As a new patient at Lipson Cancer Institute, we want you to feel comfortable, cared for, and informed. Our goal is to provide you with the most comprehensive cancer care and help guide you through the entire process.
Your first appointment will be comprehensive, so you should plan to spend an hour or two with us. Please arrive 30 minutes before your appointment to complete a few new patient forms.
What To Bring
- ID and insurance cards
- Your medical history -You will want to be sure that your oncologist has your complete medical history. This includes but is not limited to:
- Your symptoms and what made you go to your doctor in the first place
- Results from tests that your doctor ordered, including lab reports
- Copies of scans, x-rays, MRIs, CTs, or other imaging tests that were done
- Pathology slides if a biopsy was performed
- Any specialists that you have seen
- Whether you have previously been treated for cancer
- Names and phone numbers of all providers
- List of medications - Please bring a list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking along with the dosage. This should include any dietary supplements (vitamins, herbs, etc.) and pain relievers (Advil, Tylenol, etc.). Please let your oncology care team know if you are allergic to any medications.
- A notebook and a pen - We encourage you to take notes and write down your questions during your appointment.
- A family member or a friend - If you can, bring someone with you to be another set of ears in the room. In addition to providing emotional support, they can help you remember what the doctor says, take notes for you, and remind you of key questions that you don’t want to forget to ask.
- A list of questions you would like to ask the doctor - There are no silly questions, especially when it comes to understanding your cancer diagnosis and treatment plan. If you’re not sure about something, just ask. Here are some things that are helpful to discuss during your first appointment:
- What is my diagnosis and how soon do I need to start therapy?
- What are my treatment options, what’s involved, and how long will each treatment take?
- What are the benefits of the recommended treatment?
- What are its potential risks and side effects?
- Should I consider participating in a clinical trial?
- How will treatment affect my daily routine? Can I continue to work through treatment?
- Will treatment impact my fertility? If so, is there anything I can do to protect my ability to have children in the future?
- What should I do if I develop new symptoms after I begin treatment?
- What support resources are available to help me cope with my diagnosis?
- Whom should I call if I have additional questions after I leave the office?
Lipson Cancer Institute Support Groups
For information on the cancer support groups offered at Lipson Cancer Institute, please call 585.922.4839.
Third-Party Support Groups
In addition to personal support from our compassionate team, we can help connect you with national and community cancer support organizations to help you cope during cancer treatment and beyond.
