Questions to Ask a Cancer Clinic Before Scheduling Care

Questions about the clinic and care team

• Which clinician will lead my care?
• Which specialists will review my case?
• Is my case discussed by a multidisciplinary team?
• How often does the center treat this cancer type or perform this procedure?
• Who answers questions between appointments and after hours?

Questions about the proposed treatment

• What treatment are you proposing, and what is its goal?
• What information do you need before deciding whether I am eligible?
• What tests or consultations are required?
• What alternatives will be discussed?
• How is the treatment scheduled and delivered?
• What symptoms or side effects should prompt an urgent call?

Questions about integrative and supportive care

• Which nutrition, rehabilitation, pain, palliative, psychological, spiritual, acupuncture, massage, or mind-body services are available?
• Are these services provided by the clinic, a hospital department, or an outside practitioner?
• How does the integrative team communicate with the oncology team?
• Who reviews medications, supplements, and potential interactions?
• Are caregivers included in education and planning?

Questions about costs and insurance

• Can you provide a written estimate before care begins?
• Which fees are professional, facility, laboratory, imaging, pharmacy, or anesthesia charges?
• Which services are usually billed to insurance and which are self-pay?
• Do you offer financial counselling, payment plans, or assistance applications?
• Could additional costs arise if treatment changes or complications occur?

Questions about travel and follow-up

• How many visits are expected, and how long should I stay nearby?
• Will I need a caregiver or driver?
• Does the clinic assist with lodging, transportation, visas, or local travel?
• Can follow-up visits happen remotely?
• What information will be sent to my local doctors?

What to request in writing

Ask for the proposed treatment plan, expected schedule, preparation instructions, medication changes, urgent-contact instructions, written estimate, payment terms, and follow-up plan. Record the name and role of every person you speak with.

You can use Cancer Clinic Finder to research clinic profiles, create a shortlist, and request a callback when you want help organizing the search.