Prepare for Your First Visit
As a new oncology or hematology patient, you probably have a lot of information and thoughts to digest. To make your first visit to Virginia Cancer Specialists flow more smoothly and to reduce wait time, please complete the New Patient Forms in their entirety. Print them and bring them to your first appointment. We also recommend you bring another person with you to your first appointment, which could last an hour or two. Your appointment could include the following:
Your appointment may include:
- Meeting and an evaluation with your physician.
- Meeting with one of our Patient Benefit Specialists to discuss your insurance and billing questions. Please have your most recent insurance cards with you.
- Any additional tests needed for accurate diagnosis to help guide your treatment.
Before your visit
Save time by bringing the right forms and records.
Complete your new patient forms before arriving and bring your insurance card, medication list, and relevant medical records.
Questions to Ask
When you call to make your first appointment with your physician you may want to ask these questions:
- Where exactly is the office (including floor, room, or suite number)?
- Where should I park?
- At what time should I arrive for my appointment?
- Do I need to bring any personal information to my first appointment?
- What is my physician’s full name and title?
- What is the cancellation policy for appointments?
- Does my physician accept my insurance plan?
- Will the office bill my insurance company, and what am I expected to pay at the time of my appointment?
- What medical records do I need to bring with me (diagnostic reports, surgical reports, notes from my referring physician, etc.)?
What to Discuss
For your first appointment you will need to discuss the following with your physician:
- Medications: Bring a list of all prescription medications you are taking, or all of your prescription medications in a bag to show to your physician.
- Supplements: Bring a list of all dietary supplements (herbal, etc.) you are taking, or all of your dietary supplements in a bag to show your physician.
- Medical History: Be prepared to discuss your prior medical history with your physician. Filling out the medical history form before arriving will be very helpful.
- Allergies: Tell your physician if you are allergic to any medicines.
It is the responsibility of the patient to ensure your physician has your complete medical record. Please call the office where your appointment is located, and we will help you collect your medical records.
We must have a signed authorization of medical records release from the patient on file in order for us to request your records from your referring physician.
Records to Bring
Here is a quick checklist of records your physician may need at your first appointment.
If You Have a Cancer Diagnosis
- All surgical pathology reports pertaining to diagnosis
- Latest lab work, especially blood counts
- Any previous films and reports: PET scans, CT scans, MRI, X-ray, Mammogram
- Any previous chemotherapy/radiation treatment notes
- Physician’s progress notes
If You Have a Blood Disorder
- Lab work for the last 3 -5 years, especially blood counts
- Any previous films and reports: PET scans, CT scans, MRI, X-ray, Mammogram
- Any previous bone marrow pathology reports
- Physician’s progress notes