Your First Appointment

Your oncologist will want to discuss your treatment with you after reviewing your medical records, x-rays, pathology slides, preliminary test results and after conducting a physical examination. This is when he or she may make preliminary diagnostic or treatment recommendations. He or she then may discuss your individual treatment needs with the other members of your health care team and explain to you any changes in the recommendations for your care. You may be asked to see additional oncology specialists or undergo additional tests at this time. If surgery is needed, you will be given instructions on any preoperative testing that may be required. Prior to surgery, you will meet your surgeon and discuss the planned procedure.

You will also meet your primary nurse who works closely with your oncologist to ensure that all of your questions and concerns are answered. This nurse is the person you should contact if you have additional questions or if changes occur in your condition.

What to bring to your first appointment

To better understand your medical history and the treatment you have had to date, it is vital that you bring several items to your first appointment. New patients should bring their medical records with them on the day of their appointment. All patients should hand-carry their radiology films including x-rays, CT scans, etc. for UPMC physicians to review. You may also need to hand-carry your pathology slides to have them reviewed by our expert pathologists. You should allow adequate time for a thorough examination and expect to provide a complete medical history including current medications. You may call your doctor's office to discuss sending your records prior to your appointment.

• Medical records
  Knowing your medical history and what treatments you have had to date is necessary when coming to the UPMC Cancer Centers. Have your doctor make copies of your medical records (hospitalizations, office visits and treatments) and bring them with you.
• Referring physician information
  Your oncologist will want to consult with your primary care and referring physicians regarding your disease to share the findings so that you may be offered the best course of treatment. Please bring the addresses and phone / fax numbers of your primary care and referring physicians with you to your first appointment. If you would like a copy of your report forwarded to other physicians, let us know their contact information.
• Medications
  Any medications that you are taking should be brought with you to your first appointment, or at least a listing with dosages.
• X-rays
  Arrange to bring the actual x-ray films related to your diagnosis to your first appointment. You can obtain these from the radiology department at the medical facility where your films were taken.
• Pathology slides and written reports
  If you already had a biopsy of suspicious tissue, it was sent to a lab where a pathologist has prepared slides to help your doctor make a diagnosis. It is important to bring the actual glass slides as well as the written pathology report to your first appointment. You may obtain these from the pathology department at the medical facility where your biopsy was taken.
• Insurance pre-authorization form and ID card
  Your health care insurance coverage may have been discussed before you arrive, but please bring your health insurance ID card, along with your referral pre-authorization form and another photo ID, such as a driver's license.

Where to report

When calling to make your first appointment at UPMC Cancer Centers, you will be mailed instructions showing you where to report, along with written directions.

Waiting times

You should expect your first visit to last from two to four hours, as your visit may include a number of appointments with specialists on your health care team as well as laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures. Be prepared for unavoidable delays since test processing times vary and we need to provide your oncologist with the results while you wait. The length of your future visits depends on the recommended treatments and follow-up tests. We suggest you bring reading materials or other items to occupy your time. There are complimentary light refreshments available for those receiving care in treatment rooms.

Questions for your UPMC Cancer Centers physician

Your oncologist and other members of your health care team will be happy to answer your questions and concerns. It's a good idea to bring a list of questions you would like to ask at the time of your visit.

View the Hillman Cancer Center "For Family & Friends" Guide (.pdf — revised Summer 2007)

Return to top of page