Univeristy of Texas MD Anderson

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has one goal: to eliminate cancer. The institution is one of the most respected cancer centers in the world and is strictly devoted to caring for cancer patients, research and education, and prevention.

Location and Contact

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Blvd.
Houston, Texas 77030
T: (877) 632-6789
Website: www.mdanderson.org/

Helpful Phone Numbers

• Appointments for New Patients: (877) MDA-6789 and press option 2
• Reach a Patient: (713) 792-2121 / (800) 889-2094 (toll-free)
• Visiting Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Request Medical Records: (713) 792-6710
• Billing Questions: (713) 792-2991

Cancers Treated

• Brain and Skull based Cancers
• Esophageal Cancer
• Head and Neck Cancers
• Liver  Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Lymphoma
• Pediatric Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Sarcomas
• Colon Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Anal Cancer
• Eye Cancer
• Vaginal Cancer
• Kidney Cancer
• Bile Duct Cancer
• Fallopian Tube Cancer
• Stomach Cancer
• Bladder Cancer
• Bone Cancer
• Melanoma 

Directions

Driving

Flying

Airports

William P. Hobby Airport

7800 Airport Blvd.
Houston, TX 77061

William P. Hobby Airport is an international airport in Houston, Texas, 7 miles from downtown Houston.

Airport Shuttle

SuperShuttle offers service to both Houston airports from the Jesse Jones Rotary House International Hotel. From MD Anderson, approximate one-way cost to Bush Intercontinental Airport is $24 per person. Cost to Hobby Airport is $20 per person. Reservations must be made. Call toll-free (800) 258-3826 or (713) 523-8888. Visit an Information Center or Concierge Desk for assistance.

Patient Travel Services

Faculty Center, Floor 2, FC3.2030 (for ticket changes and bilingual agent)

Patient Travel Services has access to MD Anderson airline, lodging and ground transportation discounts and rates. 

Patient Travel Services is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Faculty Center, Floor 3, FC3.2030 (for ticket changes and bilingual agent).

For more information email patienttravel@mdanderson.org or call (713) 745-2300 or toll-free at (888) 848-9992 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

When confirming reservations through Patient Travel Services, it is necessary to schedule a round trip flight, even if you don't have a return date. Changes can be made to the return flight, and there is no service fee if you purchased your ticket through Patient Travel Services. Regulations for changes on other carriers are available to patients who purchased their tickets through Patient Travel Services.

All tickets issued by Patient Travel Services are electronic (E-Ticket or Ticketless), whenever possible.

Parking

Parking Information

Parking information is oriented based upon the building you are visiting. There are three parking garages with easy access to MD Anderson. Garage 10 is operated by the Texas Medical Center (TMC), and the Mays Clinic Garage is owned and operated by MD Anderson. Valet parking is also available at all MD Anderson buildings.

Main Building/The Aquarium Entrance

• Valet Parking: Open 24 hours a day, $15 flat rate for up to 24 hours, car may be retrieved from any valet location.
• Garage 10: Open 24 hours, linked by sky bridge to the Main Building. Costs range from $2 (every 20 minutes) to $12 (up to 24 hours)
• Mays Clinic/Duncan Building Garage: Open 6 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday. See parking rates below.

Visitors traveling between the Main Building and Mays Clinic can ride motorized mini-shuttles on the skybridge. The mini-shuttles operate Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Mays Clinic/Duncan Building

• Valet Parking: Open 24 hours, $15 flat rate for up to 24 hours. Car may be retrieved from any valet location.
• Mays Clinic Garage: Open 6 a.m. to midnight, Monday-Friday (See parking rates below)
• Garage 2: Open 24 hours, located near the Emergency Center. Costs range from $2 (every 20 minutes) to $12 (up to 24 hours)

Visitors traveling between the Main Building and Mays Clinic can ride motorized mini-shuttles on the skybridge. The mini-shuttles operate Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Mays Clinic/Duncan Building Garage Rates  

• 1 hour = $3
• up to 2 hours = $5
• up to 3 hours = $7
• up to 4 hours = $8
• up to 5 hours = $9
• up to 24 hours = $12
• lost ticket = $12

Rotary House

Valet Parking: Open 24 hours, $15 flat rate for up to 24 hours. Vehicle may be retrieved from any valet location.

Radiation Treatment Center/Radiology Outpatient Center

Valet Parking: 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. (or last patient). By appointment only ($20 after 2 hours). Validation provided for first two hours.

1MC/Human Resources

• Mid Campus Garage: Open 24 hours a day, cashier on duty 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• No shuttle service to patient care facilities

Remote Parking

Garage 8 offers remote garage parking at 2151 Holcombe Boulevard (at Pressler St.). Show your parking token to take the free Blue shuttle to MD Anderson. The shuttle runs Monday-Friday from 4:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Surface parking is available in the South Extension Lot at 1522 S. Braeswood Blvd. Free White shuttle service is available 4:30 a.m.-midnight Monday-Friday.

Remote Parking Rates

• 1 hour = $4
• 1-2 hours = $6
• 2-24 hours = $9
• Lost SmartChip = $20

Shuttles

MD Anderson ground shuttles are available for patients traveling between the Main Building, Mays Clinic, Hospitality Apartments, Proton Therapy Center and Radiation Outpatient Center. Shuttles run Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Patient shuttles have lavender-colored signage. It takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes to complete a lap. All shuttles are equipped with wheelchair lifts. Family members also may ride the shuttle, but we ask that each patient have no more than three guests to ensure there is room for patients traveling to their appointments.

Locate a shuttle by going to the real-time map at www.mdabus.com. You also can track our shuttles on your smartphone. Download our free mobile shuttle apps for iPhone or Android.

Patient shuttles service the following facilities by request (call (713) 792-2338):

• Mohs Clinic
• Radiation Treatment Center
• South Campus Research Building 3 (SCRB 3)

If you have questions about the patient shuttle, email FM-Shuttle@mdanderson.org.

Shuttle vans are available for guests at the Jesse H. Jones Rotary House International hotel. The vans can take guests to any location within a 1.5-mile radius of the Texas Medical Center.

For people traveling across the skybridge that connects the Main Building with the Mays Clinic/Duncan Building, we offer shuttle carts. These run from 6 a.m. to 8:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Lodging

Hotels

The Texas Medical Center website lists several options for lodging in and around MD Anderson. Make sure to ask for the "medical rate," which is usually lower than the standard rate. All hotels reserve the right to change their rates at any time.

• Hotels list
• Apartments list
• Additional housing resources

Joe's House

1515 Holcombe Blvd.
Houston, TX 77030
T: (713) 792-2121 / (877) 563-7468 (toll-free)
E: info@joeshouse.org

Joe's House offers lodging for cancer patients and their families who travel away from home for treatment.

Rotary House International

1600 Holcombe Blvd. 
Houston, TX 77030
T: (713) 790-1600 / (800) 847-5783 (toll-free)

The Jesse H. Jones Rotary House International is a hotel owned by MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Houston Marriott Medical Center Hotel

Wyndham Hotel and Suites - Texas Medical Center

6800 South Main St.
Houston, TX 77030
T: (713) 528-7744

Wyndam Hotel and Suites is a located five minutes from the hospital.

Extended Stay America Med. Ctr.

1301 S. Braeswood Blvd.
Houston, TX 77030
T: (713) 794-0800

Extended Stay America Med. Ctr. is located four minutes from the hospital.

Hilton Houston Plaza - Medical Center

6633 Travis St.
Houston, TX, 77030
T: (713) 313-4677

Hilton Houston Plaza is located five minutes from the hospital.

Hampton Inn and Suites - Houston Medical Center

1715 Old Spanish Trail
Houston, TX 77054
T: (713) 797-0040

Hampton Inn and Suites is located about a mile from the hospital.

Springhill Suites by Marriott Houston Medical Center - Reliant Park

1400 Old Spanish Trail
Houston, TX 77054
T: (713) 796-1000

Springhill Suites by Marriott is located eight minutes from the hospital.

Courtyard by Marriott Houston Medical Center

7702 South Main St.
Houston, TX 77030
T: (713) 668-4500

Courtyard Marriott is located seven minutes from the hospital.

Extended Stay America Houston Medical Center/Reliant Park - Fannin St.

7979 Fannin St.
Houston, TX 77054
T: (713) 797-0000

Extended Stay America is located 10 minutes from the hospital.

Moody Manor

7706 South Main St.
Houston, TX 77030
T: (713) 351-1400

Moody Manor is located six minutes from the hospital.

Econo Lodge

7905 S. Main St.
Houston, TX 77025
T: (713) 838-0797

Econo Lodge is located eight minutes from the hospital.

8080 Main Hotel

8080 Main St.
Houston, TX 77025
T: (713) 665-4439

8080 Main Hotel is located seven minutes from the hospital.

Holiday Inn NRG/Medical Center Areas

8111 Kirby Dr.
Houston, TX 77054
T: (713) 790-1900

Holiday Inn is located two miles from the hospital.

Extended Stay America - Houston - Reliant Park - La Concha

1303 La Concha Lane
Houston, TX 77054
T: (713) 790-9753

La Concha is located nine minutes from the hospital.

Comfort Suites

1055 McNee Rd.
Houston, TX 77054
T: (713) 668-1436

Comfort Suites is located eight minutes from the hospital.

Extended Stay America - Greenway Plaza

2330 Southwest Freeway
Houston, TX, 77098
T: (713) 521-0060

Extended Stay America is located 11 minutes from the hospital.

Crowne Plaza Hotel near NRG Stadium/Medical Center

8686 Kirby Drive
Houston, TX 77054
T: (713) 748-3221

The Crowne Plaza Hotel is located 10 minutes from the hospital.

Courtyard Houston - West University

2929 Westpark Drive
Houston, TX 77005
T: (713) 661-5669

Courtyard Houston is located 13 minutes from the hospital.

Crowne Plaza River Oaks

2712 Southwest Freeway
Houston, TX 77098
T: (713) 523-8448

Crowne Plaza River Oaks is located 13 minutes from the hospital.

Quality Inn and Suites - Reliant Park/Medical Center

2634 South Loop West
Houston, TX 77043
T: (713) 799-2436

Quality Inn and Suites(TM) Reliant Park/Medical Center is located 10 minutes from the hospital.

Four Points by Sheraton - Greenway Plaza

2828 Southwest Freeway
Houston, TX 77098
T: (713) 942-2111

Four Points by Sheraton is located 13 minutes from the hospital.

Carefree Inn Medical Center

10015 South Main St.
Houston, TX 77025
T: (713) 667-9173

Carefree Inn Medical Center is located 12 minutes from the hospital.

Candlewood Suites - Houston Medical Center

10025 South Main St.
Houston, TX 77025
T: (713) 665-3300

Candlewood Suites Houston Medical Centeris located 13 minutes from the hospital.

Best Western Plus Downtown Inn and Suites

915 West Dallas St.
Houston, TX 77019
T: (800) 780-7234

Best Western Plus Downtown Inn and Suites is located 14 minutes from the hospital.

Candlewood Suites by the Galleria

4900 Loop Central Drive
Houston, TX 77081
T: (713) 839-9411

Candlewood Suites by Galleria is located 14 minutes from the hospital.

Your First Appointment 

Planning for Care

Getting ready for your first appointment can be stressful. To help, we've put together information to make your visit go smoothly. This includes travel and lodging guidance, an online new patient orientation class and even a new patient checklist.

Returning Patients

Patients who are returning to MD Anderson have their own questions about re-starting care. Find out how to schedule appointments, use our online app to check your schedule and more on our Returning Patients page.

Advance Care Planning

The living will and medical power of attorney documents allow you to decide who will make decisions in case you become unable to do so. Learn more about advance care planning.

When You Arrive

MD Anderson is a big place. We know it can be overwhelming. If you have questions once you arrive, look for Welcome Center information representatives in most main lobbies or ask any employee with an ID badge for help. We are here for you.

Getting around can be tricky. For directions, look for blue Access kiosks or go to, access.mdanderson.org for step-by-step directions. You also can ask any staff member.

Your first visits to MD Anderson will involve registration and meeting with your care team and doctor.

Registration: Remember to bring your valid photo ID and your insurance card. A patient access specialist will help you:

• Validate your parking ticket
• Sign consent forms
• Review your insurance benefits
• Take a photo for your medical record

Meeting with your doctor and care team: Your doctor and care team will review your medical history and perform a physical exam. Further testing may be scheduled by your care team. Your doctor and care team will discuss next steps with you and your family.

Insurance

Paying your hospital bill and worrying about insurance claims may be the last thing you or your loved ones want to deal with while you are coping with cancer. That's why MD Anderson has financial specialists committed to helping you throughout your care.

MD Anderson's Patient Business Services team works behind the scenes to help you understand the billing process so you can focus on your cancer treatment.

Our customer service representatives are here to answer questions about your bill and patient statement. Representatives are available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday at (713) 792-2991 or (800) 527-2318 (toll-free).

Insurance Plans

If you are enrolled in a managed care plan (HMO, PPO or POS), your treatment at MD Anderson may be covered by insurance. Check our list of currently accepted insurance plans below. If you don't see your plan listed or you have insurance questions, call (877) 632-6789.

Your MD Anderson patient access specialist will help you obtain the full benefit from your insurance plan by:

• Answering your questions about insurance verification and/or prepayment requirement
• Responding to insurer requests for additional medical information
• Filing primary and secondary insurance claims
• Assisting with re-authorizations that may be required during treatment

Before your first appointment, ask your insurance company about specific requirements, co-pays, deductibles or other costs for which you will be responsible.

DISCLAIMER: MD Anderson Cancer Center's participation with any product or insurance plan is subject to change without notice. Additionally, insurance companies offer a variety of plans and may change the names and benefits at any point. A patient's level of coverage depends on the specific benefits outlined in their plan.

To ensure that MD Anderson hospital and physicians are in-network, it is the patient's responsibility to verify that MD Anderson is a participating provider and their benefit plan allows them access as of the day of a visit and/or admission.

Types of Charges

MD Anderson patient statements contain two separate billing components:

• Hospital charges are for the use of hospital facilities, and outpatient clinic services provided by nurses and other members of your care team who are not physicians.
• Physician charges represent the services provided by your physicians and mid-level providers, such as certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA), physician assistants (PA), and advanced practice nurses (APN).

Statements

You will receive a monthly patient statement showing all applicable charges about four to six weeks after your appointment. The statement will reflect pending amounts for both the patient and the insurance plan. You will responsible for the patient balances due.

MD Anderson will file your insurance claims for both your hospital and physician visits. If you are an inpatient, your hospital insurance claim will be filed following discharge. Visit our Insurance Plans page to see a list of our currently accepted insurance plans.

To ensure that your statement is accurate, please make sure that we have your correct information. Contact us with any changes to:

• Address
• Telephone numbers
• Insurance plans
• Changes in employment status that result in changes to your insurance coverage

You can update your information using your myMDAnderson account.

How to Pay

MD Anderson accepts the following forms of payment:

• Cash
• Personal or cashier's check (if the bank has a branch in the United States)
• Wire transfer
• Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover

Credit card payments may be made online through myMDAnderson, or by calling Customer Service at (713) 792-2991 or (800) 527-2318 (toll-free).

Payments also can be made during your clinic visit or at one of our cashier locations.

Self Pay

If you are not covered by insurance and are paying for your own care, you will be asked to pay an initial deposit for your first appointment at MD Anderson. This deposit represents the estimated charge for evaluation by your physician, including diagnostic tests and treatment planning. The deposit is an estimate only. Actual charges may be higher or lower based on your specific treatment plan.

After your initial evaluation, the Financial Clearance Center will provide a charge estimate for continued treatment at MD Anderson, based on the treatment plan recommended by your physician. Your actual charges may be more or less than the estimated amount.

Self-pay patients may be eligible for a discount. Your account must be current, and not in collection status. Your financial clearance associate can review your account and advise you about any potential discounts.

Payment Plans

If you cannot pay your patient balance in full, it may be possible to arrange a payment plan. The length and monthly payment amount of payment plans are based on the amount due.

Contact your financial clearance associate for information about available payment plans.

Financial Assistance

If you cannot afford the cost of your care and you are a Texas resident, you may request a Patient Financial Assistance application from your patient access representative or financial clearance associate. Eligibility for patient financial assistance is based on the Federal Poverty Index.

• Patient Financial Assistance Overview: Read more about the requirements for financial assistance.
• Patient Financial Assistance Application: Print and complete this application and return it to your patient access representative.
• Solicitud de Asistencia Financiera para Pacientes: Imprima y complete esta aplicaci?n y devu?lvala a su representante de acceso paciente.

Services and Amenities

Services Available at MD Anderson

As a patient or supportive loved one, you'll find that MD Anderson has a range of services available to make your time with us more comfortable and convenient. In addition to the services listed below, we offer banking and cashier services, dining services, flower and gift shops, outpatient pharmacies and a mobile app.

Appearances Shop

Appearances offers breast forms, bras and other specialty items for cancer patients. Located in the Mays Clinic, Floor 2, near Elevator T, ACB2.1502. Open Mon. to Fri. from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For questions or more information, call (713) 563-8200. Directions

Beauty/Barber Shops

Complimentary shampoos, haircuts, shaves, wigs, scarves and hats are provided for patients by Volunteer Services and Merchandising. First come, first served. Located in the Main Building, Floor 6, near Elevator F, G6.3253. Open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For questions or more information, call (713) 792-6039. Directions

Child Care

The Child Visitation Room offers no-cost, short-term child care while you attend appointments. Located in the Mays Clinic, Floor 2 near the Tree Sculpture. Open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For questions or more information, call (713) 563-6545. Directions

Information Centers

Staff members and volunteers at our Information Centers make navigating during your appointments much easier.

Locations

• Main Building: Floor 3, The Art Gallery / Floor 3, Skybridge entrance / Floor 1, The Aquarium / Floor 1, The Pavilion
• Mays Clinic: Floor 2, The Tree Sculpture; open Mon. to Fri. from 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Concierge Desk: Main Building, Floor 1, The Aquarium; open Mon. to Fri. from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For questions or more information, call (713) 563-1889.
  

Language Assistance

Interpreters are available to assist you if English is not your native language.

Laundry Services

Coin-operated washer and dryer facilities are available, if needed. Located in the Main Building, Floor 6 near Elevator F (G6.3250). Open 24 hours a day. Directions

Medical Records

Obtain copies of your medical records and assistance with other medical information at our Release of Medical Information Office.

Locations

• Location 1: Located in the Main Building, Floor 3, near Elevator D, B3.4362. Open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For questions or more information, call (713) 792-6821.
• Location 2: Located in the Mays Clinic, Floor 2, near The Tree Sculpture, ACB2.1613. Open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For questions or more information, call T: (713) 563-7524.

Postal Services

Self-service and in-person postal services are available, as well as incoming mail. Located in the Main Building, Floor 1 near Elevator E (B1.4303). Open Mon. to Fri. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Directions

Incoming mail should be addressed in the following way:

Patient name                
Patient room number
MD Anderson Cancer Center
P.O. Box 300206
Houston, TX 77230-0206

Security and Safety

Assistance is available for both emergency and non-emergency requests.

In the event of fire or other emergency, call:

• 9-911 (in-house phones)
• (713) 794-HELP (4357)

For non-emergency requests to The University of Texas Police, call 713-792-2890.

Web, Telephone, Television

Web Access

Free wireless internet access is available in most public areas of MD Anderson and connecting is easy.

Television and Phone

Patient rooms have telephones, with multiple calling options. Rooms also have a wide variety of television programming including popular local news, sports and entertainment channels, international programming and on-demand content.

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs are provided for patients, family members and visitors who may require them while at MD Anderson. Wheelchairs are available at the following locations:

• Main Building, Floor 1, The Aquarium (outside, near valet)
• Main Building, Floor 3, skybridge entrance
• Garage 10, Floors 3-4
• Mays Clinic, Floor 1 (outside, near valet)
• Skybridge, Floor 2, Mays Clinic entrance
• Pickens Tower, Floor 2, skybridge entrance
• Faculty Center, Floor 2, skybridge entrance.

For questions or more information call (713) 792-2515.

Why choose us?

At MD Anderson, we understand how hard it can be to choose a hospital for cancer treatment. You've just received life-changing news, and now you have to decide how to handle it. Here are some of the reasons why MD Anderson is your best hope for cancer care.

Expertise

We focus exclusively on cancer and have seen cases of every kind. Our doctors treat more rare cancers in a single day than most physicians see in a lifetime. That means you receive expert care no matter your diagnosis.

We're one of the largest cancer centers in the world. We've been working to eliminate cancer for more than seven decades. Our depth of experience contributes to every aspect of your care.

We have ranked as one of the top two hospitals in cancer care every year since U.S. News & World Report began its annual "America's Best Hospitals" survey in 1990.

Our physicians are frequently recognized as among the best in the nation by services including Best Doctors in America.

We have more nurses per patient than many hospitals in the country, so you receive the utmost attention and quality care.

We're world-renowned for using and developing front-line diagnostic technology. That lets physicians pinpoint each patient's unique cancer and tailor treatment for the best possible outcome.

Cutting-edge Research

One of our greatest strengths is our ability to translate today's most promising laboratory findings into tomorrow's new, more effective and less traumatic treatments. We've pioneered countless medical advances over the years. Our patients benefit from that quest by receiving not only the best treatments to minimize or eliminate their cancer, but those treatments that will also give them the best chance at a high quality of life afterwards.

New and innovative therapies generally are available at MD Anderson several years before they become standard in the community. Our clinical trials incorporate state-of-the-art patient care, while evaluating the most recent developments in cancer medicine. They also offer treatment opportunities for difficult or aggressive tumors.

MD Anderson ranks first in the number and amount of research grants awarded by the National Cancer Institute. By studying how cancer begins and responds to various treatments, we can help patients overcome disease and prevent recurrence.

Patient Support and Education

At MD Anderson, there's more to cancer care than medications and therapies. As a comprehensive cancer center, we offer support and educational programs that help you deal with emotional and physical effects of your disease and prepare for a healthier life after treatment. These include:

• Integrative and complementary therapies: We provide therapies that help relieve pain and stress while promoting a sense of calm and well-being. Among these are yoga classes, meditation sessions, oncology massage, acupuncture and music therapy. Read more about our integrative and complementary therapies.
• Counseling and support: From social workers to support groups to setting up one-on-one connections between cancer patients and survivors, our support programs help patients and caregivers through diagnosis, treatment and beyond you through your diagnosis and treatment. Learn more about our counseling and support programs.
• Educational resources: From our onsite patient education libraries to our online Knowledge Center, we help patients and caregivers understand and deal with their diagnosis and treatment.
• Lifestyle change support: Living a healthier life can make treatment more effective and prevent recurrence once treatment has ended. Our services include nutrition counseling, exercise and physical activity consultations and tobacco cessation programs.