Becoming a Patient

Make Your First Appointment for Cancer Care

After your first appointment at UC San Diego Health is scheduled, we'll mail you a packet of information to review. If you need translation services or interpretation for the hearing impaired, please let the scheduling staff know when you call. We’ll be happy to accommodate you.

Call Us Call us at 858-822-6100 or toll-free at 866-773-2703 to make an appointment. The office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday.

Find a Cancer Doctor Explore our online physician directory to find an oncologist.

Get a Second Opinion When you have a diagnosis as serious as cancer, you deserve a second opinion on your treatment options.

Check Your Insurance Coverage See a list of insurance plans accepted at UC San Diego Health and get help with understanding your coverage.

Switch to UC San Diego Health If you're ready to switch your care, it's easy.

For Referring Physicians Transfers, referrals and consultations.

Gold-and-blue badge for top-ranked cancer care says “Best Hospitals, U.S. & World Report, Cancer, 2025-2026”

Preparing for Your First Appointment

To help you get the most from your first appointment, please bring or provide the following.

Your medical history This includes imaging studies, lab results or other items you may have been asked to provide. If any are missing or you have questions, please call the New Patient Office at 858-822-6100 for assistance.

A list of the medications you take Bring a list (or bottles) of your prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies.

Emergency contact information

Your primary care physician's contact information

Your health insurance card(s), including any Medicare or Medi-Cal cards

Any co-payment required by your insurance

Lodging Near UC San Diego Health

Interior of Bannister Family House living room where the check in area is. — If you're coming from out of town for treatment, there're places to stay near our hospital campuses in La Jolla and Hillcrest in San Diego.

See Lodging Near UC San Diego Health

Questions to Ask

Open and honest communication with your doctor can greatly improve your care and comfort with treatment. You may find it helpful to write down and bring any questions to your appointment (and then write down the answers you get). Whenever possible, bring a friend or family member along for support. Here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor.

What is my diagnosis and what does it mean?

What are my treatment options and what are the benefits and risks of each?

What symptoms and side effects might I expect, and what are some ways to manage them?

Are there clinical trials that I may be eligible for?

What are my next steps?