You must bring proper insurance plan identification on your first visit to your oncologist's office. Your insurance provider—whether it is Medicare, Medicaid, a PPO, HMO or Private Indemnity plan—should give you an identification card. This card will have your subscriber identification number (often your social security number), group number, office co-pay amount and the address where you have to submit your insurance claims. If your insurance also requires a claim form to be submitted, also bring a fully completed and signed claim form to the office.
    Inform your physician's office of any changes in your address, phone number, employment or insurance information. Notifying the office immediately will prevent a lot of unnecessary delays in claim submission and the need for re-submission, as well as possible denials of payment. It will also result in quicker payment of claims.
    Most oncology offices have an insurance or finance department. Their patient representatives will explain the billing procedures to you before you begin treatment. They should also inform you whether they will submit your claim or if you are to submit the claim yourself. Always request a copy of your charges, which should include an itemization of all services and the diagnosis and code for your visit.