Hematology | Oncology


What is the role of my blood or cancer doctor?
Your blood or cancer doctor does not replace the need for your primary care doctor. He/she is specially trained to treat your condition. He/she will keep your primary care doctor informed about your care.

What should I expect for my first visit?
Our doctors may have you complete additional diagnostic tests to get a complete picture of your condition before they make treatment recommendations. When the testing is done, we will talk with you about different treatment options that are available to you. If you decide to have treatment in the clinic, you will meet the nurse who will be taking care of you. You will also be asked questions about your health.

How should I prepare myself mentally and physically?
It often helps to use stress-relieving methods that have worked for you in the past with other situations (i.e., meditating, religion, hobbies, etc.) Exercising under the care of your physician can also be helpful to deal with the stresses of your illness. There are medicines that can help to prevent or decrease some of the side effects of the drugs and treatments. It will be important for you to tell your doctor and nurse you are not feeling well.

How do referrals work? (For patients who have an insurance policy that requires a referral)
It is important to be sure that the cancer or blood doctor you will be seeing is part of your insurance plan's "network". (Please refer to your insurance book for the list of providers within your network.) If he/she is not in your provider network, please call and reschedule with a doctor who is in your insurance network. If you do see a doctor out of your network, you will be billed for the services. It is your responsibility to contact your primary care office for an insurance referral to come to the Solomont Center for Hematology and Medical Oncology. Our clinic is a specialty clinic and DOES NOT give referrals for other physicians, EVEN if it is a test or appointment that your cancer doctor wants you to get done.
If your Primary Care Physician's (PCP) office needs assistance or would like to give us referral information over the phone, please have them call the main number at 617- 638-6428. Referrals can also be faxed to 617-638-5756. It is your responsibility to keep referrals updated for every visit to see your doctor or to receive treatment or testing.

How do I get my medications (Prescriptions)?
It is very important to speak with your doctor or nurse about your prescription refills during your appointment times. If you need a prescription refill after leaving the clinic, please call (617) 638-6428 and ask to speak to the triage nurse.