Founded in 1898 as the nation's first cancer center, Roswell Park set the standard for today's multidisciplinary approach to the highest quality cancer care. Roswell Park brings together the best medical and scientific minds in cancer care. We are dedicated to our mission to understand, prevent and cure cancer.
Location and Contact
Elm and Carlton Streets
Buffalo, NY 14263
T: (877) 275-7724
Website: www.roswellpark.org/cancer/pediatric
Helpful Phone Numbers
- Appointments for New Patients: (800) 767-9355
- Reach a Patient: (716) 845-2300
- Visiting Hours: Visitors are allowed with permission of the patient.
- Request Medical Records
- Billing Questions: (716) 845-8220
Cancers Treated
Adult
This institution treast most cancers.
Pediatric Care
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Brain tumors
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Neurologic tumors
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Leukemias
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Lymphomas
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Retinoblastoma
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Wilms tumor
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Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas, including Rhabdomyosarcoma
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Neuroblastoma
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Germ cell tumors
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Other rare malignancies
Directions
Located on 27 acres in downtown Buffalo, between the shores of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, Roswell Park Cancer Institute is a 10-minute drive from the Canadian border. It is served by the new Buffalo-Niagara International Airport, which offers 110 daily non-stop flights, and the Niagara Falls International Airport, which accommodates international charter and cargo flights.
Driving
*For road conditions on the New York State Thruway call (800) 847-8929.
Flying
Airports
Buffalo Niagara International Airport is approximately six miles from RPCI. Many area hotels offer shuttle bus transportation from the airport. Alternately, there is taxi service. Rental cars are also available.
Location & Contact
4200 Genesee St.
Buffalo, NY 14225
Niagara Falls International Airport
Niagara Falls International Airport is an attractive alternative to currently congested major North American International airports. With its 10,825 ft. main runway, 5,850 ft. crosswind runway, 24-hour operation (no curfews), 24 hour CFR service, excellent access to inspection agencies, and price competitive landing fees, the NFIA is ideally suited and strategically located to accommodate various types of aviation operations.
Location & Contact
2035 Niagara Falls Blvd
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
By Bus
Buffalo is served by a number of bus lines. Buses arrive at the main bus station, which is approximately two miles from Roswell Park Cancer Institute.Greyhound
Buffalo, NY 14203
*Routes, schedules, and fair information can be found on the website.
Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA)
181 Ellicott Street
Buffalo, New York 14203
T: (716) 855-7211
*Routes, schedules, and fair information can be found on the website.
By Train
Metro Rail181 Ellicott Street
Buffalo, New York 14203
T: (716) 855-7211
*Routes, schedules, and fair information can be found on the website.
Amtrak
Buffalo Station
75 Exchange St.
Buffalo, NY 14203
T: (800) 872-7245
*There is a tax services available from the train station to Roswell.
Parking
Parking for Visitors
When arriving at Roswell Park, you may park your car in the parking ramp on Carlton Street. Handicapped parking spots are available on the first floor of the ramp. You may use the enclosed walkway on the third floor of the parking ramp to go directly into the hospital building or simply cross Carlton Street at the crosswalk. The walkway is particularly useful in inclement weather.
Parking Ramp Rates
- Less than 2 hours = $4
- Less than 3 hours = $6
- Less than 4 hours = $7
- Less than 5 hours = $8
- 5 hours to 24 hours = $9
Parking for Patients
In addition to the parking ramp, valet parking is available for patients from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday - Friday (except holidays). There is a $1 additional charge for valet services (standard parking rates apply). To valet your vehicle, just pull up to the hospital's main entrance and our valet attendants will assist you.
Inpatient Parking
On the day of admission or discharge from the hospital, the patient (or their driver) may obtain a reduced parking validation.
Outpatient Parking
On each day of an outpatient visit, the patient (or their driver) may obtain a reduced parking validation. To receive the reduced parking validation, present your patient card along with your ramp parking ticket to the information desk located in the lobby on the ground floor of the main hospital.
Metered on-street parking is also available. However, the length of your visit and meter expiration should be considered as we have no control over City of Buffalo Parking Stations.
Parking ramp rates (with a validated ticket) are $5 per 24 hours. Valet rates (with a validated ticket) are $4 per 24 hours, plus an additional $1 charge.
Lodging
Lodging Options
The Ronald McDonald House
The Ronald McDonald House provides safe, comfortable and affordable lodging to families of pediatric (under 21) patients receiving treatment in Buffalo area hospitals. Families are offered a private bedroom, fully stocked kitchen, playroom, free laundry facilities, and van service to and from the hospital.
The 107-year old mansion is located in a lovely residential area on West Ferry Street, just minutes away from Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Room fee is $15 per night. Check-ins daily between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Reservations are suggested.
Location & Contact
780 West Ferry
Buffalo, NY 14222
T: (716) 883-1177
The Kevin Guest House
Location & Contact
Hope Lodge
The American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge Buffalo is located just one mile from Roswell Park. The Hope Lodge offers free, temporary housing facilities for ambulatory cancer patients who are undergoing outpatient treatment. More than just a place to stay, Hope Lodge Buffalo provides a home-like nurturing environment so patients can get the support from others going through the same experience. A cancer survivor's recovery involves much more than medical treatments. Hope Lodge Buffalo offers the warmth and security of home in a setting where the love and encouragement of others enlighten and inspire guests. At Hope Lodge Buffalo, guests rally around each other, building life-affirming connections and lifetime friendships.
Location & Contact
Buffalo, NY 14222
T: (716) 882-9244
The Doubletree Club Hotel
Location & Contact
Buffalo, NY 14203
T: (716) 845-0112 / (877) 633-4667
Holiday Inn
Location & Contact
Buffalo, NY 14202
T: (716) 886-2121
Hyatt Regency Buffalo
The Hyatt Regency offers a discounted rate of $97/night for friends and family of patients. This 396 guestroom property provides deluxe amenities and a convenient location to the hospital. The cost for a standard guest room includes complimentary shuttle service to and from Roswell Park. For more details call (716) 856-1234.
Location & Contact
Buffalo, NY 14202
T: (716) 856-1234
Best Western
Location & Contact
Buffalo, NY 14202
T: (716) 886-8333
Comfort Suites
Comfort Suites welcomes Roswell Park visitors at a discounted rate of $69/night. With free parking Sunday to Thursday, onsite laundry facilities and complimentary breakfast, guests will feel right at home.
Location & Contact
Buffalo, NY 14203
T: 716-854-5500
Adams Mark Hotel
Adams Mark Hotel extends a discount to Roswell Park patients, families and visitors starting at $79/night. This Buffalo hotel has 486 deluxe guest rooms with extensive amenities and services that ensure every guest will experience absolute comfort and pleasure.
Location & Contact
Buffalo, NY 14202
T: (716) 845-5100
Additional Lodging Options
Location & Contact
T: (716) 845-1590 / (716)845-8022 / (800) 685-6825 x1590 (toll-free)
F: (716) 845-8766
Your First Appointment
Before Your Visit
You can make sure you have the best care experience by being an active member of your health care team. Being involved means being prepared and asking questions. Our physicians and nurses expect this. Asking questions about your diagnosis, treatments, and medicines can improve the quality, safety, and effectiveness of your healthcare.
Taking steps before your appointment will help you to make the most of your time with your care team. We will need to have certain medical information that only you can provide.
Medical Records
If we don't already have them, please make sure to bring all pertinent health care records to your appointment. It is our standard operational process to gather this information before your arrival, so that the doctors may review it ahead of time, but there are times we may ask you to bring copies of your medical records and/or lab results or a disk of your diagnostic images with you.
List of Medications
We will want to know about all of the medications you are currently taking, including vitamins and minerals, herbal or natural substances, and other over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers or allergy pills.
Preferred Pharmacy
It is important that you let us know if there is a pharmacy with which you currently have a relationship. Please provide us with the name, address and telephone number of that pharmacy during your initial visit.
List of Allergies
It is important for us to know if you have any allergies. These can include an allergy to latex, iodine or seafood.
List of Physicians
We will need the names, addresses and telephone numbers of any doctors you have seen in the last year. It is our standard operational practice to inform these physicians of your health care status. If you would prefer to exclude any of these physicians from receiving status reports, please let your Roswell Park physician know.
Pathology Reports
Because a diagnosis of cancer can be a complex diagnosis, our pathologists have expertise in various types of cancers. This sub-specialization allows us to better target the care we can provide to you. Of the second opinions Roswell Park's Pathology experts provide for cases from outside of Roswell Park, about 10 percent involve a change of diagnosis. Therefore, we may want to run additional tests or in some instances, redo your blood results.
Lab Test Results
Lab test results may be positive, negative, or inconclusive. Your doctor will discuss what your test results mean for you during your visit.
Diagnostic Radiology
The clinical imaging tools used at Roswell Park Cancer Institute to take images or pictures of tumors and cancer cells has advanced so much that physicians can detect cancers earlier and more precisely. During your visit, your physician may want his Roswell Park colleagues to take additional images to assist him in making a more knowledgeable decision based on your type of cancer.
Appoint a Health Care Proxy
This is the best way to make certain you receive the medical care and treatment you want when you can no longer speak for yourself. You name someone you trust to make health care decisions for you. This person is called a health care proxy. To appoint a health care proxy, you should plan ahead while you still have the ability to make informed health care decisions. You can do this by completing a health care proxy form while you are at Roswell Park.
The Day You Arrive
Dress Comfortably
We recommend that you dress in comfortable clothing appropriate for your appointment. You may be asked to change into a medical robe for your examination. We recommend wearing loose clothing that is easy to take off and put on.
Bring Support
We highly recommend that you bring a family member or friend with you for your first visit. That person may take notes or just provide support for you during your appointment.
Childcare
If you are scheduled to have a long procedure or hours of infusion during your appointment, you will be better off making childcare arrangements - or rescheduling your appointment if your sitter cancelled or your partner suddenly got called to work. However, if you're coming for a quick checkup, you may be able to get by bringing your child or children. We ask that you to be sensitive to other patients who may view disturbances caused by crying babies and active children as adding stress to their already fragile condition.
Wait Times
Personalized care doesn't always follow definitive time schedules, and we appreciate your understanding and patience if we keep you waiting longer than you expected. In some cases, patients require special attention. Be assured that your doctor will make every effort to see you as soon as possible.
Write Down Your Questions in Advance
We recommend that you compile a written list of all questions and concerns that you want to address during your time at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. There may be several departments and individuals that you will come into contact with during your visit and you will want to remember who you spoke with about what.
Take notes on what the office staff and medical staff discuss with you. Be sure to ask questions if you do not understand a policy, procedure, medical term, or the reason for your doctor's diagnosis, treatment plan, recommendations, medication instructions, or post-appointment instructions. If you need additional information to take with you, ask your doctor for handouts, brochures, or online resources that you can review at home.
Enter the Hospital
The main entrance opens to the hospital lobby on the ground floor. In the middle of the lobby is the information desk. Stop there to have your parking ticket validated. If a wheelchair is needed, ask one of the transportation staff at the front door to provide one. If you are a visitor, a staff member at the information desk can help you locate a patient's hospital room or check a patient's status.
Register and Get Your ID Card
Check in at the Patient Access Department (Registration) located in the lobby. A patient access staff member will greet you, ask if you have brought radiology films or slides and the list of your physicians. You will be given a pager that will alert you when your patient access representative is ready to meet with you. The representative will then:
- ask for your health and prescription insurance information
- provide you with your patient identification card
- provide you with health care proxy and advance directive forms, if you need them
- direct you to your appointment and center
If you have questions or issues regarding your health insurance coverage or possible discounted rates, ask to speak to a financial counselor.
Have Your Blood Tested, if Required
The patient access representative will let you know if you need blood tests, and will direct you to the Phlebotomy (blood test) Department located in the north clinic hallway. Access to this hallway is through the set of double doors just beyond the main bank of public elevators.
Proceed to Your Designated Center
The letter you received from us explained which Ambulatory Center you are to report to on your first visit. Proceed to that center, which will be located on the ground floors 1, 2, or 3. Ask any staff member or volunteer you see in the lobby for directions and assistance.
Check-in at Your Center
Once you arrive at your center, check in with the receptionist. She will let the nurse assigned to your doctor know that you are here.
Pagers
If you would like to visit other areas of the hospital while you wait, ask the receptionist for a pager. You will be notified when your doctor is ready to see you.
Meet with Your Health Care Team
Before you meet with your doctors, your nurse will conduct an assessment examination and ask about your medications, allergies and symptoms. The nurse may then direct you back to the waiting room and will call for you as soon s the next exam room is available. Once you are in the exam room, you will meet your nurse practitioner or physician assistant and then your doctor. Your doctor will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and review your diagnostic test results and past medical records. He or she will discuss your treatment options and answer any questions you may have. If you need more diagnostic testing, the center staff will assist you in scheduling these tests.
Next Step(s)
Your doctor also will explain the next step in your treatment process. This may include additional doctor visits as well as chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. Whatever the next step may be, your doctor will arrange and monitor your care and be available to answer your questions. If you need to change your doctor's appointment, call your center.
When You Have Questions
Whenever you have questions about your cancer care and treatment at Roswell Park, call your center. If you have any questions or problems during the evenings, weekends or holidays, call (716) 845-2300 and ask to speak to the physician on call for your center.
Insurance
Roswell Park Cancer Institute accepts many insurance plans. Please bring your health insurance identification card. If your insurer requires a referral, make sure you have obtained that referral and, if necessary, bring a copy with you.
If you don't have health insurance or if you have any questions about your insurance, call our Financial Counselors at (716) 845-4782.
Co-Pays
Be prepared to pay your health insurance co-pay on the day of your visit.
Prescription
Bring all of your prescription insurances and discount cards; these can include: EPIC, Medicare-D, and PACE.
Disability Forms Assistance
If you need help with disability insurance forms, you can speak to an Insurance Coordinator in the Health Information Management Department by calling:
- Last names from A to M: (716) 845-1623
- Last names from N to Z: (716) 845-5969
For Social Security benefits questions, please call (716) 845-5969.
Billing
Roswell Park patients receive two separate bills for service, one for hospital services from Roswell Park Cancer Institute and one from The RPCI Clinical Practice Plan for physician/professional services. Pay your bill online.
Financial Assistance
Our Financial Assistance Program is available for Roswell Park patients who may have difficulty paying for services and treatments. For more information regarding financial assistance, please call our Financial Counselors at (716) 845-4782.
Services and Amenities
We are committed to make your visit to Roswell Park as convenient and comfortable as possible with the following resources.
ATM
A First Niagara Bank ATM is located on the 1st floor of the hospital across from the Sunflower Cafe.
Cafeteria
Cashier
Chapel
Computer Access
Computer Loans
Dunkin' Donuts Kiosk
Hospitality Room
Lost and Found
Mailing Services
Newsstand
Public Safety and Security
Smoking Policy
Gift Shop
Telephones
Vending Machines
Why choose us?
About Roswell Park
Founded in 1898 as the nation's first cancer center, Roswell Park set the standard for today's multidisciplinary approach to the highest quality cancer care.
Mission
To understand, prevent and cure cancer.
Vision
To position Roswell Park among the top 10 of the Nation's leading cancer centers.
Values
Core values reflect what is most true and important to us as an organization. These are values that have shaped us and will continue to - they do not change given circumstances or time but rather are consistent throughout our mission areas. Roswell Park is a special place to work and the staff and faculty who live these values have made it so. These values will guide and power our personal and collective actions and enable future successes on behalf of individuals and the world.
- Innovation: We are driven to provide care that cures and comforts, research that informs the world, and education that enlightens and enables future generations. We proudly stand on our rich history and use it as a platform from which to embrace discovery and change.
- Integrity: We are committed to making each decision, whether related to patient care, research, education or administration, based on standards that are thoughtful, informed, honest, transparent when appropriate and always respectful of privacy.
- Teamwork: We value and encourage the viewpoints and constructive opinions of all people and disciplines and recognize that all contributions strengthen the results we achieve, the value we provide, the actions we take and the team we strive to be.
- Commitment: We are devoted to achieving extraordinary progress on behalf of those we serve; patients and families who come to us during times of great need, scientists and clinicians who wish to collaborate, students seeking education, the science of cancer that awaits our contributions, and the community that deserves strong stewardship and economic leadership.
- Compassion and Respect: We are enriched by the diverse cultures, needs, and expectations of our coworkers and of the communities we serve. It is our privilege and responsibility to appreciate these differences as we establish research goals, develop care plans, and interact with one another.
Pediatrics
Our Kid-Centered Care Environment
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Patient RoomsDesigned to be comfortable and kid-friendly, large enough for families and other visitors, with an extra bed for a parent or caregiver to stay overnight. Rooms also have a refrigerator, TV, and personal DVD player with access to many movies and TV shows.
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The Lion's DenA state-of-the-art activity room featuring flat-screen TVs, video game systems, and internet-ready computers where kids can connect and play games with other patients, family members, teachers and friends.
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Stocked Pediatric Inpatient KitchenOur young patients can find their favorite snacks at any time of day or night and families may cook their own foods if they wish.
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Dedicated Outpatient Clinic/Infusion AreaPatients receive outpatient services in a dedicated infusion area on the pediatric floor.