Preparing for your first appointment

Your first appointment with PGO will probably be the longest. Before your appointment, Dr. Price or Sharon will call you to ask some general questions about your health. This is a good time to get acquainted in a relaxed setting – at home. You can gain an understanding of how we ask questions and what we need to know, and share any concerns you have about your health or your upcoming appointment. The telephone conversation will also give you some time before your appointment to think about what you might want to ask when you are in the office.

What to bring with you:

• Insurance and medical history forms. We will mail you forms before your appointment, if time permits, or you can download them from this site (click here to download all five forms) :
  • medical history review
  • review of systems
  • registration form
  • medical records release
  • privacy consent
• All medical information relevant to your current problem
  • Previous medical records
  • X-rays, CT scans, pathology slides or other studies
    • Please bring the actual films and slides from the facility where the testing was done. Dr. Price reviews films and slides daily and will discuss your tests with radiologists and pathologists
    • It is preferable to have your studies on CD-ROM (and they are easier for you to carry)

• Please check in at the window in the waiting room and give us any forms and records you brought with you
  • Your time is valuable. If Dr. Price is running late, we will make every attempt to inform patients before they arrive
  • We fit in patients with a new diagnosis of cancer as soon as possible
  • Sometimes emergencies cause us to reorganize scheduled appointments

• While you are preparing for your examination, Dr. Price is reviewing your records.
  • You may first be examined by Sharon and then by Dr. Price
• You are free to ask any questions during your examination
  • You will also talk to Dr. Price in his office after your examination, along with family members if you wish.
  • At this time, Dr. Price will explain options for managing your specific problem, along with risks, benefits, and alternatives
  • If you would like a second opinion, Dr. Price will direct you to other specialists in Pittsburgh.