Magee-Womens Cancer Program

At the Magee-Womens Cancer Program of UPMC Cancer Centers, our multidisciplinary team of health care professionals is dedicated to providing each patient with exceptional care through the entire course and treatment of his or her disease. Whether you have been newly diagnosed, are a new patient, or are currently receiving treatment at UPMC, our breadth of patient care services focuses on treating the whole patient, not just the disease. To help you establish and maintain an active role in your treatment decisions, plans of care, and follow-up, we have compiled some information we hope will assist you on this journey.

Members of your health care team

Your health care team will include a number of cancer specialists such as gynecologic oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, and behavioral health and cancer support specialists.

What to bring to your appointment

Medical history: Knowing your medical history and what treatments you have had to date is very helpful. Ask your primary care physician (PCP) or the physician who referred you to make a copy of your medical record — complete with documentation of any hospitalizations, office visits, and treatments you may have undergone — and bring it with you.
Pathology slides and written reports: If you already had a biopsy of suspicious tissue, bring the actual glass slides as well as the written pathology report to your first appointment. You can obtain these from the pathology department at the medical facility where your biopsy was taken.
X-rays: Arrange to bring the actual x-ray films related to your diagnosis to your first appointment. The radiology department of the medical facility where your films were taken can supply these.
Physician information: Know the name, address, phone, and fax numbers of your PCP, referring physician, and/or any other physician you would like us to update during your treatment process.
Medications: Compile a comprehensive list of any medications and/or supplements you are taking, including dosages for each.
Insurance information: Bring your current insurance cards and photo ID.
Pharmacy information: Have a copy of your local pharmacy’s name, address, phone, and fax numbers.

Preparing for your appointment

Write down any questions you may have regarding your diagnosis and/or treatment and bring them with you to your appointment to discuss with your doctor.
Ask a family member or caregiver who knows your health history to come with you.
If desired, designate a family member or caregiver to serve as your health care family liaison. Upon designation, you grant the individual authorization to receive information about your care. (If you wish to designate a health care family liaison, inform a member of your health care team and they will be able to assist you.)

Scheduling information

While we do our best to schedule all tests and appointments around your availability, some flexibility on your part may be required. Given the fact that your care involves a variety of cancer specialists, same day appointments may not always be possible or in your best interest.
Plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment to allow for parking, construction, and paperwork. While arriving early will not guarantee an earlier appointment time, there are a variety of amenities available which include a café, a gift shop, a resource center, and various outdoor relaxation areas.
If you are unable to keep an appointment, please call to cancel at least 24 hours in advance.
Most offices have multiple doctors and services available each day, so although it may seem that someone who arrived after you is being seen before you, they may simply be seeing another physician or service on a different schedule than you.
Keep in mind that every patient is different and will receive individualized care. Our obligation to each patient is to give the time and services required, which may impact the office schedule. If you feel that your wait has been too long, please alert one of our staff members.

Thank you for selecting the Magee- Womens Cancer Program of UPMC Cancer Centers for your care.

Reviewed August 2012