FAQs
- What diseases are treated at City of Hope?
- What are City of Hope’s unique clinical capabilities?
- Why should I come to City of Hope for my treatment?
- How do I become a patient?
- Can your office recommend a specialist who is the best doctor at City of Hope for a specific disease type?
- How should I send my medical documents?
- Can I send medical documents written in other languages?
- Does City of Hope provide medical record translation?
- Does City of Hope provide interpreter services?
- Does City of Hope translate medical documents?
- Are interpreter services available at City of Hope?
- Can City of Hope provide a letter to apply for a visa?
- How long will I need to stay at City of Hope?
- Where can I stay while receiving care at City of Hope?
- What other selfcare materials and resources does City of Hope offer?
- What is the cost of care at City of Hope?
- Can I pay for my treatment in installments?
- Is it possible to get a discount?
- Will my insurance cover the cost of services at City of Hope?
- Do you accept international insurance?
- Is there a financial assistance program for international patients?
- Who can provide more information about the cancer clinical trials at City of Hope?
- Is clinical trial free of charge?
- Does City of Hope conduct any screenings of patients to assess their emotional and social health?
We know that you have questions or concerns about coming to Los Angeles and City of Hope. Here are answers to questions that we frequently get from our international patients.
Q: What diseases are treated at City of Hope?
A: We are a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center with expertise across all solid and liquid tumors. Our reputation for leading-edge research, groundbreaking treatments, clinical trials and compassionate patient care has made us one of the most highly regarded cancer centers in America.
Q: What are City of Hope’s unique clinical capabilities?
Q: What are City of Hope’s unique clinical capabilities?
A: While we treat all cancers at City of Hope, we have special capabilities in certain areas. We have one of the largest and most successful bone marrow transplant programs in the United States, having done more than 15,000 transplants. City of Hope is the only hospital to have earned the rating “exceeds expectation” the past 15 years outcomes have been published by the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research. City of Hope is one of the largest centers for robotic surgery in the world. Since 2010, our surgeons have performed over 12,000 robot-assisted procedures for prostate, kidney, colon, liver, bladder, lung, gynecologic, oral and other cancers. Using robots as wrists, this minimally invasive technique allows surgeons to access hard-to-reach areas of the body through smaller incisions, resulting in faster recovery times and shorter hospital stays. We are experts in many other diseases and offer multidisciplinary, team-based care for all our patients.
A: City of Hope is a recognized world leader in cancer research and treatment, and that expertise is available to every patient who walks through our doors. We are one of over 50 comprehensive cancer centers in the nation, as designated by the National Cancer Institute, and we have been ranked as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” in cancer for more than a decade by U.S. News & World Report.
City of Hope is home to world-renowned physicians and scientists who specialize in all types of cancer, but it is particularly recognized for the treatment of blood cancers, liver cancer and head and neck cancers. By specializing in cancer treatment, City of Hope is better able to meet the unique needs of its patients.
City of Hope’s Duarte, CA, hospital location offers cultural advantages to those patients traveling from Asia. Its location in a predominantly Chinese neighborhood offers convenient access to supermarkets, banks, restaurants and more. The area is also home to numerous amenities and attractions, including Disneyland, Universal Studios, outlet shopping and, of course, plenty of California sunshine.
Most important, City of Hope has an unmatched reputation for comprehensive and compassionate care — including social and psychological support — that extends throughout your entire cancer journey.
A: The first step is to collect and send us your current medical records. You will also need to complete an International Patient Intake Form. Then, a City of Hope physician will review your records to determine whether we have services to help you. If you are accepted, we will provide a cost estimate for the planned medical services so you can decide whether to come to City of Hope for care.
A: Yes, we can recommend a physician. Besides taking into account your personal preferences, we will always try to match you with the best and most appropriate member at City of Hope.
Q: How should I send my medical documents?
Q: How should I send my medical documents?
A: You can send medical records electronically via email (internationalpatientcare@coh.org). Please refer to a checklist for medical documents.
Q: Can I send medical documents written in other languages?
Q: Can I send medical documents written in other languages?
A: No. All documents must be in English. Please see a list of preferred translation services in China and in the United States.
A: We can recommend translation companies but do not currently provide this service within the organization.
A: Our international patient coordinators speak different languages. We can also arrange interpreters in person or via telephone for your appointment at City of Hope. This service is free of charge.
Q: Does City of Hope translate medical documents?
Q: Does City of Hope translate medical documents?
A: No. It is the patient’s responsibility to provide documents in English.
Q: Are interpreter services available at City of Hope?
Q: Are interpreter services available at City of Hope?
A: Yes. Please let your patient liaison/coordinator know if you need an interpreter for your visit. This service is free of charge.
Q: Can City of Hope provide a letter to apply for a visa?
Q: Can City of Hope provide a letter to apply for a visa?
A: After a physician reviews your medical records and we collect the estimated charges for recommended treatment, we will write a letter indicating that you are scheduled for an appointment and that you accept financial responsibility for your medical care. This information should be submitted with your visa application. Please visit the U.S. Department of State website to find the visa requirements.
Q: How long will I need to stay at City of Hope?
Q: How long will I need to stay at City of Hope?
A: The length of your stay depends on your condition and treatment. For a second opinion consultation only, we generally suggest giving yourself a week to 10 days, in case you need additional testing or treatments after your consultation. For planned treatment, we recommend arranging accommodations for three to six months.
Q: Where can I stay while receiving care at City of Hope?
Q: Where can I stay while receiving care at City of Hope?
A: We can recommend a number of local hotels, inns and apartments for rent. Many offer special rates for City of Hope patients. Please see the hotel list for contact information. We suggest booking your accommodations after your appointment has confirmed.
Q: What other selfcare materials and resources does City of Hope offer?
Q: What other selfcare materials and resources does City of Hope offer?
A: City of Hope strives to provide comprehensive services for all of our patients, please review our additional resources that may be of interest to you.
Q: What is the cost of care at City of Hope?
Q: What is the cost of care at City of Hope?
A: Our Patient Financial Services will provide you an estimate based on the services your clinical care will require. Please be mindful this is only an estimate based on information available to us at the time and will vary depending upon unanticipated complications, or changes in your treatment plan.
Q: Can I pay for my treatment in installments?
Q: Can I pay for my treatment in installments?
A: Once you are accepted as a patient, City of Hope requires payment in full, in advance, prior to receiving services.
A: Yes. City of Hope offers 50% off the hospital and 15% off the professional charges for all international patients that pay for care in advance
A: Coverage depends on your insurance policy. Please contact your insurance company to ensure they will cover your services at City of Hope. Medical services not covered by clinical trial sponsors (pharmaceutical and biotech companies) may not be covered by insurance companies or governments.
Q: Do you accept international insurance?
Q: Do you accept international insurance?
A: Yes. We only accept insurance that covers services and treatment at City of Hope. Please check with your insurance company for policy and coverage verification.
Q: Is there a financial assistance program for international patients?
Q: Is there a financial assistance program for international patients?
A: Unfortunately, no. We do not have a program to offer financial assistance for the care and treatment of international patients.
A: Once we learn more about your diagnosis, we can determine if you are a candidate for any of our experimental clinical trials.
A: No, a clinical trial is a treatment. Patient Financial Services will provide you an estimate based on the services your clinical care will require. Please be mindful this is only an estimate based on information available to us at the time and will vary depending upon unanticipated complications or changes in your treatment plan.
Q: Does City of Hope conduct any screenings of patients to assess their emotional and social health?
A: Yes, City of Hope has been screening patients for biopsychosocial distress since 2009 through SupportScreen, an innovative automated biopsychosocial screening program. SupportScreen is available in English, Spanish and Traditional Chinese. Patient and family responses to the questions on SupportScreen help to facilitate patient, physician and multispecialist communication, and is used to improve care.