The Harvard Head and Neck Oncology Program is a comprehensive head and neck cancer care program. Participating healthcare centers include Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. All new patient appointments and many treatments take place at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute or Massachusetts General Hospital. Most tests (MRIs, CTs, PETs, etc.), surgeries, or inpatient treatments are done at a Harvard Head and Neck Oncology Program institution, usually based on the patient's referral source, physician practice, insurance plan, or personal preference.

The Dana-Farber campus and the Massachusetts General campus each have a New Patient Coordinator. This person is available to guide you through your appointment process at the respective campus. The New Patient Coordinator is also available to answer any general questions you may have and, if needed, refer you to the proper resources.

Appointment requests for Dana-Farber may also be submitted via the internet.

Many specialists will be present during your initial new patient appointment. These specialists represent various “disciplines” or areas of expertise as it pertains to head and neck cancer. While your initial visit may appear to be lengthy and involve several physicians, a treatment plan can usually be decided at the first encounter, versus visiting each specialist individually. This type of examination is known as "multidisciplinary." You can expect most of the following specialists to be involved in your care:

	Medical Oncologists who specialize in chemotherapy and treatment of head and neck cancers,
	Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeons who specialize in the surgical needs of patients with head and neck cancers,
	Radiation Oncologists who specialize in the treatment of cancers with radiation sources that damage cancer cells,
	Dentists who specialize in the dental needs of patients with head and neck cancers, particularly while undergoing treatment,
	Nurses who will assist with your treatment plan and coordinate your participation in potential research studies,
	Speech and Swallow Pathologists who specialize in post-radiation speech and swallow rehabilitation.

Each specialist is present to evaluate your case as a group and discuss with you the treatment options that are available. If required, other specialists may be consulted. You will be escorted to an exam room at which time you will meet the specialists involved in your case. Your history will be reviewed followed by a comprehensive examination. The group will then leave the exam room to discuss treatment options and answer any questions you may have.

A patient takes a swallowing test at Brigham and Women's Hospital

In order for the Harvard Head and Neck Oncology team to make a proper evaluation, it is extremely important that the following information is brought in hand or arranged to be sent prior to your appointment:

	Medical Records which include copies of hospital or physician summaries and other important records.  These are generally faxed in advance for the doctors to review before the first appointment..
	Pathology Slides and the accompanying report from your surgical biopsy that resulted in a cancerous diagnosis.  It is very desirable to have these in advance of your appointment to be examined by our pathology department.
	Films which include all applicable x-rays, CT scans and MRIs from their respective radiology departments.  Typically, patients hand-carry these to their first appointment.

Unless otherwise arranged, it is assumed that you will arrange for the transfer of your medical records to be present at your new patient appointment. Please contact your New Patient Coordinator if you need assistance in obtaining your records. In most cases, patients can expect to be present at their first appointment for approximately two to three hours.

To minimize any administrative issues, you will be contacted prior to your appointment for pre-registration. On the day of your appointment you will be asked to present your insurance card. If your insurance company, employer, or health maintenance organization (HMO) requires prior approval, please be sure that you have received this approval in written form and bring it with you. Prior approval means that the payor must agree to cover payment before the treatment or service is given. If you have any questions regarding your financial arrangements or billing procedures, please contact the New Patient Coordinator, who will coordinate your concerns with a representative from the financial counseling office.