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Prepare for Your First Visit

Getting ready to visit MD Anderson for the first time can take a lot of planning. Here’s a list that will make it easier to prepare for your first appointment.

Use your MyChart account

Learn more about our patient portal and how to find what you need.

Get tips for uploading documents in MyChart, including insurance card, prescription insurance card, medical records and how to upload your photo to your medical record.

Complete pre-appointment forms

Make check-in faster by completing questionnaires before your visit. These forms help your care team prepare for your appointment.

Check insurance coverage

View the list of accepted health insurance plans to determine if you are covered at MD Anderson.

Organize medical records

Your patient access staff member will review the necessary medical documents you need to bring for your first appointment.

Download our checklist of important documents to bring.

Patient visitation

Learn about patient visitation at MD Anderson.

Plan your travel and parking

We can assist with domestic and international travel to and from Houston and help you find a place to stay that is close to one of our campuses.

Contact Patient Travel Services: 713-745-2300 or toll-free 1-888-848-9992
Email: patienttravel@mdanderson.org

Your first visit may take several days while tests are completed and a care plan developed. Your length of stay will depend on your treatment plan and you will learn more after you arrive. Visit our Traveling to Houston page to watch a video and learn more about traveling to MD Anderson.

Parking varies depending on where your appointment is located. There are surface lots at most of our locations. Our Texas Medical Center (TMC) campus has garage parking and valet options. Get updated parking information.

Patients and families may need to stay in Houston for 1 to 5 business days. If you are coming from out of town, please keep your travel plans flexible.

What to bring with you

In addition to the medical information your patient access staff has gone over with you, here is a list of other items to consider bringing. Wear comfortable clothing and supportive shoes. You may have to do lots of walking. Wear shoes that are sturdy, cover your toes and heels, and have non-skid soles. This may prevent falls.

What to expect from your first MD Anderson appointments

Your first appointments at MD Anderson will involve registration and meeting with your care team and doctor.

Registration: You will either have your registration appointment in person or by phone.

For registration phone appointments, you will need access to MyChart before the scheduled registration appointment. Before the call, you will need to upload your photo ID and insurance card to MyChart.

For registration appointments on campus, remember to bring your valid photo ID and your insurance card with you.

During your registration appointment, a patient access staff member will review forms and information with you, including:

Demographic information
Consent forms
Completed questionnaires
Your insurance benefits
Patient Rights and Responsibilities document
Take a photo for your medical record (if you haven’t already uploaded one)

Meeting with your doctor and care team: Your doctor and care team will review your medical history and perform a physical exam. Further testing may be scheduled. Your doctor and care team will discuss next steps with you and your family. Your care team may include:

Nurses
Case managers
Physical and occupational therapists
Registered dieticians
Social work counselors
A patient advocate
Schedulers

First Visit Guide

Review the First Visit Guide to learn what to expect during your first appointment with us, learn about members of the care team and review questions to ask during your first appointments.