On the day of your visit, please arrive for your appointment at least 20 minutes early to fill out all necessary paperwork. Also, please note that some visits, such as evaluations and consultations, may take up to four hours or more. This ensures that you receive the most accurate diagnosis possible, and a care plan based on your specific case.
Remember — your cancer is as unique as you are. By preparing in advance, you can help reduce stress you may be feeling. It will also ensure that we can spend as much time as possible providing the answers you seek, and the care you need.
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center is a large place, so it’s best to become familiar with our campus before your trip. View our locations page for more information, including directions, maps, and parking details.
Bring your health information
By the day of your visit, we will have received your health care records from your primary care provider or referring doctor. However, you should also prepare for the visit by making sure all your health care information and personal notes are organized.
Place the following in a notebook or folder to bring with you on your first visit:
- Allergies you have
- Copies of any test results or lab reports (you can ask for these from your doctor)
- Dates and locations of any surgeries or procedures
- Dates you were treated and where
- Dates your health problems began
- Family health history details (conditions your parents, grandparents, or siblings have or had)
- Medications you are on, and the conditions they are prescribed for
- Notes about your personal health history
- Supplements (over-the-counter medicines, herbs, or vitamins) you are taking
- Symptoms you have experienced prior to this visit
- Vaccines you have received, and when and where
Bring your questions
Remember — no question is a bad question. We need to know what you are thinking, and what you are most interested in. So, write down any questions you have, and ask your family member or loved one to also offer any questions they might have. It’s the best way to ensure you remember to ask, and receive the answers you need for personal care.
Bring your medications
Please bring in all of your medicines the day of your visit. Keep them in their original containers. Your Sylvester doctor will review these with you when you arrive. They are very important to your total care, and care decisions being made.
Bring a family member or friend
Whether a family member or friend, having a trusted person with you at your appointment helps decrease your stress, offers someone to talk to, and helps you get questions answered that you may forget to ask during the appointment.
Bring your identification cards and other information
Make sure to bring the following with you:
- A copy of your advance directives if you will be an inpatient
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers of other doctors who are treating you, who referred you, and whom you want to receive a copy of our consultation report
- Picture identification (e.g., driver’s license, passport, etc.)
- Your insurance card and insurance referral authorization – call your insurance company before your appointment if you're unsure of exactly what you’ll need
- Your social security number