APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
Find out more about our approach to your care, what you need for your first appointment and more:
Access the buttons below to find out more information about your appointment, some helpful tips and what to expect:
1. Helpful Tips
Here are a few useful and friendly tips from our team:
1. You may feel apprehensive before/during your appointment – If you have any questions, write them down and bring them to your appointment.
2. Feel free to bring a friend or family member to provide support and keep track of information.
3. If you are unclear about anything – Please don’t hesitate to ask for clarification from your doctor.
2. What do you need for your first appointment
It’s not uncommon to feel apprehensive leading into your first appointment. Be assured our team will treat you with care, respect and professionalism.
Please bring to your first appointment:
By completing and returning all the above forms will help ensure your doctor has all your latest detailed information so they can provide you with the most accurate medical diagnosis, treatment options and advice.
If at any time you need clarification, please do not hesitate to ask.
3. What to expect during your appointment
Your doctor will work hard to help you feel comfortable during your appointment and encourage you to ask questions. Our aim at Murdoch Oncology is to answer your questions simply, clearly and with professionalism.
During your first appointment, your doctor may commonly ask about:
Personalised cancer treatment options
Before starting treatment
While every patient is different and an individualised approach is taken, the following outlines a common approach to your appointment and continuing patient care:
Your oncologist will thoroughly assess your condition, discuss your diagnosis and treatment options available to you and outline all the benefits, risks and potential side effects and how to manage them. You will be given detailed information about your treatment approach/es, applicable drugs, their effectiveness and side effects.
Your doctor will work closely with other specialists to provide the most effective care and outcomes for your treatment plan. You will receive continuity of care from the Murdoch Oncology team throughout your treatment.
Starting treatment and follow up treatments
The length of your appointment and cycle depends on the treatment approach agreed on by you and your doctor. Throughout your treatment, your doctor and care team are here to monitor your progress, address your side effects and listen to any concerns or fears you may have. Never be afraid to seek clarity and reassurance to ensure you are confident in your treatment and choices.
4. What to expect during a follow up appointment
Your doctor will discuss with you the types of tests applicable to your type of cancer, its location and your treatment option/s. The tests may include:
At your follow-up oncology appointment, your doctor will undertake a thorough review of your current health status and any symptoms you’re experiencing and if available discuss any recent test results, such as blood work, imaging scans, or biopsies, to monitor the progress of your treatment.
They may perform a physical examination and ask about any side effects from your treatment.
Your doctor will assess and discuss with you the effectiveness of ongoing therapies and may recommend adjusting your treatment plan if needed. This may include changes in medication, the introduction of new treatments, or the scheduling of additional tests.
You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, address concerns, and receive guidance on managing side effects and monitoring and your maintaining overall well-being.
How to pay
You can conveniently pay your account at the conclusion of your appointment by:
