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Your Visit

Understanding Your First Visit

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Starting care at Illinois CancerCare can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Below is a simple overview to help you feel prepared.

If possible, bring someone with you, you will receive a lot of information, and having an extra set of ears can be very helpful.

Still have questions?

We’re here to help. Reach out to our team if you’d like more information about your first visit or need guidance on where to start.

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Parking & Drop-Off

You’ll find plenty of parking at our Peoria facility, including designated accessible spaces near the entrance. A circular drop off area and helpful volunteers are available if you need assistance getting inside.

Checking In

When you enter, please check in with the front desk receptionist. They will guide you where to go next.

  • If you are scheduled for lab work or an x-ray, these are usually done before you see your doctor.
  • Patients are seen in the order of their scheduled appointment times. Arriving early will not move your appointment time earlier.
  • If you cannot keep your appointment, please call us as soon as possible.

At the Peoria Clinic, you will move through the building using our electronic queue system. After checking in at the front desk, there’s no need to check in anywhere else.

For all clinic locations outside Peoria, please follow the specific instructions for that site.

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Once inside:

  • Check in with the receptionist.
  • Lab work or x-rays will typically happen before your visit with the doctor.
  • Patients are seen according to their appointment time—not arrival time.
  • Please contact us if you need to cancel or reschedule.

Most patients do not start treatment during their first appointment. Your doctor will first need to review your diagnosis fully and determine the next best steps.

Our team is here to help answer your insurance and billing questions.

At each visit, we will verify:

  • Your name and contact information
  • Your primary care physician
  • Your current insurance coverage

Please let us know right away if anything changes.

  • A list of all current medications (including doses and supplements)
  • Any paperwork or medical records your doctor has requested

Before you meet with your doctor, a medical assistant will:

  • Take your vital signs
  • Review your medications
  • Ask basic health questions

Your doctor or provider will then talk with you about:

  • Your diagnosis
  • Your treatment options
  • Any tests or support services you may need

Additional tests may be ordered to help your care team better understand your specific needs.

Before you leave, our scheduling team will help you:

  • Set up your next clinic visit
  • Arrange any tests or procedures
  • Coordinate hospital services if needed