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Your First Visit

Welcome

Preparing for your first visit to the cancer center might feel overwhelming. We have gathered some helpful information for you here. Staff members at any location are also happy to field your questions.

What to expect

At MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, our Navigation Program is at the core of the patient experience. Our oncology nurse navigators have the clinical expertise to provide support in understanding your diagnosis and treatment options, communicate with doctors from different specialty areas and connect you to helpful resources.

What to bring

  • Medical history, if questionnaire in MyChart hasn’t been completed.
  • List of all current medications.
  • Insurance card.
  • Personal identification, like a driver’s license or state ID.
  • Copay, if required.
  • A sweater or wrap. Clinical areas can be cold.
  • A book, tablet or other entertainment.
  • Something to take notes with, like a notebook and pen or the voice memo app on your phone.
  • Snacks – cafeteria and vending options vary by location.

Who to bring

It’s good to have a second set of eyes and ears with you because it can be difficult to process and remember all of the information that you’ll get. A trusted family member or friend who can ask questions, help you to remember the answers and act as an emotional support is an ideal companion.

Sometimes different members of the family will play different roles. One person might be your emotional rock and another person your record-keeper.

Accept help. Sometimes people find this difficult because they’re usually the ones doing the helping. Just remember – people want to help you. Let them.

Medical Records/Release of Information

With your permission, your care team will need to look at your medical records and the results of any tests that you’ve already had done. They may also ask that you have more tests or different tests before your appointment. Having this information gathered together at the first appointment helps your providers to develop a plan. Your care team may ask you to sign a release form so that we can get records from other hospitals or doctors.

You can't get through this without help. Accept it. Don't be stubborn.

Barbara Karinshak Colon cancer survivor

MyChart

Many patients enjoy the convenience of secure access to their medical records and the ability to communicate with providers in between appointments. In MyChart, you can:

  • Schedule medical appointments.
  • View summaries of past appointments.
  • View test results.
  • Request prescription renewals.
  • Securely message your medical care team.

If you do not already have an active MUSC Health MyChart account, please follow the steps below to set one up.

  1. Go to the MyChart login page.
  2. Select the blue “Create Your Account” button on the right side of the page.
  3. If you do not have a MyChart activation code, select the blue “Sign Up Online” button on the right of the screen.
  4. Fill out the form with your information.
  5. Click the Captcha box and type in the answer to the question provided. After completing the Captcha, you will be directed to answer a series of questions to help verify your identity. This helps MUSC Health ensure your health information remains safe and secure. For most, the identity verification process will be immediate, and you will be directed into MyChart. For some, the verification process can take up to 72 hours. Once verified, you will receive an e-mail notification inviting you to complete the registration for your MyChart account.

If you are having trouble setting up your MyChart account, please call 843-792-3111. The MyChart support line is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Go to MyChart