Nurse helping patient

Your First Appointment at City of Hope

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, take heart in knowing that you do not have to face it alone. We encourage you to reach out to us to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.

The City of Hope® team is here to support you, answer your questions and help you develop a treatment plan that's right for you.

Shirley Munoz smiling by a window
When I had my first appointment with Dr. [Erminia] Massarelli, I knew I was in good hands with her. The first thing she said was there is hope for me.
Shirley Munoz
Stage 4 lung cancer patient
Where Is City of Hope?

City of Hope’s national network includes cancer centers in Atlanta, California, Chicago and Phoenix, and more than 20 outpatient locations across the country.

High-Quality Patient Care

City of Hope's world-renowned physicians and surgeons work closely with every patient to provide a custom cancer care backed by innovative new treatments. Call us to schedule a consultation.

The Importance of Getting a Second Opinion

In our 100+ years of experience treating life-threatening illnesses, we’ve discovered that with almost any illness, there are options. Options include different methods of diagnosis or alternative treatments that might be available for the same diagnosis. Being newly diagnosed is a critical stage in any disease. Make sure you gather all the professional advice available.

Doctor treating a patient

Your First Visit to City of Hope

At City of Hope, our mission is to provide whole-person cancer care for every patient, founded on world-class expertise and state-of-the-art treatments. Our patient-focused model puts you at the center of your journey, starting with your first visit.
INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES

We recognize that each patient’s medical situation and insurance plan is different. Although there is no guarantee of coverage, you should ask your health insurance company to review your request with City of Hope.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR CANCER CARE TEAM

Good communication improves the quality of care that you receive. Read our list of questions patients frequently ask the members of their cancer care team.

DUARTE MAIN CAMPUS ORIENTATION

Check out our welcome and orientation video to guide you through all the important patient and family resources at City of Hope® Cancer Center Duarte. 

VISITING DUARTE

When you visit our NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center in Duarte, California, the last thing you want to worry about is getting lost on your way to an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions about City of Hope
Frequently Asked Questions about City of Hope
How can I see a City of Hope physician?
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We offer in-person medical evaluations at multiple locations throughout California, Illinois, Georgia and Arizona. Depending on your health needs, we may also recommend a televisit appointment. To schedule an appointment either in person or via telehealth, call 800-826-4673.

Can anyone make an appointment with City of Hope?
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Any prospective patient can make an appointment with a City of Hope provider. Make sure to check with your insurance company to ensure the visit is covered whether you need a referral and whether City of Hope is within your network. 

Can I still be seen if I am part of an HMO?
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If you are a member of an HMO, you will need written authorization from your primary care provider or medical group in order to see a doctor at City of Hope.

Can you provide me with information about treatment or clinical trials at City of Hope?
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Our clinical trials for cancer, diabetes or HIV page includes information about clinical trials currently being conducted at City of Hope. However, you must first be seen by a doctor to determine whether you are eligible to participate in a specific trial. Once you have had a consultation appointment, your City of Hope physician will provide you with information about treatments and may inquire about clinical trials.

To hear from one of our care professionals about clinical trials at City of Hope, email clinicaltrialsinfo@coh.org or call 626-218-1133.

Do you offer pap smears or gynecologic exams?
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City of Hope does not offer routine pap smears. However, a referral may be made to our gynecology department if you are a current, high-risk patient taking tamoxifen and are having irregular bleeding or abnormal side effects from other hormonal therapy.

How can I consult with a physician at City of Hope regarding a potential patient?
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Patient Referral counselors, who may be reached at 800-826-4673, triage patient information and place referring physicians in contact with City of Hope physicians to discuss appropriate treatment options and/or clinical trials. To consult with a specific City of Hope physician, please contact the City of Hope operator at 626-613-6032 to be connected directly to the physician's office.

How do I obtain copies of my City of Hope medical records?
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The recent enactment by Congress of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, combined with a growing number of federal and state statutes regarding privacy and security of your personal health records, requires that City of Hope follows strict guidelines when releasing copies of your medical records.

Please visit How to Obtain Your City of Hope Medical Records for instructions on requesting your medical records.

How do I refer a patient to City of Hope?
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If you are a practicing physician or a physician’s representative, please call us at 800-826-4673. Be prepared to provide a complete clinical history for a potential patient, so that we can prepare a treatment plan and evaluate potential treatment costs. Note that international patients will be responsible for 100% of the anticipated charges and must remit payment before a consultation appointment can be scheduled.

What can I expect when New Patient Services contacts me?
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After calling 800-826-4673, a new patient specialist will ask you a few questions about yourself, your disease or diagnosis and your insurance. While all new patient specialists are carefully trained to initiate the process of becoming a patient, they are unable to answer specific questions about your illness or its potential treatment. After this, a nurse will obtain a more detailed medical history and set up your appointment.

What if I live outside the Greater Los Angeles area?
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Patients from outside the Greater Los Angeles area can make an appointment at City of Hope Duarte or another location in Southern California if they have been diagnosed with a condition that we treat, if the disease is at a stage at which City of Hope intervenes and if travel to a City of Hope location in California does not place the patient at risk. Applicants and their families must be prepared for the possibility of a lengthy stay at or near City of Hope Duarte, with consideration given to housing, familial support systems, food, etc.

What if my insurance doesn't cover treatment at City of Hope?
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If you wish to receive treatment at City of Hope but we do not currently contract with your insurance plan, contact your insurance company and ask about obtaining authorization to receive treatment here.

Every medical situation — and every insurance plan — is different, and there is no guarantee that coverage can be secured. But it is reasonable to make this request, and to ask your insurance company to review the matter with City of Hope directly. Patients may also pay for their treatment. Full payment of anticipated expenses is due at the first appointment and includes (but may not be restricted to) costs for treatment, pharmaceuticals and home care support.

Find more about medical insurance.

What insurance information will I have to provide?
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When a New Patient Specialist first contacts you, you will be asked to provide the name of your insurance company or managed care provider, plus your group and ID numbers. This information should be on your medical insurance card.

What is the first step to becoming a patient at City of Hope?
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After checking that City of Hope treats your cancer or other diagnosis, you can contact New Patient Services by calling 800-826-4673 to begin the process.

What types of services are provided by the City of Hope Duarte pharmacy?
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The pharmacy department at City of Hope Duarte provides inpatient and ambulatory care services, as well as offering an outpatient pharmacy for prescription services.

We also have a Specialty Pharmacy operating out of the outpatient pharmacy in the Duarte Cancer Center and at our South Pasadena and Upland clinical network locations.

Contact City of Hope Today

Our dedicated care teams are ready to support you.