Preparing For Your Appointment
Welcome to Moffitt Cancer Center. Even before you step in the door, planning for personalized treatment begins quickly. We have disrupted the traditional patient care model to provide patients with rapid care so that we can start treatment as soon as possible for the best outcomes. You've made your appointment but may not be sure what to expect. We want to help you prepare with the following information for your visit:
What to Provide Before Your Appointment
- Register - Patients can fill out and sign the electronic patient questionnaire, complete registration documents and review additional important materials online prior to arriving to their first appointment. Read more about how to enhance your online registration process.
- Billing information - At Moffitt Cancer Center all services are billed as an outpatient hospital and may result in a higher out-of-pocket expense. You may ask for an estimate before your appointment by contacting our financial counselors at 813-745-8422 or emailing csbo@moffitt.org.
- Medical records and radiology images — It is important we receive your medical records and radiology images prior to your first appointment. Please email, fax or drop off copies of your medical records before coming to your first appointment so we have time to review them. You may also upload outside radiology images.
- Pathology slides and written reports — If you've already been diagnosed with cancer, you have had a biopsy or tissue specimen taken and reviewed by a pathologist. Moffitt has determined a second interpretation and confirmation of pathology is required. Moffitt will request your pathology slides from the facility where your biopsy was performed. Please note that you will be charged for the second review of your pathology. Contact your Clinic Coordination Assistant if you have any questions.
Patient and Family Orientation
Sign Up: Orientation SessionsWhat to Bring on the Day of Your Appointment
- Identification cards — Bring a photo ID, all health insurance identification cards (including secondary insurance and supplemental policies) and your outpatient prescription benefit card. Your insurance plan may require a referral or authorization prior to any service. If we are unable to obtain the referral or authorization prior to your scheduled appointment, you will be financially responsible. Please read frequently asked questions about insurance prior to your first appointment.
- Medications — A current list of all medications you take, including dosages, or bring all of the bottles with you. Include all over-the-counter medications such as vitamins or supplements. Report any allergies to medications, foods or anything else that causes a reaction (like tape or iodine). Also mention what type of reaction you have such as a rash, shortness of breath, swelling of the lips and tongue, etc.
What to Expect During Your First Appointment
We recognize that your treatment is about you, your family and your specific needs. We're here to help with some tips on what to expect:
- Your primary Moffitt oncologist or surgeon will review your materials, conduct your examination, and have a discussion with you and your family or significant other. At this point, he or she may make preliminary treatment or diagnostic recommendations.
- Your oncologist or surgeon will discuss your individual treatment needs with other members of your team and explain to you any changes in the recommendations for your care.
- You might be asked to see additional specialists or undergo additional tests. If surgery is needed, you will be given specific details on any preoperative testing. Prior to surgery, you and your family will have the opportunity to meet your surgeon (if you have not already met) to discuss the planned procedure.
- You may be asked to undergo genetic testing. Genetic testing is a useful tool for identifying mutations or changes in your DNA from your blood or relevant cancer tissue. The results of the genetic tests might be used to guide medical treatments or decisions.
For Your Safety
Moffitt encourages patients to partner with their healthcare providers to prevent healthcare errors.
- Review your identification armband to ensure the information is correct. Inform a staff member if an error needs to be corrected. Be sure your healthcare professionals check your armband before drawing blood, giving medications or performing procedures.
- Make sure anyone caring for you is wearing a Moffitt badge you can clearly read.
- Moffitt requires all caregivers and staff to wash their hands with soap and water or a waterless alcohol hand gel before and after interacting with each patient. This simple act is extremely effective at reducing the spread of infection.
- Illness and treatment might cause you to feel weaker and more tired than usual, which could increase your risk for a fall. Let your healthcare team know if you have had any recent falls or if you feel unsteady or dizzy so we can properly help you move about safely.
Helpful Links to Review Before Your Appointment:
- What to Ask During Your Appointment
- MyMoffitt patient portal
- Preparing for Your Hospitalization
- Patient and Family Orientation
- Patient Rights & Responsibilities
- Download a map of Moffitt's Magnolia campus (PDF)
- Download a map of Moffitt Cancer Center McKinley Hospital (PDF)
- Download the Resource Guide for Patients and Families (PDF)
- Notice of Privacy Practices (PDF)
- Revocation of Health Information Exchange Opt-in Consent (PDF)
- Information on Nonopioid Alternatives for the Treatment of Pain (PDF)
Visitation and Family Presence Policy (PDF) | Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct | Conditions of Care (PDF)
To learn more about our services and how to prepare for your appointment, please call 1‑888‑663‑3488
or you can submit a new patient registration form.
Preparing For Your Appointment
- Patient and Family Orientation
- Medical Records
- Appointment Reminder Service
- MyMoffitt Patient Portal
- New Cancer Diagnosis
- Online Registration Frequently Asked Questions
- Scheduling Your Appointment
- Traveling for Cancer Treatment
- Preparing For Your Hospitalization
- Preparing For Your Surgery
- Visitor Policy
- Patient Rights and Responsibilities