Patient Education Resource Guide

This page is for those who are interested in becoming a patient at MSK or learning more about what MSK offers.

The guide Becoming a Patient is a one-stop checklist for anyone interested in starting care at MSK. Learn how to request an appointment, get help with insurance, and prepare for your first visit.

Cancer Care

This is the main page for adult patients to explore cancer care at MSK. For example, each cancer on Cancer Types links to a page with background information on the specific disease, its diagnosis, and treatment. Look here for details about MSK's approach to your type of cancer, the doctors who specialize in it, and links to related news and resources.

MSK Kids: Our Child Life Services

MSK Kids is committed to doing all they can to make your visits as easy and comfortable as possible for you and your child. Most care is delivered on an outpatient basis, so your child can spend less time in a hospital room and more time at home. The page MSK Kids: Learn about Pediatric Cancers and Blood Disorders is there to help you learn more about pediatric cancers and how MSK Kids tailors treatment plans for child and teen patients.

Services for International Patients

MSK’s Bobst International Center has a team ready to guide you. Guest services will help answer questions, match you with the best doctors and services for your needs, and coordinate services.

Here is a selection of places where you can further explore how MSK approaches care and shares information:

• Patient & Community Education
  • This page lets you search the Patient & Community Education virtual library, a collection of written resources, videos, and online programs. Start typing in the search bar at the center of the page and it will help suggest topics it thinks you are looking for. Everything you find is accurate, clear, reliable, and educational, and is brought to you by a team of health education specialists and health care providers at MSK.
•  Cancer Straight Talk Podcast from MSK
  • Hosted by Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes, this podcast brings together patients and experts to discuss various topics in the field of cancer. Episodes can be found at the website above or wherever you listen to podcasts.
• A Guide to Navigating Cancer Care Before and After a Diagnosis
  • This 2022 MSK presentation offers an overview of navigating cancer care, including a discussion of cancer health disparities, how to select a provider and facility, advocating for yourself and others, and understanding costs.
• Patient and Family Advisory Council for Quality (PFACQ)
  • In order to make care at MSK more patient-centered, this group partners MSK employees with current and former patients, family members, and caregivers. Explore this page for more information about PFACQ, the activities they are involved in, and becoming a patient or family advisor. 

MSK Locations

• Traveling to New York City
  • Planning Your Visit & Travel to MSK is the page for information about the experience of visiting our Manhattan locations as an MSK patient. This includes details like directions, parking, and lodging. For example, Hotels & Other Accommodations shares that MSK has negotiated special rates and amenities for patients, families, and caregivers at some hotels.
• Regional Sites
  • MSK has other locations outside of Manhattan called regional sites. Visit Our Locations to see what is closest to you and what is offered there.

Connecting Online

• Telemedicine Visits at MSK: Everything You Need to Know
  • MSK offers telemedicine visits, meaning patients may have the option of using secure video technology to connect with their care team for some of their appointments, instead of visiting a location in person.
• About the MyMSK Patient Portal & App
  • This page explains MyMSK, a patient portal that allows you or your caregivers to securely access information online about your care at MSK, including lab results, appointments and hospital bills. If you have questions about MyMSK, visit their Contact Us page.

Cancer treatment may bring up questions surrounding insurance coverage and costs. Pages you may find helpful on this topic are below. Visit Insurance Help & Financial Assistance for Cancer Treatment for more information.

• Insurance Information
  • MSK's insurance specialists are here to help you make sense of your insurance and payment questions, whether you are considering coming to us as a new patient or are already in our care.
• Cancer Patient Financial Assistance Programs
  • If you are having a hard time paying for your care at MSK, you can apply for MSK’s Financial Assistance Program or prescription assistance programs.
• Help With Your Financial Questions at MSK
  • A quick guide for new or current patients, including a schedule of the free and virtual talks the Patient Financial Services team gives throughout the year.
• Download List of Standard Charges
  • MSK, like all hospitals, is required by law to provide information about standard charges for items and services. This page includes information about estimated costs, and a form to request a list of MSK standard charges.