Cancer Diagnostic Service

Refer a Patient

857-307-5775

Fax: 617-394-3237

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. EST

Mass General Brigham physicians may also refer a patient by submitting an Epic order to Ambulatory Referral to Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center Cancer Diagnostic Service.

Location

Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center Cancer Diagnostic Service
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Schuster/Brigham Medical Specialties Suite, ASB11, 2nd floor
45 Francis Street
Boston MA 02115

louise-schneider-and-patient653x447.jpg
Louise I. Schneider, MD, a member of the Cancer Diagnostic Service team, discusses next steps with a patient.

The Cancer Diagnostic Service at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center can expedite a diagnosis in patients that present with signs or symptoms of cancer and where the appropriate next steps are unclear.

Our Process

Our service provides an efficient path to reach a timely diagnosis and avoid unnecessary testing and delays in treatment. The physicians at the Cancer Diagnostic Service will:

  • Thoroughly review patient medical history and records to ensure that they are appropriate for this service
  • Promptly schedule appointments
  • Conduct a comprehensive diagnostic workup with input from consulting oncologists
  • Provide a detailed report to the referring physician regarding findings and next steps
  • Quickly connect patients to the appropriate cancer specialist(s) at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, if required

At Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, we are committed to scheduling patients as soon as possible. Patients are scheduled within five business days of referral to the Cancer Diagnostic Service. Once an appointment is scheduled, our practice assistant works with patients to obtain medical records and, in some cases, to pre-arrange diagnostic tests that are likely to be required.

During a patient visit, we may order additional diagnostic studies, such as an endoscopy, tissue biopsy, and advanced diagnostic imaging, including an MRI, CT, PET scan, or bone scan.

Regardless of the outcome, we will provide a report to the referring physician with the outcome of the assessment. If a cancer diagnosis is confirmed, we will assist in scheduling an appointment with the appropriate cancer specialist at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, as requested.

Our Team

Our team is comprised of internists and physician assistants from Brigham and Women's Hospital who specialize in diagnostic medicine, along with consulting medical oncologists from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Ann L. Pinto, MD, PhD
Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care
Brigham and Women's Hospital

Louise I. Schneider, MD
Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care
Brigham and Women's Hospital

Kerry L. Kilbridge, MD, MSc
Consulting Medical Oncologist
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Oreofe O. Odejide, MD, MPH
Consulting Medical Oncologist
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Cori Kostick, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Brigham and Women's Hospital

Learn More About Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center's Cancer Diagnostic Service

Louise I. Schneider, MD,  describes the Cancer Diagnostic Service at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center (DF/BWCC). This unique program can expedite a diagnosis in patients who present with signs or symptoms of cancer and the appropriate next steps are unclear.

What Referring Physicians Say

It was very helpful; the service arranged imaging quickly, got rapid opinions from several oncologists, and enabled rapid triage to the right group.
Referring Primary Care Provider
Amazing supportive service for [PCPs] who don’t have time to coordinate this level of diagnostics.
Referring Primary Care Provider
It was helpful and enabled the collaborative approach I wish I could do myself.
Referring Primary Care Provider
It is amazing to be able to tell patients that they will be able to have expert follow-up on their concerning incidental findings that we find in the ER. It makes it easier for us to discharge them home with some peace of mind and an actual plan and next step.
Referring Emergency Medicine Provider
Very easy pathway for patient to get a rapid evaluation that is appropriate and thorough.
Referring Primary Care Provider