New Patients

At El Portal Comprehensive Cancer Centers (EPCC), we understand that receiving a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and emotional. We want you to know you are not alone—our dedicated team is here to support, guide, and care for you every step of the way.

New Patient Form

Your First Appointment

Your initial appointment will be thorough and will take about an hour. We know that navigating information about your diagnosis and treatment options can feel confusing and emotional. To help you during this time, we encourage you to bring along a trusted family member or friend. They can listen, support you, and take notes to assist with questions and decisions.

Please try to arrive about 15 minutes early to check in with the receptionist. If you haven’t already, please complete the new patient forms online before your visit. If you prefer to fill out paper forms, just let us know, and we’ll provide them for you.

It’s very important to be as complete and accurate as possible when filling out your forms, especially your family health history. Preparing these details ahead of time helps your doctor understand your situation better and makes your appointment more productive.

During this first visit, your care team will carefully explain your diagnosis and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan based on the best available evidence. We encourage you to ask questions—none are too small or too tough. Having clear answers can help you feel more confident in your next steps, reduce worry, and give you a sense of control.

Our goal is to empower you to be an active partner in your care.

We also offer support beyond medical treatment, including counseling, support groups, educational events, and referrals to additional resources to help you throughout your journey.

Our team is always available to help you understand your treatment plan and to answer any questions. During these visits, your care team will review your diagnosis—what type and stage of cancer you have—and discuss your treatment goals. Some cancers may be treated with the aim of curing the disease, while others focus on slowing growth or reducing symptoms.

What to Bring to Your First Visit

Please avoid wearing perfumes or scented lotions. Many patients are sensitive to strong odors.

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Follow-Up Appointments

Before you leave, you can schedule any future appointments needed for any of the service or treatments.

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Insurance & Payment Information

It can be overwhelming. Our financial team will go through the insurance and payment options with you..

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Important Questions and Topics

Encouraging open dialogue and reassuring patients that asking questions is normal and important.

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“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength” — Marcus Aurelius