Preparing for Your Visit

Prior to Your Visit

Know your insurance coverage

Learn about your insurance coverage and limits, and bring your insurance cards and referrals to your visits. Depending on your treatment, you may need additional authorizations or referrals during the course of your care. Our financial counselors are available at (617) 726-2192 to help answer any questions you have.

Update your registration information

To ensure that your appointment goes smoothly, it is important for us to have the most up-to-date information. Update your hospital registration information by calling Patient Registration toll-free at (866) 211-6588. 

Prepare a list of questions

Before your appointment, prepare a list of questions for your care team. Bring a notebook and pen, or a tape recorder to help you remember the information from your clinic visit.

Each patient’s cancer journey is unique. We understand that you have questions and concerns. Remember that every question is a valuable one. The list below has some examples of questions you might want to ask your care team.

• What type of cancer do I have?
• What is the extent (or stage) of my cancer?
• What are my treatment choices?
• Should I get a second opinion?
• Are clinical trials an option for me?
• What are the side effects of my treatment?
• How can I learn more about my diagnosis, my treatment and how to cope?
• Will I experience pain?
• How can I deal with my fear and anxiety?
• What do I say to my children, significant other, family and friends?
• How do I get information on advanced care planning, including a health care proxy form?
• What if I have financial or insurance concerns?
• How do I learn about integrative/complementary therapies?
• Can I talk with someone who has been through this before?
• What happens when my treatment ends?
• How will I balance cancer care with the demands of my normal life?
• Where can I find more information about my cancer?
• Will I have any physical limitations?

Day of Your Visit

Bring the following information:

• Any images (such as X-rays, MRIs or CT scans) or test results that have been requested (If your images or test results were done at Mass General, you do not need to bring them.)
• The names and telephone numbers of all your doctors
• A list of all prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and supplements or herbs you take, as well as any therapies such as acupuncture or massage that you are using
• A list of any allergies or reactions to medications
• A list of questions for your care team

Arrive on time

Do your best to arrive on time. If you know you will be late or miss a visit, please call us.

Bring a book or activity to pass time between treatments or while waiting for your appointment. The length of each patient’s appointment will vary. If you would like to get some work done or browse the internet while you wait, the Cancer Center offers free Wi-Fi.

Parking

We offer several parking options, including garages beneath the Yawkey Center, on Fruit Street and on Parkman Street. Valet parking is available for a fee in front of the Cox Building, Yawkey Center and the Wang Ambulatory Care Center. If your appointment is in the Yawkey Center, it is most convenient to park in the Yawkey garage. View garage locations.

Patients receive a reduced rate in the parking garages. Please be sure to show your ID bracelet ID to the parking garage cashier to receive the patient rate.

For more information, or to learn about reduced rate parking passes for frequent patient visits, please call the Massachusetts General Hospital Parking Office at 617-726-8886 or the Commuter Services Office at 617-724-6588.

Free Shuttle Service

Visitors can get around the Mass General campus by using the free shuttle that travels between buildings, including the Cox Building, Jackson Building and the Yawkey Center. Shuttle schedules and locations are available at the information desk in the main hospital lobby and the Yawkey Center lobby. If you need a wheelchair or any assistance traveling between buildings, please ask our staff or volunteers.

Need transportation to your appointments?

Some patients may be eligible for community transportation assistance programs. Learn more about getting to Mass General, or if you need additional assistance, call our Oncology Resource Specialist at 617-724-0295.

View Accessibility at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Need temporary lodging during treatment?

See our accommodations list, or if you need additional information, call our Oncology Resource Specialist at 617-724-0295.

Resources:

View map and directions to the Mass General Cancer Center.

Download the Getting to Your Visit pdf.

Download the Know Your Way Around pdf.

Virtual Visits

Virtual Visits are conducted through your phone, electronic device, or computer and allow you to see and talk to your provider face-to-face. Learn more about Virtual Visits here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the team need a copy of all scans (CT , PET, and MRI) on a CD?

We upload the images on to our electronic medical record system so that all of your care providers can review them. We ask the Mass General Department of Radiology to review them formally and document their findings.

Why do you need my biopsy slides?

Mass General’s Department of Pathology reviews the biopsy slides and renders an opinion. A report from another hospital is not sufficient.

What medical records do you need?

We need all of the medical records pertaining to your cancer diagnosis.

Where can I view my health information after my visits?

All of your information is available on Patient Gateway. Learn more about what is available to you here.