To request a consultation at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, you can fill out the Become a Patient form or call 1-800-ROSWELL. You will be contacted to verify your information and to request certain materials before your appointment can be scheduled.

Some of the information that the scheduler will need to know will include your name, address, phone, date of birth, social security number, insurance, referring physician, and any other care provider information. The team will verify your insurance eligibility, referrals and authorizations  and will request materials to confirm your diagnosis (any scans that have been completed (CT, PET, bone scan, MRI’s, etc) and/or other pertinent tests , pathology reports or other medical records. 

Please note that Roswell Park staff will review all pathology reports PRIOR to your first visit. This pre-clinic review of pathology material will generate a charge for this service, even if you cancel your subsequent appointment. For more information, please contact the Patient Access Team at 1-800-685-6825, ext 8220.

After your appointment is set up, you will receive  a packet in the mail before your first visit informing you of the time to arrive as well as other information about Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

How the Clinic Works
The Thoracic Oncology Center is located on the second floor in the “multidisciplinary center.” First, you will check in with the secretary who will review information such as your address, insurance and referring doctor. You will then be taken into the clinic area where the nurse or health care aide will take your vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, weight, etc.). A nurse will ask you several questions and place you in an exam room.  A patient gown will be provided for you to change into so the clinician can examine you fully.

Information Gathering
You will then undergo a health history and physical exam.  Information that you bring with you (medical records, xrays, CT scans) will be compiled and organized by the thoracic team member. You will then meet with a physician team leader who will review the information with you and provide their recommendations.

Patient Teaching
A nurse will teach you about any tests or procedures that you will need. Your doctor will also review this information with you. Please take notes and ask questions. Further educational materials can be obtained from the nurses or by visiting the Community Cancer Resource Center.

Planning Your Treatment
Once a diagnosis of cancer has been obtained you may go through several other tests before the final plan is determined. This is because the extent of the tumor must be determined.  The final recommendation will be discussed in detail with you and your family. You may refuse any treatment or seek a second opinion.

The nurse and/or secretary will share information regarding specific tests and future physician appointments with you. Please make the nurse aware of any special needs or suggestions you have or any other problems that may affect your treatment (transportation needs, financial concerns, family worries). Nancy Bertran, RN, is the nurse leader of the clinic and is available to discuss any concerns.

Clinical Trial Consideration
If you qualify for participation in a clinical trial, a physician may present that option to you. If interested, a clinical research nurse will provide you with detailed written information on the research study. For a list of current clinical trials, click here.