Finding a cancer care team that earns your trust and meets your goals, needs and expectations is essential during your cancer journey. At City of Hope, we know how important the decision-making process may be, and the stress that may accompany it. That’s why we work hard to make it as easy and stress-free as possible to become a patient. From your first call and initial evaluation to your diagnosis, treatment regimen and post-treatment plan—and beyond. We're by your side every step of the way.
Our expertise comes from our singular focus on treating cancer—every stage, every day. Our patient advocates are available 24/7 to listen, answer your questions and help you decide on a treatment plan that’s right for you. We’re here to listen, hear your concerns and answer your questions.
Our patient advocates are here 24/7 to hear your concerns and answer your questions.
Our hospitals and convenient outpatient centers accept a wide range of insurance plans. Based on details about your insurance policy, we'll perform a preliminary evaluation to find out how your benefits work. If further investigation is required, we’ll get back to you within 24 hours. After confirming your benefits, a member of our team will go over your coverage and answer any questions you may have.
After confirming your insurance benefits, 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.
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.*
*Travel assistance is not permitted for those on government insurance policies, such as Medicare or Medicaid.
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.
When you arrive, you’ll meet your City of Hope care team. Together, you'll work to develop a comprehensive treatment plan personalized 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 establish your diagnosis. Your personalized treatment plan will include evidence-informed therapies, as well as 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.
Our cancer experts treat your condition with a collaborative approach, a wide range of technologies and tools and innovative treatment options, including the advanced technologies of precision medicine and other treatment advances.
During 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—to ensure that nothing falls through the cracks. We aim to deliver expert care, as well as a seamless experience so you can leave the logistics to us and focus on your health.
Whether you’re at one of our hospitals, or at home in between visits, we’re by your side—just a phone call away.
After your primary cancer treatment is completed, you’ll meet your City of Hope survivorship team. They’ll offer techniques to help prevent and detect new or recurrent cancers, along with interventions managing for long-term and late side effects you may experience. They’ll also coordinate communication between our specialists and your primary care doctor, while offering guidance about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle after cancer.
Our team aims to help you develop ways to maintain and improve your health, not just during treatment but throughout your life.
Your City of Hope care team recognizes that no two cancer patients, and no two cancers, are identical. Your care plan, from treating cancer to managing side effects, is developed to meet your treatment goals with the personalization and sense of urgency you deserve. You and your caregivers are involved at every step so you can make informed decisions about your care.
At City of Hope, our dedicated team of cancer experts works together under one roof so you don’t have to worry about traveling to multiple appointments. In addition, depending on your needs and situation, we may be able to provide telehealth services that connect you with our cancer experts from the convenience of your home.
"My wife Janet looked at the website for information and chatted with John, an Oncology Information Specialist. The next day, I had a 20-minute phone conversation with John, who answered my questions about City of Hope and provided additional information. I gave him my insurance information so they could check to see if my carrier would help cover the cost of my treatment. I didn't have to do a bunch of research. I didn't have to dig through files and make phone calls to see what my deductible was or anything."
Our oncologists use a wide variety of standard-of-care and innovative treatment tools and technologies, including precision medicine breakthroughs in immunotherapy and targeted therapy drugs, to treat your specific cancer type, collaborating daily to make tweaks to your plan as needed.
Expert treatment and personalized careA second opinion may point to a different cancer type, and a review of your genetic profile through advanced genomic testing may uncover a more advanced treatment option not previously considered, or help to confirm your current diagnosis and treatment plan.
About a second opinion from City of Hope