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.
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 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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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 a dedicated 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.
"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