For Gynecologic Cancer Patients
If you recently found out you have gynecologic cancer, you probably have a long list of questions, concerns, and worries. That’s normal because you’re facing a lot of unknowns.
Getting a cancer diagnosis is scary, but getting treatment doesn’t have to be. At UPMC, your gynecologic cancer team offers expert, compassionate care from day one. We work hard to make your first appointment as stress-free and efficient as possible.
Preparing for Your First Gynecologic Cancer Visit
To make your first visit as productive as possible, we ask that you prepare a few items in advance.
Before the day of your appointment
After scheduling your appointment, you’ll receive a packet of information from us. It contains the initial paperwork for you to complete. This includes a detailed account of your personal and family medical history.
Some gynecologic cancers run in families. It’s important for us to know as much as possible about your family’s medical history. That might involve you asking questions and making phone calls to relatives, which takes some time.
Our office will give you specific instructions if we need certain scans or blood work in advance.
On the day of your appointment
Please plan to arrive about 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. This will give you time to fill out any remaining paperwork.
It’s a good idea to bring a loved one with you to the appointment. They can take notes and help you remember what the doctor tells you. You should bring a list of questions for the doctor, too.
Allow yourself plenty of time to find the doctor’s office, keeping traffic and potential parking issues in mind. The less stress you have to deal with on the day of the first appointment, the better.
Here are some items and documents you should bring with you.
- A list of current medications and supplements you take, along with dosages.
- A list of the providers you currently see for ongoing care.
- Any imaging done outside of UPMC, on CD.
- Blood test results.
- Completed New Patient Assessment form.
- Driver’s license or another photo ID.
- Insurance card.
- Medical records and notes from other providers.
- Pathology reports, including recent biopsy or Pap smear results.
- Pathology slides of tissue samples.
- Your medical and surgical history, including gynecologic and obstetric history.
How long will my first gynecologic cancer visit last?
The first visit will include a lot of information-gathering and time for questions. You may have a physical exam and meet with multiple members of your care team. You should expect to spend between two and four hours at the appointment.
What to Expect When You Arrive
When you arrive, a receptionist will greet you. They will:
- Ask you to complete any remaining paperwork.
- Check you in for your appointment.
- Verify your insurance and contact information.
Your Gynecologic Cancer Assessment
Your first appointment will help you understand your condition and the path your treatment will take. It will involve:
- A medical review — Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, including family history.
- A physical exam — Your doctor may perform a pelvic exam to look for abnormalities.
- Diagnostic testing — Your doctor may order additional lab work, imaging, or biopsies (testing of tissue samples).
- A treatment and care plan — You’ll discuss various treatment options based on your diagnosis. Your care team will come up with a personalized care plan, tailored to your specific needs.
- A path forward — Your cancer care team will discuss next steps with you. This may involve additional tests, follow-up appointments, or referrals to other specialists.
Your gynecologic cancer care team
During your first appointment, you may meet with several different members of your care team. These could include:
- Medical oncologists — Specialists in chemotherapy and targeted therapy.
- Nurse navigators — Specially trained nurses who will guide you through treatment logistics.
- Radiation oncologists — Specialists in radiation therapy for treating gynecologic cancers.
- Social workers — Experts who provide practical and emotional support during and after your treatment.
- Surgical oncologists — Surgeons who remove tumors and cancerous tissue.
Clinical trial participation
At UPMC, our cancer specialists get involved in cutting-edge research into new cancer treatments. You may be eligible to participate in a cancer research study.
If you are willing and able to take part in a clinical trial, you should allow extra time for each visit. There may be more steps and procedures than with a typical cancer treatment plan.
Gynecologic Cancer Care Co-Pays and Insurance
UPMC accepts many health insurance plans. Please check with your health insurance plan for specific information about your coverage. You should ask about coverage for doctor’s visits, diagnostic tests, preventive screenings, medical procedures, and hospital stays.
You will be responsible to pay any non-covered charges. Common forms of payment we accept include:
- Cash or check.
- Credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express.
- Debit cards.
- Flexible spending cards.
- Health care savings account cards.
If you have a copay, we will bill you after your visit. Please check with your health insurance company to find out if you have a copay, and what the amount is.
We will send you a bill if there is a balance remains after your health insurance pays the covered amount. You can pay your bill online or through the mail.
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2026-08-06.
