New patients
Preparing for your first visit
A new diagnosis brings a lot of questions. Here's how to get ready for your first appointment, and what to expect when you arrive, so you can focus on what matters most: your care.
Before your visit
A few things to take care of first
Taking care of a few details ahead of time makes your first appointment smoother, and helps your care team give you their full attention.
Confirm your appointment and insurance
Call to confirm your date and time, and check that we're in your network. Our team can help you understand your coverage. see insurance & billing.
Gather your medical records
Collect any pathology or biopsy reports, recent imaging (including the discs), lab results, and a list of your current medications. If you've had treatment before, a short summary helps too.
Write down your questions
Jot down whatever is on your mind while you think of it. We've listed some questions many patients find helpful. see the list below.
Bring someone with you
A family member or friend can listen, take notes, and help you remember what was said. You're always welcome to bring someone along.
The day of
What to bring
Having these on hand helps us get started right away.
- ✓A photo ID
- ✓Your insurance card, and a secondary card, if you have one
- ✓A list of your current medications, vitamins, and supplements, with doses
- ✓Your medical records, pathology reports, and imaging, including any discs
- ✓A list of questions for your care team
- ✓A notebook or your phone for taking notes
- ✓A family member or friend, if you'd like
Not sure whether we already have your records? Call ahead and we'll tell you exactly what to bring.
At your appointment
What to expect at your first visit
Your first appointment is mostly about getting to know you and understanding your diagnosis together. Here's how it usually goes.
Checking in
Arrive a few minutes early with your ID and insurance card. Our front-desk team will get you registered and answer any questions before you're seen.
Meeting your care team
Your oncologist or hematologist will review your history, examine you, and talk with you about your diagnosis and what it means. You may also meet nurses and other members of your team.
Any testing you need
Depending on your situation, we may arrange bloodwork, imaging, or a review of your biopsy. Our on-site lab means much of this can happen close to home.
Your care plan
Together, you and your care team decide on the next steps that are right for you, explained in plain language, at a pace that works for you.
What happens next
Before you leave, you'll know what to expect at your next visit and who to call if questions come up in between.
Come prepared
Questions to ask at your first appointment
It's easy to forget things in the moment. Here are questions many patients find helpful. Bring the ones that matter to you.
- ?What type of cancer or blood disorder do I have, and what does that mean?
- ?If it's cancer, what stage is it, and what does that tell us?
- ?What are my treatment options, and what do you recommend?
- ?What is the goal of treatment?
- ?What side effects should I expect, and how will we manage them?
- ?How might treatment affect my daily life, work, and family?
- ?Will I need any more tests before treatment starts?
- ?Who do I call with questions between visits?
- ?What will my care cost, and who can help me understand my coverage?
Want a second set of eyes on your diagnosis? Learn about getting a second opinion.
Finding us
Getting to your appointment
We care for patients at two Northwest Indiana locations. Both offer free on-site parking, step-free access, and an on-site lab, so your visit is as easy as possible.
Merrillville
200 E 89th Ave, Suite 2A
Merrillville, IN 46410
Munster
929 Ridge Rd, Suite 5
Munster, IN 46321
It's okay to feel unsure
Feeling nervous before your first appointment is completely normal. Our team is here to walk you through every step. You won't have to figure any of this out on your own.
Ready when you are.
Have questions before your visit, or need to schedule? We're glad to help.