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

What to Bring to Your First Visit

Please try to bring the following:

  • Insurance card(s) and referral if required
  • Driver’s license or other photo ID
  • Prescription card
  • Completed new patient forms (if not done online)
  • Relevant medical records, including test results, scans, and reports (some providers may send these directly to us)
  • Contact info for your primary care or referring doctor so we can coordinate your care


Please avoid wearing perfumes, colognes, or heavily scented lotions, as many patients are sensitive to strong smells in the clinic.

Follow-Up Appointments

Before you leave, you can schedule any future appointments needed. These might include:
  • Blood tests
  • Chemotherapy or radiation treatments
  • Follow-up visits with your doctor
  • Additional imaging tests

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.

Insurance & Payment Information

Our friendly and knowledgeable billing team is experienced in helping you understand your insurance benefits, including Medicaid and Medicare coverage for cancer treatments. They can discuss what your insurance may cover and help arrange payment plans for any out-of-pocket costs.

Please note that co-payments may be required at the time of your visit, especially for office visits or treatments like chemotherapy.

We accept cash, checks, and major credit cards—including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express—to make payments convenient for you.

Questions and Topics

Here are some additional important questions and topics that patients often want to know about during their first appointment:

Understanding Your Diagnosis

  • What does my specific diagnosis mean?
  • How advanced is my cancer, and what stage is it in?
  • What are the possible causes or risk factors?


Treatment Options and Outcomes

  • What treatments are available for my type of cancer?
  • What are the potential benefits and side effects of each option?
  • How effective are these treatments?
  • What is the recommended plan, and why?


Treatment Timeline

  • How long will my treatment last?
  • How often will I need to come in for treatment or appointments?
  • What can I expect during each phase of treatment?


Impact on Daily Life

  • How might treatment affect my daily activities, work, or home life?
  • Are there lifestyle changes I should consider?
  • What kind of support or assistance is available for daily needs?


Managing Side Effects

  • What side effects should I watch for?
  • How can I manage or minimize side effects?
  • When should I contact my care team about specific symptoms?


Support and Resources

  • Are counseling, support groups, or peer resources available?
  • Can I access nutritional guidance or physical therapy?
  • How do I find emotional support during this journey?


Second Opinions

  • Is it advisable to get a second opinion?
  • How can I arrange for one if I choose?


Financial and Practical Concerns

  • What will my treatment cost?
  • Are there financial assistance programs?
  • How do I navigate insurance coverage or billing questions?


Long-term Follow-up

  • What happens after initial treatment?
  • How will I be monitored for recurrence?
  • What signs or symptoms should I watch for in the future?


Personal Questions and Concerns

  • How do I talk to my family about my diagnosis?
  • How can I maintain my mental health and well-being?


Encouraging open dialogue and reassuring patients that asking questions is normal and important can help them feel more comfortable, supported, and engaged in their care.