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.