications; patients can also bring them in pharmacy bottles
A list of any known allergies
A list of questions about treatment and treatment options
A friend or family member who can help listen, take notes, ask questions
Photo ID, like a driver’s license or state ID
Health insurance cards
Insurance referrals, if needed
Medical records* can be brought with you, or faxed to our office ahead of time
What to expect at your first oncology appointment:
Arrive 30 minutes early to fill out medical forms and paperwork
Plan to spend 2-3 hours at the initial appointment
Patients will get a physical exam or additional testing needed for treatment
Patients will have a consultation with a financial counselor to discuss insurance coverage
Questions about cancer type and treatment options will be discussed
A treatment plan will be established
Hope & Healing Cancer Services will communicate with referring physician to ensure the best care
How to share your medical records and what should be included:
Medical Records should be faxed to Hope & Healing Cancer Services ahead of the first visit. Our fax number is 630-556-8014. Patients must complete a Release of Information form for all individual providers to ensure that medical records can be transmitted. Records that will be needed include, but are not limited, to the following:
Pathology, lab, and surgical reports
Clinical notes from your doctor
Diagnostic films or scans and reports (MRI, CT, PET, x-rays)
Treatment summaries