Getting started
After a cancer diagnosis: A guide to getting started
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you may be feeling overwhelmed and not know where to begin. At Penn Medicine, we’re here to help guide you through this vulnerable time. Our comprehensive Cancer Care program offers the most effective treatment for your type of cancer, while also providing you with the cancer support services needed to care for your mind, body, and spirit.
Develop an action plan for your cancer journey
Once you’ve had a chance to process the news of your diagnosis, a clear action plan will help you navigate the next steps and make informed decisions about your care.
Finding a Penn Medicine cancer specialist who’s right for you is simple. Call 800-789-7366 (PENN) to speak with an experienced cancer nurse who can help guide you through the next steps. You’ll be connected to a scheduling coordinator who will make a convenient appointment, answer questions, and instruct you on the next steps to make your visit as smooth as possible.
If you are already a Penn Medicine patient, you can also access the MyChart by myPennMedicine portal to make an appointment.
Contact your insurance company to understand your plan’s coverage before your appointment. We accept most insurance plans, but you’ll want to know what services are covered by your plan and what your out-of-pocket costs might be.
Here’s what to confirm:
- Network status: Is Penn Medicine in-network? This affects your financial responsibility.
- Out-of-pocket costs: Confirm your deductible and copay amounts.
- Referral requirements: Does your plan require a referral for specialist visits? Your primary care provider can provide one if needed.
- Prescription coverage: Understand what medications are covered by your plan.
- Authorization requirements: Check if your plan requires pre-approval for certain services.
Penn Medicine offers financial counseling and assistance to patients facing cancer and other serious illnesses.
You may also want to check with your employer or health plan to see if you have access to an insurance manager. An insurance manager is an individual who can help you navigate your insurance benefits so that you can be fully informed about your insurance plan.
To give our care team the complete picture of your health, we’ll want to review your previous medical records before your visit. This may include laboratory tests, reports, films or discs, pathology slides, and other diagnostic tests. Our new patient coordinators will request your records from your referring physician before your appointment. They’ll also work with you to identify past providers and to request your medical records directly from them.
The more you know about your cancer, the more involved you can be in your treatment plan, which can lead to better outcomes. Understanding what to expect can also reduce anxiety and fear. We offer educational materials through our Penn Medicine Caplan Patient Education Center.
You can find additional resources at OncoLink, a free cancer information website that provides up-to-date, reliable information from healthcare professionals.
Check our frequently asked questions about cancer care at Penn Medicine for answers about getting a second opinion, exploring clinical trials, and understanding your cancer treatment coverage.
Prepare for your first oncology appointment
Preparing for your first appointment will help things run smoothly. Your first consultation may involve various tests that can take some time, so you’ll want to dress comfortably and bring a book to pass the time. Here are some additional tips:
- Arrive 30 minutes early to complete paperwork.
- Consider bringing a loved one for support and note-taking.
- Bring your insurance card and any medical records you have.
- Make a list of your medications and allergies.
- Bring a notebook with your questions and to take notes.
Before leaving your consultation, get contact information for those involved in your care, including who to call if you need help during non-business hours or if you have follow-up questions.
Be an advocate for your own care
An essential part of your cancer care team is you. While your entire Penn Medicine care team is an integral part of your cancer care, taking an active role in your own treatment can positively affect the quality of your care, your health, and your life. Being your own advocate can give you a sense of control during a period of uncertainty.
Here are some of the ways you can contribute to the success of your care:
- Ask questions during appointments
- Talk to friends and family
- Learn about your specific cancer
- Eat healthy foods
- Maintain physical activity
- Join a support group
- Consider getting a second opinion
Your oncology nurse navigator can help guide you and connect you with the appropriate cancer support services that can positively affect your cancer journey.
Getting a second opinion for an accurate cancer diagnosis
Getting an accurate diagnosis is the key to receiving the most effective treatment for your cancer type. At Penn Medicine, our specialists are among the most experienced in the nation at diagnosing cancer. In addition to microscopic pathologic analysis, our pathologists commonly perform specialized techniques including immunohistochemical analyses, electron microscopy, and molecular studies. All these advanced tests ensure the highest quality of tumor diagnosis.
If you’ve already received a diagnosis from your referring physician, you may want to come to Penn Medicine to get a second opinion. Getting a second opinion will ensure that you are pursuing the best possible treatment options for your type of cancer. A second opinion may confirm your existing diagnosis and treatment path or will provide you with additional options that could lead to more effective treatment.
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.