Your First Visit
Your FCS Experience:
New Patient Forms:
New patients must bring their completed paperwork to the office for their visit.The files below can be viewed, saved or printed using Adobe Acrobat Reader (PDF).New Patient Guides:
Your First Visit, What to Expect
Thank you for entrusting your care to Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS).
Before your first appointment, a member of our office team will call you to confirm your appointment date and time and the location of our office, explain some of our office procedures and answer any initial questions you may have.
Meeting Your FCS Physician & Health Care Team
During your initial office visit, your doctor will discuss your diagnosis with you in detail. You will learn about treatment options, what is involved and how FCS will support you through the process.
Questions about your diagnosis and treatment options are, of course, natural. We want to give you as many answers as possible.
You will receive an information packet that includes a complete explanation about your treatment plan and any medications, possible side effects that you may experience, dietary guidelines and details about support services available for you.
What to Expect During Your First Visit?
During your initial office visit, you will meet with your FCS medical oncologist and other members of our care team. Our highest priority is to develop a treatment plan for your unique needs and genetic profile so that you achieve the very best possible outcome. Here’s what you can expect:
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We want to be sure we have a complete view of your health history. At your first visit, you will be asked to complete a health history information form, including a list of your current medications. If you would like to complete these forms ahead of time, you may request them from the office.
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We will request your medical records from your prior health care providers. All information provided to us is strictly confidential and will not be released to anyone without your approval.
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Your blood will be drawn to allow us to get baseline lab values.
Treatment Options & Planning
Treatments for cancers and blood disorders vary greatly. Each patient is unique and so is each treatment plan. Many factors will be considered for your personalized cancer treatment, such as the type of cancer, its stage and location, your general health and lifestyle, age and medical history. After reviewing the benefits and risks for each of your options, you and your doctor will set a course together.
With your care, comfort and convenience in mind, FCS has developed state-of-the-art cancer centers located in communities throughout Florida, so you can remain close to home, surrounded by friends and family.
We give you access to the most advanced therapies and an extensive array of clinical trials, without the stress of having to travel to a large city or academic medical center and to minimize disruption to your daily life. We provide most treatments and services in our offices; however, some, such as surgery and, in some locations, radiation therapy, are simply coordinated through our office.
Our goal is to help you continue your normal life and schedule, as much as possible. Of course, patient reactions to treatment may vary. The best way to prepare is to be informed, so we’ll address your concerns, as well as questions about side effects, treatment frequency, medications and many other topics. We’ll also talk about any possible impact on your normal life or work schedule.
We want you to be well-informed and armed with a plan tailored to your unique needs. Any time you have follow-up questions, simply call your local office, and a nurse will return your call by the end of the business day or, if it’s a weekend, by Monday.*
*If you have an urgent medical need over a weekend, seek immediate attention through emergency room services.