Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Now that you have scheduled your New Patient Registration appointment, you will receive an email with patient forms to complete prior to the appointment on demographics, medical history and social determinants of health.

2. During this appointment, one of our wonderful office staff will call you for the appointment to ensure we have accurate and complete information about you. It should take about 10 to 20 minutes.

3. We will make sure you are familiar with our office location. 

4. We will provide you a tentative office visit with one of our providers/physicians, while we ensure we have all of your clinical records. 

1. You will first see a physician specializing in cancer therapy called a Medical Oncologist. If you need treatment, you will see this doctor before each treatment regularly.

2. If the doctor recommends a Palliative Care Clinic, you will see a nurse practitioner specializing in helping you have the best quality of life (see below).

3. After your active treatment is complete, your next step is to transition to the Survivorship clinic. You will see a nurse practitioner specializing in supporting you to achieve the best possible quality of life during and after your cancer journey.

1. Treatment can have serious side effects. Blood tests let your doctors monitor your body so that it is safe for you to receive the medicine. Your dose may change depending on these results.

2. We have Clinical Labs on the first floor of our office if you want to get the blood test done there.

3. Scans help monitor the treatment's effects and see if the treatment is working.

4. CT scans/ MRI/ and bone scans are available in Maui. 

5. Bone scans are only available at the Maui Memorial Medical Center.

6. PET Scans are only available in Oahu. We can work with helping you get transportation there.

No. At this time, we do not have the capacity to support a clinical trial program. We will update you if this changes.

1. Our role is to help you in your cancer journey by giving you the necessary information so that you can make an informed decision that is right for you.

2. We can also talk to your naturopathic or integrative practitioner so that we are focused on providing you with individualized care.

1. You can call/email/text for the request.

2. Please give us 3 business days to get the medication to your pharmacy.

3. Note that even though we may send the prescription in, your pharmacy may not have them at their pharmacy.  Please call your pharmacy 3 days later to ensure they have the ordered medication. If they do not, please call us back so that we can send it to another pharmacy.

4. If you need refills on medication ordered by another doctor, this will be filled depending on your specific need.

1. The goal of hospice is comfort rather than cure or active treatment. Most hospices would not cover chemotherapy.

2. If you are in Supportive Care program with a hospice here in Maui, we work with them so that we can provide you with comprehensive supportive assistance.

1. Email: info@mauicare.org

2. Website: www.mauicare.org

3. Phone or text: 808-500-3439

4. Elation patient portal - please sign up here:

   • Elation Patient Passport

5. All of these methods are HIPAA- compliant. We take your personal information very seriously.  All of our electronic communication is carefully monitored to ensure your privacy.

1. When you check in, the nurse will take your vitals, including your blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and breathing rate. We also will take your weight and height. The last two pieces of information are important because many medications are dosed based on weight and height.

2. You will then see your provider who will address your medical concerns, review labs/scans, and perform the necessary physical exam.

3. They will discuss further workup including necessary laboratory testing, imaging such as CT scans, and ordering medications.

4. They will place the orders on the computer.

5. You will complete the visit with the Oncology nurse. They may provide additional educational materials, assess wounds, or provide other nursing care.

1. Your physician/provider will give you general information regarding your cancer, staging, treatment options, and therapy risks, including side effects.

2. Because this is a medical oncology office, we focus on using medicines to treat your cancer.

3.  You may also need to see another cancer doctor such as a surgeon or radiation doctor (Radiation Oncology).

4. If your medical oncologist recommends infusion or chemotherapy, it will start within 1-2 weeks. They would need to clear it with your insurance and complete the necessary request paperwork.

5. You may need to get these medications at the Maui Memorial Medical Center - Infusion in Wailuku.

6. Certain special cancer pills are delivered directly to your home. The cancer pharmacist will call you and ensure that you have information about the new medicine. The delivery may take 2 weeks.

1. We use the most up-to-date recommended tests to help you make the best decisions possible about your care.

2. Some of these tests can take anywhere from 1 week to 5 weeks depending on the test.

1. Yes. Many of our patients go back and forth from the mainland.

2. Be mindful that getting records from the mainland may take additional time.

3. We collaborate with your doctor so that you get seamless continuity of care.

1. You can call the office and we will email the records to you or another physician’s office.

2. We do not charge for this service.

1. Palliative care aims to manage symptoms and side effects of cancer and its treatments, such as pain, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, and psychological distress. 

2. It also helps you and your families navigate the complex medical system, make informed decisions about treatment options, and provide psychosocial support. 

3. Palliative care can assist you in setting realistic goals, improving communication with healthcare providers, and enhancing overall well-being.

1. Yes. Cancer survivorship aims to support you in achieving the best possible quality of life during and after your cancer journey. 

2. This involves ongoing medical care, surveillance for potential recurrence or new cancers, management of treatment-related side effects, and addressing each survivor's unique needs and concerns.