Showmenu

What to Expect at Your First Appointment | Radiation Oncology | UC Davis Health

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Your first appointment with the radiation oncologist is called your consultation visit. The following information will help you get organized for your first appointment with the Department of Radiation Oncology.

Before Your First Appointment

  • Review the list of X-rays, mammograms, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, recent lab tests, glass slides, pathology reports or other items that you were asked to hand-carry with you to your first appointment. If not done at a UC Davis facility, please request discs of images and the reports. Our doctors rely on imaging to make treatment decisions. If any of these is missing or if you have questions, please call Radiation Oncology New Patient Appointments for assistance.
  • Fill out the Patient Medical Questionnaire that was mailed to you and bring it to your first appointment.
  • Prepare a list current medications (with dosage and how often you take it).
  • Write down the questions and concerns you want to bring up with your doctor at your first appointment.
  • Consider asking a family member or friend to come with you to your appointment. It can be helpful to have someone else along to listen to what the doctor says and perhaps take notes.
fact_check

What to Bring to Your First Appointment

  • A family member or friend, if possible
  • Your X-rays and any other items you were asked to hand-carry to your first appointment
  • A completed Patient Medical Questionnaire
  • The name, phone number(s) and address of a person who can be contacted in case of an emergency
  • Your health insurance card(s), including Medicare or Medi-Cal cards
  • Any implanted electronic device card (e.g., pacemaker)
  • Any co-payment required by your insurance
  • A list of questions for your doctor and a pen and paper to write down the answers

Please bring your parking ticket with you and ask the receptionist at Radiation Oncology to validate it when you check in for your appointment.

Checking In for Your First Appointment

When you arrive for your appointment, the receptionist at the front desk in the main lobby of the Cancer Center can direct you where you will need to go. The Department of Radiation Oncology is located on the ground level or basement floor of the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. If you are a new patient, please plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled first visit. If you are new to UC Davis Health, you will be asked to provide insurance information.

Your Consultation

At this time, you will have a physical examination by your radiation oncologist and a resident. All of your records, including x-rays and test results, will be reviewed. Please remember to bring what medical records you are hand-carrying as these are essential to your evaluation. Treatment options, including the risks, benefits and outcomes will be explained. Bringing a family member or friend is strongly encouraged as they may help with questions or take notes. Please expect to be here several hours for this initial visit.