Initial Consultation
If you or a loved one are in need of radiation therapy for treatment of cancer or other disease, then you've come to the right place - The Sibley Cancer Center in Washington DC, serving patients and their families in the Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia region.
Once you and your physician have agreed to move forward, the next steps in identifying the best treatment plan involve spending time with members of the radiation oncology team. We want to get to know you and your family as well as understand your medical situation.
To schedule a consultation with one of our radiation oncology specialists, you'll need a referral from your primary care physician or from a medical specialist such as an urologist, surgeon, or medical oncologist. In this section, we explain how to prepare for your first visit.
The consultation process will determine if radiation therapy would be beneficial for you. If you are a candidate for radiation therapy and you consent to begin treatment, the next step in the clinical process is the scheduling of a CT simulation procedure.
When To Arrive
On the day of your appointment, please plan to arrive 15 minutes early in order to become familiar with the department and allow enough time to change into a gown.
What To Bring
Your initial consultation will require some preparation on your part. You will need to bring:
- Health insurance card with your policy number and name of policy holder (spouse or other family member whose name is on the insurance policy) and policy-holder's Social Security number
- Employer's name, address and phone number, if you are covered under your employer's insurance program
- Referral authorization letter, if you are in an HMO or PPO
- Medicare card, your date of retirement and spouse's date of retirement
- Your Advance Directives ("living will"), if desired
- Referring physician's name (address and phone number, if out-of-town)
- List of medications you currently take (including over-the-counter medicines). If it is easier for you, you may bring your medications in their containers.
Please do not bring large amounts of cash, valuable jewelry or watches. You will have to remove jewelry and watches during the examination and treatment. and we cannot be responsible for these valuables.
What to Wear
In most cases, you will need to change into a special gown for the simulation. We recommend, therefore, that you wear comfortable clothes that are easy to change. For your security and convenience, lockers with keys are located in the dressing area.
