Frequently Asked Questions
How is the appointment process for international patients at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center?
Once the New Patient Appointment Center has all the pertinent information, the Business Office will contact you directly in order to obtain financial information. Once your appointment or admission is approved, then the Clinic Scheduler from the New Patient Appointment Center will contact you with appointment options and dates.
What assistance can the International Relations Department provide prior to coming to Moffitt?
We will oversee your appointment process and answer any questions you may have.
Once the Business Office has approved your appointment or admission, we will contact you to discuss the services you will need before and during your stay. Prior to your visit, we will provide you with a list of hotels, and we will be happy to make the reservation. If you are flying directly to Tampa International Airport, we will arrange complimentary transportation from the airport to the hotel of your choice.
What do I need to bring with me for my appointment, consultation or admission?
You must bring all of your medical records as well as films, biopsy slides or paraffin blocks, and all of your radiology and pathology reports. All medical reports must be in English. Should you prefer, we can have your medical reports translated for a fee; however, these must be sent ahead of time, and there is a possibility that this could delay your appointment process.
You must also bring identification with a picture, such as your passport and your insurance card, if available, for registration purposes. In addition, we need the name, address and phone number of the physician that you want us to send your medical reports to.
What can I expect when I arrive at Moffitt?
You can expect high-quality and compassionate care and a friendly staff. Upon arrival, a representative from the International Relations Department will meet you at the lobby and escort you throughout the hospital. You also will receive a welcome folder with information regarding the hospital, the program your care will fall under, patient education materials, a list of local resources, maps, entertainment guide and more. The International Relations Coordinator will also discuss with you and your family what to expect during consultations, treatment, procedures, etc. You can contact our office at any time with your questions, suggestions or comments.
What is the average temperature in Tampa?
Following, you will find tables with average temperature and precipitation in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. Click here for additional and more specific local weather information.
Temperature in Celsius / Precipitation in centimeters
| |
Jan
|
Feb
|
Mar |
Apr
|
May
|
Jun
|
Jul
|
Aug
|
Sep
|
Oct
|
Nov
|
Dec
|
|
Avg. High
|
21°
|
22°
|
24°
|
27°
|
31°
|
32°
|
32°
|
32°
|
32°
|
29°
|
25°
|
22°
|
|
Avg. Low
|
10°
|
11°
|
13°
|
16°
|
19°
|
22°
|
23°
|
23°
|
22°
|
18°
|
14°
|
11°
|
|
Mean
|
16°
|
17°
|
19°
|
22°
|
25°
|
27°
|
28°
|
28°
|
27°
|
24°
|
20°
|
17°
|
|
Avg. Precip.
|
5,08
|
7,87
|
7,62
|
3,05
|
7,87
|
13,9
|
16,76
|
19,30
|
15,24
|
5,08
|
4,57
|
5,58
|
Temperature in Fahrenheit / Precipitation in inches
| |
Jan
|
Feb
|
Mar
|
Apr
|
May
|
Jun
|
Jul
|
Aug
|
Sep
|
Oct
|
Nov
|
Dec
|
| Avg. High |
69°
|
71°
|
76°
|
81°
|
87°
|
89°
|
90°
|
90°
|
89°
|
84°
|
77°
|
72°
|
|
Avg. Low
|
50°
|
51°
|
56°
|
60°
|
67°
|
72°
|
74°
|
74°
|
72°
|
65°
|
57°
|
52°
|
|
Mean
|
60°
|
62°
|
67°
|
71°
|
77°
|
81°
|
82°
|
82°
|
81°
|
75°
|
68°
|
62°
|
|
Avg. Precip.
|
2.00
|
3.10
|
3.00
|
1.20
|
3.10
|
5.50
|
6.60
|
7.60
|
6.00
|
2.00
|
1.80
|
2.20
|
Even during warm weather, we recommend that you bring a sweater or light jacket with you to your appointments. The temperature in the hospital is usually kept low and could be uncomfortable at times for some patients.
In addition, an umbrella is recommended during the summer since it is our rainy season. Umbrellas can be purchased in our gift shop.
What do I do if I need to stay longer due to treatment and my Permission to Stay expires during that period?
Make sure that you submit your I-94 card or Departure Record to the International Relations Department at least two (2) weeks prior to its expiration so that an Application to Extend Non-Immigrant Status can be submitted to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). There will be a fee associated with the preparation of the documents and certified mail as well as a processing fee for INS.
If necessary, will you provide me with a letter confirming my appointment in order to obtain a Tourist Visa at the U.S. Embassy in my country?
Yes, once your appointment or admission has been approved, a letter can be prepared and faxed to your closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If the original is needed, it can be mailed; however, depending on the mail system in your country, this could take several days or weeks. Express courier mail is available at the patient's expense.
Do you offer Interpreter Services for patients with Limited English Proficiency?
Yes, an interpreter will be assigned to assist you during your consultation and procedures. Please click here to go to Language Assistance.
Consultation and Treatment Prices (Moffitt and University Medical Services Associates)?
Please contact our International Financial Counselor at 813-745-3581 for any questions regarding your financial responsibility when making an appointment at Moffitt. The International Financial Counselor will provide you with approximate estimates for your consultation, tests, procedures, surgery, etc. The Counselor will also provide you with information about deposits, refunds, forms of payment and more.
If I am hospitalized, can a family member stay with me?
Yes. All patient rooms at Moffitt are private, and one person will be allowed to remain with you in the room. (This does not apply to Bone Marrow Transplant patients).
What is the transportation system like in the surrounding area?
If you are staying several days and are planning to do some sightseeing, we recommend renting a vehicle. Several of the hotels in the surrounding area provide shuttle service to our patients, but are limited to a certain distance radius. You can rent a vehicle at Tampa International Airport, or if you prefer, we can assist you in renting one near Moffitt Cancer Center.