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COH Cancer Compassion

What to expect

AS A CITY OF HOPE PATIENT

Your journey of care with us, step by step

Finding a cancer hospital and care team that earns your trust and meets your expectations, needs and goals is one of the most important aspects of the cancer journey. At City of Hope, we understand how critical the decision- making process is, and the anxiety that often comes with it. That’s why we strive to make becoming a patient as easy and stress-free as possible—from your first call and first evaluation to your diagnosis, comprehensive treatment regimen and post-treatment plan. And beyond. We’re here for you, every step of the way.

STEP 1

One call to City of Hope is all it takes

Our expertise comes from our singular focus on treating cancer—every stage, every day. Our patient advocates are available 24/7 to hear your concerns, answer your questions and help you decide on a treatment plan that's right for you.

THE CARE YOU NEED IS ONE CALL AWAY

Insurance check
STEP 2

We check your insurance plan benefits for you

Our hospitals and convenient outpatient centers accept a wide variety of insurance plans. Based on a few answers about about your insurance policy information, we can conduct a preliminary check to determine how your insurance plan benefits work, and if we need to investigate further, we’ll get back to you within 24 hours. Once your benefits have been confirmed, a member of our team will review the details of your insurance plan’s coverage and answer any questions you may have.

Your First Visit
STEP 3

We arrange your initial appointment

Once your insurance benefits have been confirmed, we’ll schedule your initial appointment and help coordinate the details of your visit to make the process as easy, stress-free and affordable as possible.

One call to your City of Hope patient advocate is all that’s needed to begin your journey of hope and healing.

If you’re traveling, our personal patient concierge team will schedule your travel, reserve your accommodations, greet you at the airport or train station and bring you to the hospital or to your nearby lodging site*.

* If you are a beneficiary of a government health insurance program, such as Medicare, City of Hope is not permitted to provide travel, lodging or transportation benefits.

Registration
STEP 4

We help you prepare for your first visit

Before your first visit, we’ll mail you a personalized packet of information, and an oncology nurse will call you at home to discuss your medical history and help address any questions or concerns you have to ease your mind about what to expect on your first visit.

Care Support After Treatment
STEP 5

You get your expert cancer treatment plan

When you arrive, you’ll meet your City of Hope care team, who will work with you to design a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals. Your care team will review your medical records and health history, and if necessary, your oncologist will order further diagnostic tests and procedures to confirm or determine your diagnosis. Your personalized treatment plan, coordinated by a team of experts in your cancer type, will include evidence-informed supportive care services designed to help you manage side effects, maintain your energy and stay strong throughout treatment.

The length of your evaluation will depend on your individual situation. With some second opinions, our hospitals may be able to offer one-day evaluations.

Care Consultation
STEP 6

You begin receiving personalized treatment

Our cancer experts commit their time and talents to treating your disease with a collaborative approach, a wide range of technologies and tools and innovative treatment options, such as the advanced technologies of precision medicine and other treatment advances.

During your treatment, your care manager, a nurse with experience and training in working with cancer patients, handles the details—coordinating medications, scheduling medical appointments, following up on lab results, monitoring your progress and any side effects you may encounter—making sure nothing falls through the cracks. Our goal is to deliver not just expert care but a seamless experience that allows you to leave the logistics to us so you can focus on getting better.

Whether you’re at one of our hospitals, or at home in between visits, we’re by your side—no more than a phone call away.

Diagnostic Radiation
STEP 7

Supporting you after treatment and beyond

After your primary treatment is completed, you’ll be introduced to your City of Hope survivorship team. Together, they’ll offer strategies to prevent and detect new or recurrent cancers and interventions for long-term and late side effects resulting from cancer and/or its treatments. They’ll also coordinate communication between our specialists and your primary care doctor, while offering guidance about diet, exercise and living a healthy lifestyle after cancer.

Our team works with you to develop ways to improve and maintain your health, not just during treatment but long after you’ve gone back to your life.

Chemo Therapy Survivor Celebrating

City of Hope is here, every step of the way

COH Welcomes You

Your City of Hope care team recognizes that no two cancer patients, and no two cancers, are exactly the same. Your care plan, from treating the disease to managing related side effects, is designed to meet your needs and treatment goals with the personalization and sense of urgency your diagnosis deserves. You and your caregivers are involved every step of the way, empowered to make informed decisions about your care.

At City of Hope, you have by your side a team of cancer experts assigned to your care, with some responsible for treating the cancer and others working to help the you manage related side effects, like pain, nausea or malnutrition. These services and treatments are delivered under one roof, so you don’t have to worry about traveling to multiple appointments. We also help with your travel arrangements and, depending on your needs and situation, provide telehealth services that connect you with our cancer experts from the convenience of your home.

Debra Pattullo

Debra P

Breast Cancer

"From the start, I was impressed by how fast we were able to get information, results and appointments. At City of Hope, everything is under one roof, and we spent very little time waiting. City of Hope also has systems in place for accessing your test results and other information about your diagnosis. When we have questions, we get responses quickly. When we come to City of Hope, the staff remembers our names and why we are there. I just felt like I was in the right place."

We’re here for you, every step of the way.

Call City of Hope now.

From your first appointment, your team works with you to understand your medical history, the next steps in diagnosing your cancer and what your hopes are for treatment and recovery. By involving you in every decision related to your care plan, we’re here to help you make the right decisions for you throughout your treatment, every step of the way.

YOUR FIRST STEP CAN BE RIGHT NOW

Learn more about becoming a patient at City of Hope

City of Hope is one of the largest and most respected cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, renowned for breakthrough innovations that have led to therapies being used around the globe.

Our team of cancer experts offers the kind of care and support that has led to higher survivor rates than the national average for many patients — care we’re making available to more people around the country.

Learn more about our cancer expertise and innovative treatment 

The City of Hope team understands that you’re more than your diagnosis. You’re an individual who deserves personalized care that makes your treatment goals and preferences as much of a priority for us as they are for you. That’s why we’re dedicated to offering integrative care that nourishes the whole you—mind, body and soul.

Learn more about our compassionate cancer care 

The modern era of cancer treatment is constantly evolving, with new breakthroughs and discoveries changing the course of cancer care at a rapid pace. Our cancer experts treat cancer with a wide range of standard of care and innovative techniques and approaches, including sophisticated diagnostic tools, targeted radiation therapies, minimally invasive surgical techniques and treatments identified through the tools of precision medicine.

Learn more about cancer diagnostic and treatment options