What can
I expect during my first visit? How long will it take?
During your
initial visit, you will probably receive a thorough physical exam
in addition to consulting with the doctor. Please plan on staying
1 to 2 hours for your first visit. Do
I have to bring someone with me?
While it
is not necessary to have someone accompany you, we recommend
it because you will be given a lot of information, both written
and verbal. It is often helpful to have someone else along to
help process the information and clarify any questions or concerns
you may have. We will not be performing any procedures on your
first visit that will require someone to drive you home.
Is
it alright to eat before I come for my first visit, or do I
need to fast?
The lab work
we will be performing does not require fasting, so you may eat
anytime prior to your arrival.
Can I bring my children along?
For your
children’s safety and the health of our patients who may
have suppressed immune systems, we ask that you not bring small
children with you when you come for your clinic visits. Children
are not allowed in the chemotherapy suite.
Do
you need all of my medical records for my first visit?
Yes, it is
very important to have all of your prior records and actual
films for our doctors to review during this first consultation.
This is especially true when second opinions are being requested.
Please contact your primary care physician a few days prior
to your appointment with us to make certain all pertinent material
has been sent.
What is the first visit going to cost and who can I talk to
about financial arrangements?
There are
financial counselors available to answer any questions you may
have regarding your first visit and on-going treatment. Please
feel free to call the clinic where you will be receiving treatment
prior to your appointment. Contact our North office at 228-1400,
the South office at 228-1000, and the Valley office at 228-1200.
Do
your doctors specialize in specific cancers?
All of our
doctors are qualified to treat all forms of cancers and blood
disorders. Some of our physicians have a special interest in
certain types of cancers, but they also treat other cancers
and blood disorders as well. Our staff will consult with your
primary care physician at the time of referral to determine
which doctor is best able to meet your medical needs.
Can you bill me for my co-pay?
Those patients
on a managed care insurance program will need to make their
co-pay at the time of their visit.
Do
you need to know what medications I am taking, even though my
primary care doctor prescribed them? What about supplements
I may be taking?
For your
own safety, it is extremely important for us to know what medications
and supplements you are taking at all times; this assures you
will not be given a medication from us that conflicts with your
current prescriptions or supplements. First time patients, please
bring a complete listing of your medications, supplements and
doses or bring along the bottles. Throughout your treatment,
please be sure to inform the nurse of any changes in what you
are taking.
How long will each session of my chemotherapy treatment take?
Chemotherapy treatment varies in length and depends on the
individual treatment plan prescribed by your doctor. Some last
as long as 3 hours, while others may only take a half-hour.
Your doctor can provide an estimate of the time involved during
your first consultation. The appointment time you are given
is your arrival time, not necessarily the time you will be seen
by the doctor. In most cases, lab work is completed and processed
before consultation with the doctor.
What services are provided by your clinic?
We are the
only fully integrated cancer treatment center in the Inland
Northwest, offering a complete range of services at one location
for the convenience of our patients. CT scans, X-rays, chemotherapy
treatment, radiation, lab work, and follow up care are all available
at our North and South clinic locations. The South clinic location
also provides access to a licensed massage therapist. Our Valley
location offers lab and chemotherapy services along with the
doctor’s consultation.
Cancer Care Northwest also has a full time clinical social worker
on staff to assist patients during their healing journey. We
recognize that throughout the course of treatment, many patients
may need assistance in areas other than their medical care.
If you have any questions or need social work assistance now
or anytime during the course of your treatment, please call
228-1000 or 228-1400 and ask for our clinical social worker.
What should I do if I am experiencing a medical problem?
Please call
the clinic where you are receiving treatment. During regular
office hours, the person answering the phone will take your
name, phone number, and the nature of your problem, and then
pull your medical records. This information will then be given
to a clinic nurse who will call you as soon as possible to discuss
your concerns.
If you are experiencing extreme symptoms and feel your condition
may be life threatening, you will receive immediate attention.
Please alert the person answering the phone about your condition
and they will forward you immediately to a nurse who will consult
with your doctor if needed.
Our physicians are available 24-hours a day to handle after
hour emergencies. If you experience a problem after normal business
hours, please call the clinic where you are normally treated.
Our answering service will take your name and phone number,
and the physician on-call will contact you shortly to discuss
your concerns.
Can I call the clinic anytime for prescription refills?
Please try
to call for prescription refills before 4 P.M. if possible to
give us time to process your request. If you are requesting
a controlled substance, please try to call in before 3 P.M.
All controlled substances must be picked up in person by the
patient or a family member.
How long does it take to get test results back?
While some
tests are preformed in house, others may be done at outside
facilities, and it may take several days before we have the
results. Please plan on three to four days before checking with
us.
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