Referring a patient who is newly diagnosed or seeking a second opinion

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming for patients, who are often eager to begin treatment right away. For newly diagnosed patients and those seeking a second opinion, the cancer centers of Edward-Elmhurst Health can put patients back in control, quickly. When you refer a patient to our cancer centers, you can expect:

  • Ease of referral/access: No worrisome waiting for your patient and an easy referral process for you.
  • Cancer expertise: Our cancer centers offer renowned oncologists, advanced cancer treatments, Multidisciplinary Clinics, tumor boards, clinical trials and more.
  • Closed loop communications: As a referring physician, you are informed and involved. You’ll receive a summary of your patient’s visit within 24-48 hours.
  • Convenience for you and your patient: Patients and families can stay close to home while receiving care.

How to refer your patient

Referring a patient is simple.

  • In Epic, make an oncology referral online by using the referrals preference list (Epic office access) or by creating an Orders Only encounter (Epic inpatient access), and select the patient’s location of choice.
  • Not on Epic? Refer your patient by calling 630-646-2273 (CARE) to schedule an initial in-person consultation for your patient.
  • All consultations take place at any of our three convenient cancer centers, with locations in Naperville, Elmhurst and Plainfield.

What your patient can expect

When patients come to the cancer centers of Edward-Elmhurst Health, our clinical teams — including renowned oncologists and specialty-trained nurses — guide them through every step in the process. Whether they are newly diagnosed or seeking a second opinion, we’ll provide answers about their diagnosis and available care options.

If you are referring a patient to us, one of our intake specialists will call them to schedule an expedited, in-person appointment to see one of our renowned oncologists, usually within three days.

How your patient benefits

Our cancer centers provide:

  • A better understanding of the patient’s diagnosis, treatment options and prognosis.
  • Reassurance that their diagnosis is accurate.
  • Comprehensive, advanced treatment options individualized to the patient.
  • Access to renowned experts in treating nearly every form of cancer.
  • Multidisciplinary Clinics for certain cancers, where our team of doctors gathers in one consultation room to review, discuss and evaluate each patient's case, and then develop an individualized treatment plan before sharing it with the patient.

Learn more about our comprehensive cancer centers.