How Do I Prepare For an Oncology Appointment?

Going for an oncology appointment can seem like one of the scariest medical experiences you will have. To help control your emotions and to maximize communication with your oncologist, the team at Comprehensive Cancer Care at Wooster Community Hospital suggests some common sense preparations. Stop, think, and follow these simple steps to prepare.

Come with information about your medical history, family history, and current medications. Make a complete list of your medications, including any supplements and vitamins, or simply bag them up, so your doctor can include them in your chart. Plus, as with any medical consultation, the cancer doctor will question you about current conditions, such as diabetes, and about what problems may run in your family–cancer included.

Bring your insurance card, picture ID, and your primary care physician’s referral. These documents are necessary to identify you and ensure your insurance is billed correctly, so you don’t end up with a hefty bill at the end.

Have your medical records and tests sent to our office ahead of time. Most of today’s assessments and charts are kept and transmitted digitally; so it’s unlikely you will have to carry in CDs and paper records. Just talk to your PCP and the imaging and testing clinic in advance of your oncology appointment, so your cancer doctor has as much information as possible in hand right away.

Bring a trusted friend or relative with you to assist you in listening and in asking questions. While the oncology team at Wooster Comprehensive Cancer Care is patient-focused and wishes you fully informed on your health-related decisions, having another set of eyes and ears can help you focus and understand the many details involved in getting you well. Plus, our doctors are happy to see cancer patients surrounded with love from family and significant others. Emotional and practical help aids in treatment and its success. The American Cancer Society remarks that the psychosocial impact of a cancer diagnosis is every bit as real as the physical battle. So, gather your army in the fight.

Ask questions to increase clarity, and don’t be afraid to admit skepticism about prognosis, treatment, side effects, or other worries. Our doctors and their caring team not only want you well, they want your treatment journey to be as smooth and pleasant as possible. In fact, Wooster Comprehensive Cancer Care can assign you a patient navigator to help with appointment setting, financial matters, nutrition counseling, and more. Ask about what highly skilled professionals will be on your care team throughout your cancer journey.

WOOSTER COMMUNITY HOSPITAL COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CARE

As a member of the James Cancer Network, WCH Comprehensive Cancer Care delivers patient-focused, personalized care. We have the latest in diagnostics, imaging, treatments, and clinical research trials. You won’t have to travel far; we’re right here in your community with eight locations to serve you.

Please call us to learn more about how we can help you: (330) 262-2800.