UCSF Medical Center

The UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center combines basic science, clinical research, epidemiology/cancer control and patient care from throughout the University of California, San Francisco system. UCSF’s long tradition of excellence in cancer research includes the Nobel Prize-winning work of J. Michael Bishop and Harold Varmus, who discovered cancer-causing oncogenes. Their work opened new doors for exploring genetic abnormalities that cause cancer, and formed the basis for some of the most important cancer research happening today.

Location and Contact

UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
1600 Divisadero St.
San Francisco, CA 94115
T: (877) 827-3222
Website: www.ucsfhealth.org/clinics/helen_diller_family_comprehensive_cancer_center/

UCSF Medical Center Main Campus
505 Parnassus Ave
San Francisco, CA 94143
T: (415) 353-1664
Website: www.ucsfhealth.org/

Helpful Phone Numbers

  • Appointments for New Patients: (888) 689-UCSF
  • Reach a Patient: (415) 476-1000
  • Visiting Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Request Medical Records: (415) 353-2221
  • Billing Questions: (866) 433-4035

Directions

Driving

Flying

Airports

San Francisco International Airport 

San Francisco International Airport is an international airport 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco, California.

Location & Contact
T: (650) 821-8211 / (800) 435-9736 

Getting Around San Francisco

Publication Transportation

MUNI: Public Transit

To Parnassus
UCSF Medical Center is accessible via Muni streetcar line N-Judah*, which stops at Second Avenue and Irving Street, and the following Muni bus lines, which stop in front of the hospital:

  • 43-Masonic (wheelchair accessible bus route) 
  • 6-Parnassus
  • 66-Quintara

To Mount Zion
UCSF Medical Center at Mount Zion is accessible via the following Muni bus routes:

  • 2-Clement (wheelchair accessible bus route) 
  • 38-Geary (wheelchair accessible bus route) 
  • 24-Divisadero

The 1-California bus route stops at the corner of California and Divisadero streets, which is three blocks north of Mount Zion.

To Mission Bay
UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay is accessible via the following Muni bus routes:

  • 22
  • 55
  • T-Third St. line

For more information about Muni call (415) 673-MUNI (6864).

UCSF Shuttles

Free UCSF shuttles connect our Parnassus campus with our Mount Zion and Mission Bay campuses, as well as other UCSF locations and the 16th Street BART station. A Parnassus-Mount Zion express shuttle leaves every 15 minutes.

The shuttle departs from Parnassus in front of Kalmanovitz Library at 530 Parnassus Ave.

For more information call the shuttle hotline at (415) 476-4646 (GOGO) or view a shuttle system map

Parking

Parking at Parnassus

Public parking at UCSF Medical Center at Parnassus is available in the seven-level Millberry Union Garage at 500 Parnassus Ave. There are two garage entrances -- one on the north side of Parnassus Avenue and another on Irving Street, just east of Third Avenue. Parking is $3.75 an hour, with a maximum fee of $30 for up to 24 hours. For patrons with a disability placard, the daily maximum is $6. The garage is open 24 hours daily.

Another garage is located at 350 Parnassus Ave. This garage is open Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays. The fee is $4 each 30 minutes, with a maximum daily fee of $28. On Saturdays, there is a flat rate of $10.

Patients may be dropped off and picked up at the circular driveway leading to the main hospital entrance at 505 Parnassus Ave. or in front of the Ambulatory Care Center (ACC) at 400 Parnassus Ave. Metered street parking is rarely available.

For more information about parking at Parnassus, call Campus Parking Services at (415) 476-2566.

Valet Parking Service

Valet parking service is available at Medical Building 1, also called the Ambulatory Care Center, at 400 Parnassus Ave. from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Patients pay regular parking fees -- $3.75 an hour, with a maximum fee of $30 for up to 24 hours. For more information about the valet service, call (415) 476-6200.

A UCSF "greeter" is available at the ACC from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist patients find their way.

Parking at Mount Zion

Public parking is available in two parking garages near our Mount Zion campus. One is a UCSF-operated garage at 2420 Sutter St. and the other is a public parking garage at 1635 Divisadero St. Entrances to both garages are on Sutter Street, between Divisadero and Broderick streets.

The UCSF garage at 2420 Sutter St. is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Friday, and closed on weekends and UCSF holidays. The rate is $6 an hour with a $30 daily maximum ($12 daily maximum for patients with a valid disabled placard). If you have a valid disabled placard, you may have the parking fee reduced to $6 by obtaining a parking voucher from your clinic or the lobby information desk at 1600 Divisadero Street. Present the voucher, your disabled parking placard and your garage receipt to the cashier.

For more information about parking in the 2420 Sutter St. garage, call (415) 514-8935.

The public parking garage at 1635 Divisadero St. garage is open from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Friday, and closed on weekends and major holidays. The rate is $2 each 20 minutes with a $28 daily maximum. UCSF parking vouchers are not valid at the 1635 Divisadero St. garage.

For more information about parking in the 1635 Divisadero St. garage, call (415) 441-5408.

Other public parking garages are available nearby. Metered street parking is rarely available.

Valet Parking

Valet parking is available at UCSF Medical Center at Mount Zion, 1600 Divisadero St. Auto drop-off is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday. Vehicles dropped off with the valet will be parked in the UCSF public garage located at 2420 Sutter St. Auto valet retrieval is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Patrons must retrieve their own vehicle at the garage after 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.

There is no extra charge for the valet service, but patrons are responsible for paying the appropriate parking fee when they retrieve their vehicle. For more information about the valet service, call (415) 514-8935.

Parking at Mission Bay

UCSF's Mission Bay campus has several public parking facilities:

  • 1835 Owens St. Garage, across from the UCSF Ron Conway Family Gateway Medical Building, and surface lot
  • 1625 Owens St. Garage, located next to the Mission Bay Community Center
  • 1630 Third St. Garage, located just north of 16th Street
  • 1500 Owens St. surface lot, available for patients of the Orthopedic Institute and Obstetrics & Gynecology Services at Mission Bay

The hourly parking rate for the garages is $3.75 an hour on weekdays, with a maximum of $30 a day. For patrons with a disability placard, the daily maximum is $6.

Valet Parking

Patients may be dropped off at the circle driveway in front of the UCSF Ron Conway Family Gateway Medical Building at 1825 Fourth St. Valet parking is also available from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, in the circle drive in front of Gateway.

Lodging 

Lodging Options

Carl Hotel

The Carl Hotel has 28 units; 26 units with private baths and two with shared baths. It is walking distance to UCSF and features cable TV, microwave oven, a small refrigerator, and wireless internet. Kezar parking lot one and a half blocks from the hotel. 

Rates per night are around $65 to $125 plus tax. Weekly rates are available. all major credit cards accepted. UCSF affiliates discount.

This hotel is in walking distance (approximately three to four blocks, or an eight to 10 minute walk to UCSF Parnassus Campus. To take the MUNI: On N-Judah train to Parnassus/China Basin. One block to #6 to Parnassus/Buchanan and one block #43 to Parnassus/Laurel Heights.

Location & Contact
198 Carl Street, San Francisco, CA 94117
T: (415) 661-5679  / (888) 661-5679 (toll-free)
F: (415) 661-0661

Great Highway Inn

The Great Highway Inn has 58 rooms with private baths, cable TV, phones, and wireless internet. Microwaves and small fridges also included in most rooms. Free on-site parking. Complimentary coffee and pastries in the morning. Not pet friendly.

Rates per night are around $110 to $185. (Call for UCSF discounted rates). Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards accepted.

Easy access to the N-Judah Muni train, just two blocks from the hotel, which stops at UCSF.  To take the MUNI: N-Judah line to Parnassus/China Basin. Free shuttle service by appointment to Parnassus. We are in a great location adjacent to the Golden Gate Park and across from beautiful Ocean Beach. There are several restaurants in the vicinity and some within walking distance. There is a gas station, a Laundromat and a Safeway grocery store within a mile. 

Location & Contact
Great Highway
San Francisco, CA 94122
T: (415) 731-6644
F: (415) 731-5309
E: info@greathwy.com

The Metro Hotel

The Metro Hotel is a charming, family run, boutique hotel that embodies the spirit of San Francisco, focusing on sustainability, simple pleasures, connection and human kindness. We offer 24 comfortable, clean, budget friendly rooms each with newly renovated bathrooms, all non- smoking, complimentary wireless internet, cable TV, and local calls.  For your pleasure there is a luscious private garden patio to enjoy. Not pet friendly, but service animals always welcome.

Rates per night are around $107 to $168 (15.3125% city tax not included). UCSF and Mt. Zion Hospital discount for all reservations arranged by phone. All major credit cards accepted.

Within walking distance to Parnassus (1.6 miles) and Mt. Zion (.9 miles) To take the MUNI: One block to #24 to Mt. Zion. One block to #6 Parnassus/Buchanan. Easy, one bus access to either Parnassus or Mount Zion. All rooms are up a flight of stairs (22 stairs for first flight, 44 stairs for second flight). If mobility is an issue, we may not be your best choice. What we lack in square footage, we more than make up with our friendly and helpful staff. 

Location & Contact
319 Divisadero St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
T: (415) 861-5364
F: (415) 863-1970

Stanyan Park Hotel

The Stanyan Park Hotel has 30 rooms with private baths and six large suites with kitchens. It is also wheelchair accessible, a nonsmoking hotel, and within walking distance to UCSF. Continental breakfast included and parking available for $15 per day. Telephone and cable TV in rooms. Very clean and quiet. Afternoon tea service. Wireless internet access.

Rates per night are around $179 to $369. All major credit cards accepted.

Within walking distance to Parnassus (seven blocks). To take the MUNI: two blocks to the #43 to Parnassus, three blocks to N-Judah train to Parnassus/China Basin.

Location & Contact
750 Stanyan St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
T: (415) 751-1000
E: info@stanyanpark.com
F: (415) 668-5454

Studio on Sixth

Studio on Sixth offers furnished studio apartments with queen beds, a fully-equipped kitchen, bathroom with shower/tub, flat screen TV with cable, phone, and free Wi-Fi.

Rates per night are around $155 to $165. One free night for every seven stayed. Additional discounts for longer stays (Dec. through May). Checks, credit cards, and PayPal accepted.

Within walking distance to Parnassus (three blocks). To take the MUNI: on N-Judah train to Parnassus/China Basin. Two blocks from N-Judah streetcar and two blocks from Golden Gate Park. Three blocks to 9th & Irving commercial district, with numerous restaurants and shops. 

Location & Contact
1387 6th Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94122
T: (415) 504-2142
Click Here to Visit the Website

Park Central Hotel: A Starwood Hotel

 Park Central Hotel is a Four Star Hotel with 681 hotel rooms is perfect for productive business stays, a romantic getaways, or fun-filled vacations. The floor-to-ceiling windows of our San Francisco accommodation provide some of the most captivating, panoramic views available. With the flexibility in selection between 1 King-sized or 2 Queen-sized beds, rest comfortably in these fully appointed rooms, and know that access to the best of our city is just steps from our door. 

Mention the UCSF Short Term Housing Guide Rate to receive a 10% Discount with complimentary Wi-Fi and waived $30 daily facility fee.

One block to Muni N and T lines to reach Parnassus/China Basin.  One block to BART. Downtown locations is easily accessible to all UCSF locations. The Park Central San Francisco, a Starwood Hotel, is centrally located in SoMa. Near Union Square, Westfield Shopping Center, the Moscone Center, the Financial District, and a wealth of restaurants and cultural destinations, our San Francisco hotel has the best of the city at our doorstep.

Location & Contact
50 Third St. 
San Francisco, CA 94103

T: (415) 974-6400

Staybridge Suites-San Francisco Airport

Staybridge Suites has 92 units with full-size kitchens and living rooms. ADA/wheelchair accessible. Free Laundry facilities, pets welcome (pet fee charge), flat screen TV's in rooms with cable. Free parking available.

Rates

  • One bedroom suite = $179
  • Two bedroom/two-bathroom suite = $209

Rates are subject to a daily 12% hotel tax and a daily $0.58 tourism charge.  For reservations that are longer than 30 days, from the 31st day on the 12% tax is waived.

Courtesy airport and BART shuttle. Near shopping and restaurants.

Location & Contact
1350 Huntington Ave.
San Bruno, CA 94066
T: (650) 588-0770
E: gm.sfobr@wm.staybridge.com
F: (650) 588-0892

The Homewood Suites by Hilton San Francisco Airport North

The Homewood Suites have 177 spacious suites recently renovated and adjacent to the beautiful San Francisco Bay. All of our suites include fully equipped kitchens, complimentary high speed internet access, and a delicious hot breakfast buffet every morning, as well as a fulfilling hot dinner buffet Monday through Thursday. The buffet includes beer, wine, and soft drinks. Wheelchair accessible rooms are available.  A relaxing heated pool, on property gym, and self serve laundry room are provided for your comfort.  Complimentary parking, grocery service, and SFO shuttle are also included and you will enjoy our high Hilton standards while earning points with the Hilton Honors Loyalty program.

Rates for a Standard Queen Studio Suite:

  • 30+ nights = $155
  • 14-29 nights = $160
  • 7-13 nights = $165
  • 1-6 nights = $179

Rates for a One Bedroom King Suite

  • 30+ nights = $175; 14-29 nights: $180; 7-13 nights: $185; 1 - 6 nights: $190

The hotel is a perfect home away from home for guests visiting the new UCSF Mission Bay Campus or SF General Hospital, which are both only six miles away. For your traveling ease we are only 2.5 miles north of the San Francisco International Airport and offer a free shuttle.

Location & Contact
2000 Shoreline Court
Brisbane , CA 94005
T: (650) 589-1600
F: (650) 589-2622
E: cindy.gee@hilton.com

Your First Appointment

We recommend that you bring a family member or friend to your first appointment. We make every effort to see you as close to your scheduled appointment time as possible but there may be delays beyond our control. Please plan on spending two to three hours at your first appointment.

Medical Records

The review of your medical records is an important part of your evaluation. Your medical records must be received at least one day before your appointment so we can prepare for your visit. You may fax, express mail or hand carry your records to our offices. Please don't use regular U.S. Postal Service mail since it's difficult to determine when your records will arrive.

Please provide the following with your medical records at least one day before your appointment:

  • Copies of all records relevant to your condition, including medical records from doctors who referred you. This may include records from your primary care doctor, oncologist or surgeon.
  • Pathology reports of any biopsies or tests. If you are seeing a surgeon, please also bring glass pathology slides.
  • X-rays, mammograms, magnetic resonance images (MRIs) or any other films that relate to your condition and written reports that accompany those films.
  • Copies of your insurance cards.
  • List of all your physicians including their mailing addresses, telephone and fax numbers.

It is important to contact your insurance company before your appointment to receive approval, called "prior authorization," for your visit to our clinics. If you don't obtain necessary authorization, you will be responsible for all charges associated with your care.

Insurance Information

Before your appointment, please review your insurance benefits. Call your insurance company or review the insurance information provided by your insurance carrier. Each insurance plan has rules that must be followed to receive full benefits. If your insurance plan requires prior authorization for office visits to a specialist, please fax referrals and authorizations to the clinic prior to your appointment. If we don't receive these referrals and authorizations, you will be responsible for all charges associated with your appointment.

Dealing with insurance can be confusing. Please contact our Cancer Resource Center at (415) 885-3693 or at crc@ucsf.edu for assistance.

Social Work Services

Social workers are available to meet with you and your family to discuss financial issues, such as short- or long-term disability income, insurance coverage and special programs that assist people with cancer; support groups and referrals to a psychologist or chaplain; family issues such as care giving and talking to children about cancer; lodging and transportation.

To contact a social worker, call the Cancer Resource Center at (415) 885-3693 and ask for the social worker assigned to your doctor.

Insurance

Dealing with health insurance and other benefits can be very confusing. If you have questions, please call your insurance representative to better understand how your policy works and what it covers.

Please bring your Medicare, Medi-Cal or insurance identification card to your visit at UCSF Medical Center. Your insurance may require prior authorization before seeing a UCSF doctor. If so, please ask your primary care doctor or insurance company to fax your authorization to the UCSF doctor's office and bring a copy to your appointment to ensure you aren't billed for services covered by your insurance. You may be called for insurance or authorization information before your appointment.

Your insurance may require an office co-payment. If so, you will be asked to make your co-payment in full at your visit. If your visit is not covered by a health plan or insurance, you will be asked to pay for your visit on arrival. For your convenience, we accept cash, checks and credit cards.

UCSF Medical Center contracts with many major health insurance companies and accepts several Medicare and Medi-Cal plans. A list of health insurance companies and Medicare and Medi-Cal programs that provide coverage for our services is available below.

Our hospitals and doctors do not contract with or participate in health insurance discount card programs. We do, however, accept payments made through health savings account (HSA) programs.

UCSF also can make financial arrangements for your coverage with health insurance companies that don't have contracts with UCSF, if the companies are willing to do so. If your health insurance company is not listed below, please ask your insurance company or your UCSF doctor to contact our Health Plan Strategy and Contracting office at (415) 353-9020 to discuss possible arrangements.

Services and Amenities

Patient and Family Support Services

A clinic visit or hospital stay can sometimes be overwhelming and stressful. UCSF Medical Center provides an array of services for patients and their families to help make the experience here go as smoothly as possible. Here are some of the services we provide to help make you comfortable during your visit or stay or to meet a special need.

Services for Cancer Patients

Online Bookstore

See our online bookstore for a sampling of books recommended or written by our doctors, nurses and others. Click on the title to read more about the book or to buy it on Amazon.com.

Support Groups

Support groups at UCSF Medical Center help patients and their families cope with disease and treatment and learn from the experiences of others. Here's a listing of support groups available to our patients. Some are open to the general public.

Peer Support for Cancer Patients

The Peer Support Program offers cancer patients the opportunity to speak with survivors or with veteran patients who have already "been there." This is a free, on-the-phone service. All cancer patients are welcome regardless of where the care is received. Patients are matched with peer support volunteers according to criteria such as diagnosis, stage, age, gender or by preference of the person seeking support.

Patient Education

See our library of patient education on topics ranging from arrhythmia to weight-loss surgery.

Patient Services

Why choose us?

The mission, vision and values of UCSF Medical Center and UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital convey the reasons we exist as an organization, what we aspire to as an organization and the way we will work to get there. They are a unifying force that link all of us together.

Mission

Our mission -- the reason we exist -- is Caring, Healing, Teaching and Discovering.

Vision

Our vision -- what we want to be -- is to be the best provider of health care services, the best place to work and the best environment for teaching and research.

Values

Our values statement -- our guide to the individual and organizational behavior we expect -- is embodied in the acronym PRIDE:

  • P for Professionalism, how we conduct ourselves and our business
  • R for Respect for our patients, families, ourselves and each other
  • I for Integrity, always doing the honest, right thing
  • D for Diversity, understanding and embracing the diverse beliefs, needs and expectations of our patients, community and employees
  • E for Excellence, what we strive for in everything we do