How do I schedule my first appointment, cancel or change an existing appointment?
Please call the clinic's main number 617.638.6428 to schedule your initial visit or if you need to cancel or change an appointment.
What should I bring with me for my appointments?
- Your current insurance card(s)
- A list of all current medications you are taking, including doses (please also include over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, etc.)
- A list of any prescription-refills you may need
- A list of any questions you have
- A family member, if you wish
What should I expect during my first visit?
Our doctors may have you complete additional diagnostic tests to get a complete picture of your condition before they make treatment recommendations. When the testing is done, we will talk with you about different treatment options that are available to you. Depending on your diagnosis, you may be referred to one or more of several treatment modalities, including:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation Therapy
- Surgery
If you choose to have treatment here, you will be introduced to members of your team who will assist you with the next phase of your care. Otherwise, our physician will report back to your referring physician his/her recommendations.
To schedule an appointment, please call 617.638.6428.
How do I schedule my follow up appointments?
Before leaving the clinic stop at the front desk to schedule your next appointment. Any changes to appointments must be made with the front desk, not with your treatment nurse.
What if I need help on a day I do not have an appointment?
If you have a question or problem, please call the main phone number, 617.638.6428, and ask to speak with a nurse.
What is the role of my blood or cancer doctor?
Your blood or cancer doctor does not replace the need for your primary care doctor. He/she is specially trained to treat your specific cancer or blood disorder. He/she will keep your primary care doctor informed about your care.
Do you accept referrals?
We accept referrals from patients and providers nationally and internationally. Prior to your first visit we ask that you have your medical records sent to us from your current provider as well as the reason for your referral. Ideally, this will allow our physicians to review your records prior to meeting with you. Once here, our doctors may have you complete other diagnostic tests to get a complete picture of your condition before they make treatment recommendations.
How should I prepare myself mentally and physically?
It often helps to use stress-relieving methods that have worked for you in the past with other situations (i.e., meditating, religion, hobbies, etc.). Exercising under the care of your physician can also be helpful to deal with the stresses of your illness. There are medicines that can help to prevent or decrease some of the side effects of the drugs and treatments. It will be important for you to tell your doctor and nurse if you are not feeling well.
How do referrals work (for patients who have an insurance policy that requires a referral)?
It is important that the cancer or blood doctor you will be seeing is part of your insurance plan's "network.” (Please refer to your insurance book for the list of providers within your network. Or you may call the Center and ask which of our doctors are within your network.) If you do see a doctor out of your network, you will be billed for the services. It is your responsibility to contact your primary care office for an insurance referral to come to the Solomont Center for Hematology and Medical Oncology. Our clinic is a specialty clinic and does not give referrals to other physicians, even if it is a test or appointment that your cancer doctor wants you to have. Your Primary Care Physician's (PCP) office must manage your referrals.
If you need assistance or would like to give us referral information over the phone, please call the main number at 617.638.6428. Referrals can also be faxed to 617.638.5756. It is your responsibility to keep referrals updated for every visit to see your doctor or to receive treatment or testing.
How do I get my medications (prescriptions)?
It is very important to speak with your doctor or nurse about your prescription refills during your appointment times. If you need a prescription refill after leaving the clinic, please call 617.638.6428 and ask to speak to the triage nurse.
What are your patient/visitor policies?
Because clinic space is limited, we ask you to limit the number of people you bring with you to your appointments, though we do suggest having one family member with you. Also, because many of our patients are at increased risk of infection:
- Children under the age of 16 are not allowed in the clinic.
- Patients with colds should ask for masks.
- No visitors allowed in the clinic who are sick or have a cold.
Smoking is not allowed in the clinic, or in any building within the hospital. Smoking is permitted only on outside grounds, away from building entrances, in areas where signs are posted.
Use of cellular phones is permitted in the clinic. Throughout the hospital signs are posted as to where they cannot be used. Please be respectful to those around you when using your cellular phone.