Helpful Hints for Making Appointments

Below are some questions to ask when scheduling an appointment.

What is the exact location of the office (including floor, room, or suite number)?
What is the best telephone number to use to contact the office?
What is the doctor's full name and title?
What is the cancellation policy for appointments?
What insurance plans does the doctor participate in?
Will the office bill my insurance company, or is full payment expected at the time of the visit?
What does the doctor expect me to bring when I come to my appointment?
- Insurance cards
- Surgical reports
- X-ray/scan results and or films
- Blood work results
- Contact information for other doctors I have seen
- Pathology reports
- Specimen slides
- Other
Can my family member(s) be present during the visit?
How long does a first visit usually take?
What support staff does the doctor have available?
- Oncology nurses
- Social workers
- Nutritionists/Registered dietitians
- Counselors
- Genetic counselors
Can I bring a tape recorder?