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CD or DVD of your imaging studies. Your referring doctor may give you a CD or DVD of imaging studies you may have had done such as
x-rays,
CT scans,
MRIs or
ultrasounds. If so, it is very important to bring this CD or DVD with you.
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All medications you are currently taking in their original packaging. This includes prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamin or mineral supplements and herbal remedies.
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Medications that you need to take.
Appointments can take several hours. Bring with you any medications you normally take during the day.
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Record of any changes.
Make notes about any changes in your condition that you’ve notice since your last visit, and bring these notes to show your doctor. Also bring any medical equipment you use, such as your colostomy bag, if you have one.
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A trusted friend or family member.
A friend or family member can give you emotional support and can help you make good choices. They can also help you gather information, take notes and ask questions.
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Questions to ask.
Bring a list of questions to your appointment to help you remember everything you want to ask.
Learn more about what to bring to your appointment »
For patients travelling to the clinic from outside Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area: If you have booked transportation such as a flight, train or coach bus to return home, please let us know your ticket departure time when you check in for your appointment. We will make sure your appointment is done in time for you to make your travel plans.
The first person you meet at the clinic is the
Patient Flow Coordinator. To sign in with the Patient Flow Coordinator you will need your health card (OHIP card). If you do not have an OHIP card, please bring another form of government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license, passport, or other provincial health card).
Before each clinic appointment (in-person or virtual), you will be asked to answer questions about your health and wellbeing. Use eCheck-In to report your symptoms and concerns to your healthcare team. You will still need to check in with the front desk staff, eCheck-In does not replace checking in in-person.
Learn more about eCheck-In »
Expect your appointments to take several hours. This is because your appointment will include various tests, exams and possibly procedures.
At the end of your first appointment, the nurse or doctor will give you a contact list for your health care team. If you don’t get a contact list, feel free to ask for it.
If you are unsure about what your next steps are, don’t be afraid to ask a member of your team. We are there to help you.
Other resources that you may find helpful:
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The Cancer Journey Resources include a personal guidebook and planner. These resources are available to all new patients at the Princess Margaret. You can pick up a free copy from your clinic or at the Princess Margaret Patient & Family Library. The Cancer Journey Guide Book and Planner are also available online or on the Princess Margaret Journey App.
Learn more about the Cancer Journey Resources »
Current outpatients can call or message the clinic Monday through Friday from 9:00am – 4:00pm. Your care team will do their best to respond within:
- 4 working hours for medical requests (e.g. you are not feeling well)
- 3 business days for administrative requests (e.g. you want to rebook an appointment)
Please do not send the same message more than once during expected response times.
