Your first visit
Your first visit is for consultation and planning. You will get a telephone call before your first visit asking for general information (i.e. general personal information, physician name) that will help us register you. If you do not get a call, don't worry– we will get the information from you at the time of your visit.
During the call, you will get information about your first appointment. A nurse will also call you to get information before your visit with the doctor.
During your first visit, you will meet members of your cancer care team. They will learn about you and, together, make plans for your care. It is very unlikely you will receive any treatment during this visit unless there are specific circumstances that call for it.
Your first visit will last about 2½ hours during which a physical examination will be conducted by a cancer specialist. This will be an opportunity to talk and ask questions to the specialist and your nurse. After the physical examination, the cancer specialist will talk to you about ongoing care.
At the end of your first visit, you will be provided with an appointment card, featuring your chart number and contact information, if we are expecting you to return. Any upcoming appointments will be recorded on this card. If the appointment is not ready by the end of your first visit, you will be notified of your next appointment by phone, mail or email.
If you need assistance, a clerk will be available to escort you, and answer any questions you may have. For more information about what to expect during a first visit, download the
Guidebook for Patients.