10 Essential Documents to Bring to the Oncologist's Office

The first five essential documents to bring to the oncologist

Start by purchasing a large binder or accordion file, whichever you find easier to use. Then begin compiling the documents you'll need. The first five include:

1. A health insurance card and, if possible, the handbook that explains the details of the patient's health policy coverage.

2. The patient's recent medical records, including blood test results, biopsy reports, and radiology reports. (You can also have these faxed or forwarded directly from one doctor to another, but check ahead of time to make sure they've arrived.)

3. Recent radiology films, including X-rays, mammograms, CAT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasounds (again, these can be sent directly from one office to another, but check to make sure they've arrived). Note: if you're bringing them over yourself, it's a good idea to get there early or drop off these films before the appointment so the doctor has time to review them.

4. A list of any medications currently being taken, including over-the-counter drugs and vitamins, herbs, or other supplements. Don't neglect details such as creams for skin conditions -- everything's important because of possible interactions or side effects.

5. A list of the patient's allergies, both to medications and to other things such as food, pets, dust, and so on.