A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Care Journey
Finding a cancer treatment center and care team that earns your trust and meets your expectations, needs and goals is one of the most important aspects of the cancer journey. At City of Hope® Cancer Center Atlanta, we understand how critical the decision-making process is, and the anxiety that often comes with it. That’s why we strive to make becoming a patient as easy and stress-free as possible — from your first call and first evaluation to your diagnosis, comprehensive treatment regimen and post-treatment plan. And beyond. We’re here for you, every step of the way.
One Call to City of Hope Is All It Takes
City of Hope’s patient advocates are available 24/7. We’re here to listen, hear your concerns and answer your questions. We’ve developed our expertise after singularly focusing on treating cancer — every stage, every day.
Our patient advocates are here 24/7 to hear your concerns and answer your questions.
We’ll Check Your Insurance Plan Benefits
We accept many insurance carriers preferred by Atlanta-area residents. Based on a few answers about your insurance policy information, we can conduct a preliminary check to determine how your insurance plan benefits work, and if we need to investigate further, we’ll get back to you within 24 hours. Once your benefits have been confirmed, a member of our team will review the details of your insurance plan’s coverage and answer any questions you may have.
We’ll Set up Your First Appointment
After confirming your insurance benefits, we’ll schedule your initial appointment and help coordinate the details of your visit to make the process as easy and stress-free as we can.
If you’re traveling, our personal patient concierge team will schedule your travel, reserve your accommodations, greet you at the airport or train station and bring you to the hospital or to your nearby lodging site.*
* Travel assistance is not permitted for those on government insurance policies, such as Medicare or Medicaid.
We’ll Help You Prepare for Your First Visit
Before your first visit, we’ll mail you a personalized packet of information, and an oncology nurse will call you to discuss your medical history and help address any questions or concerns you have. We’ll also provide information about who you’ll be seeing, what time to arrive and where to check in.
You’ll Get Your Expert Cancer Treatment Plan
When you arrive, you’ll meet your City of Hope care team, who will work with you to design a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs. Your care team will review your medical records and health history, and if needed, order further tests to confirm or determine your diagnosis. Your personalized plan, coordinated by a team of experts in your cancer type, will include evidence-informed supportive care services to help you manage side effects, maintain your energy and stay strong throughout treatment.
The length of your evaluation will depend on your individual situation. With some second opinions, our locations may be able to offer one-day evaluations.
You’ll Begin Receiving Personalized Cancer Treatment
Our Atlanta cancer experts are committed to a collaborative approach, using a wide range of innovative options, such as precision medicine and other treatment advances.
During treatment, your care manager, a nurse with oncology experience and training, handles the details — coordinating medications, scheduling appointments, retrieving lab results and monitoring your progress and side effects — making sure nothing falls through the cracks. Our goal is to deliver not just expert care but a seamless experience that allows you to leave the logistics to us so you can focus on getting better.
Whether you’re onsite at City of Hope Atlanta, or at home in between visits, we’re by your side — no more than a phone call away.
We’ll Support You After Treatment and Beyond
After your primary treatment is completed, you’ll be introduced to your City of Hope survivorship team. Together, they’ll offer strategies to prevent and detect new or recurrent cancers and interventions for long-term and late side effects resulting from cancer and/or its treatments. They’ll also coordinate communication between our specialists and your primary care doctor, while offering guidance about diet, exercise and living a healthy lifestyle after cancer.
Our team works with you to develop ways to improve and maintain your health, not just during treatment but long after you’ve gone back to your life.
By Your Side Every Step of the Way
Your City of Hope Atlanta care team knows that no two patients, and no two cancers, are the same. Your care plan, from treating the disease to managing side effects, is designed to meet your needs and treatment goals with the personalization and sense of urgency you deserve.
At City of Hope, you have a dedicated team of cancer experts assigned to your care, to treat the cancer and work to help manage side effects, like pain, nausea or malnutrition –all under one roof, so you don’t have to travel to multiple appointments. Depending on your needs and situation, we help with your travel arrangements and provide telehealth services that connect you with our cancer experts from the convenience of home.
Jimmy G.
Prostate Cancer
"My wife Janet looked at the website for information and chatted with John, an Oncology Information Specialist. The next day, I had a 20-minute phone conversation with John, who answered my questions about City of Hope and provided additional information. I gave him my insurance information so they could check to see if my carrier would help cover the cost of my treatment. I didn't have to do a bunch of research. I didn't have to dig through files and make phone calls to see what my deductible was or anything."
Learn More About Becoming a Patient at City of Hope Atlanta
Our oncologists use a wide variety of standard-of-care and innovative treatment tools and technologies, including precision medicine breakthroughs in immunotherapy and targeted therapy drugs, to treat your specific cancer type, collaborating daily to make tweaks to your plan as needed.
A second opinion may point to a different cancer type, and a review of your genetic profile through advanced genomic testing may uncover a more advanced treatment option not previously considered, or help to confirm your current diagnosis and treatment plan.