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Your First Appointment/Office Visit

A close up picture of a calendar with a date marked with a pin saying "Appointment!"
We understand that you may feel anxious about your first visit to our office. We’ll do everything we can to make you and your loved ones feel comfortable.

First, you will check in with our front office staff who will make a copy of your insurance and identification cards, accept your paperwork, collect your co-pay, and provide you any additional paperwork that may need to be completed.

You will meet with one of our Financial Counselors who will quickly verify your insurance coverage and benefits, and let you know of any out-of-pocket expenses you will incur at the time of the visit. If we cannot validate your referral or insurance coverage prior to your first appointment, your appointment may need to be rescheduled, or you may be financially responsible for your visit.

At the first appointment you will meet your healthcare team. The physician’s medical assistant will take your vital signs/weight, take you to the exam room, review your paperwork, and ask about your medications, allergies, and symptoms.

Once you are in the exam room, you will meet with the physician and/or the physician’s extender (nurse practitioner or physician assistant). They will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and review your diagnostic tests and medical records.

Every effort will be made to explain your diagnosis and initial treatment plan as well as to address your questions and concerns. Often other information such as additional imaging, laboratory testing, and consultation with other physicians, will be needed prior to completing a treatment plan and starting treatment. Additionally, medical authorization from your insurance company(s) will need to be obtained. This includes authorization for any diagnostic tests that may necessary prior to treatment.

Before leaving our clinic, our staff will assist you in scheduling any other tests or appointments. Most likely, chemotherapy or radiation treatment will not begin on your initial visit.

What You'll Need to Bring for Your First Office Visit:

  • An updated list of all the medications you take including herbs, vitamins and over the counter medications.
  • List of allergies i.e. medications, food, iodine, latex, seafood.
  • Your family medical history of your 1st and 2nd degree relatives i.e. grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, siblings, children, cousins. If any of your relatives were diagnosed with cancer, it is helpful to know the type of cancer and age at diagnosis.
  • Driver’s license or picture I.D.
  • Insurance cards including your Prescription Card.
  • Insurance co-pays are collected on the day of your visit. We accept the following forms of payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, HSA, FSA- (Not CareCredit)
  • Any authorizations and referrals with you if required by your insurance company.

  • A list of your providers so that your medical team can communicate and follow-up with them for collaboration on your condition and treatment.

     

Please arrange to have previous test results and reports provided to us. Many clinics will send them directly to us on your behalf. Others will give these records to you so that you can bring them to the first visit. You may need to sign a release of information. Examples of these include:

  • Diagnostic films including X-RAYs, CT, PET.
  • Pathology reports of the biopsy that may have already been performed.
A copy of your advance directives i.e. Healthcare Proxy, Medical Power of Attorney, Living Will. We offer a consultation with our Palliative Care nurse to help you complete these forms.
  • A written list of questions to review with the physician.
  • Your completed new patient paperwork. These may have been mailed to you, emailed to you, or picked up from our office.
  • A loved one or friend who can provide your support and take notes.

Patients undergoing treatment and patients with lung disease can be very sensitive to scented items, so we respectfully ask that when you visit our office, you avoid wearing perfume, colognes, scented lotions, powder and/or other scented items. Thank you for your consideration.

If you are unable to make your appointment please call our office. We know that at times, unforeseen circumstances can prevent you from keeping your appointment, but when possible, we would greatly appreciate you giving our office at least a 24 - 48 hour notice so that we are able to offer that time to other patients who need to be seen.