Your First Visit to Perlmutter Cancer Center

Members of your cancer care teamĀ at NYU Langoneā€™s Perlmutter Cancer CenterĀ work together to ensure that your first visit is as streamlined and stress-free as possible. Often, multiple cancer experts can meet with you on the same day, in the same building, if needed.

Dr. Sylvia Adams smiling and talking with patient seated in exam room

Your cancer care team, including medical oncologists like Dr. Sylvia Adams, works with you to ensure that your first visit runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

At your first visit, your doctors review any test results and order additional tests as needed. They answer any questions you and your family may have and refer you to experts, such as social workers and nutritionists, who provide support services, including counselingĀ and integrative health.

What to Bring to Your First Visit

If youā€™ve already had any diagnostic tests, your doctor may ask that you arrange for the results to be sent prior to your first appointment or that you bring your results to the appointment yourself. These might include the results of blood tests, bone scans, chest X-rays, CT scans, mammography reports and films, MRI scans, pathology slides and reports, and PET scans. Please also bring results of recent heart tests, such as EKGs or stress tests.

Often, you can meet with multiple cancer specialists on the same day, in the same building.

If you visited cancer doctors outside Perlmutter Cancer Center, please bring any medical reports you were not asked to send before the visit. This includes information about any cancer treatments you have received or any surgical reports.

Please also bring a list of the medications you take, including the dose and how often you take them.

Questions to Ask At Your First Visit

You may wish to write down questions to bring to your first appointment and arrange for a family member or friend to accompany you to help listen and take notes. Here are some suggested questions:

Clinical Trials

We offer clinical trials for many types of cancer. Your doctor can help determine if enrolling in a clinical trial is right for you.

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  • What kind of diagnostic tests or procedures do I need and how often?
  • When do I receive results and how?
  • What are my treatment options?
  • What is the goal of treatment?
  • What is the timeline for treatments? Are they outpatient or inpatient?
  • What are the possible short- and longer-term side effects of treatment?
  • Are there clinical trialsĀ available to me? How can I find out about them?
  • Is this type of cancer caused by genetic factors that may put other members of my family at risk?
  • Where can I find out more about my cancer diagnosis?

Arrival and Registration

Perlmutter Cancer Center has doctorsā€™ offices in several New York City boroughs and on Long Island. We provide information about planning your visit, including directions and parking, for all our locations.

When you arrive, please check in with our staff at the front desk, as well as on the floor or in the area where you are being seen. Please bring your insurance card, photo identification, and any completed paperwork. Feel free to ask our staff for help updating your address, referring-physician information, or insurance information in our system.

Your Treatment Plan

A team of specialists, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, work together to provide comprehensive, personalized care. They review your medical records, examine you, and order diagnostic tests and procedures to determine the best possible treatment plan for you.