Moffitt Cancer Center

Moffitt Cancer Center has made a lasting commitment to the prevention and cure of cancer, working tirelessly in the areas of patient care, research and education to advance one step further in fighting this disease. We diagnose and treat all forms of cancer, from more common conditions like lung, skin and breast cancer to rarer malignancies, such as mesothelioma, throat cancer and brain cancer. With dedicated oncologists, researchers and supportive care professionals for more than 100 unique conditions, Moffitt is a top destination for comprehensive cancer treatment – no matter the diagnosis.

Location and Contact

Moffitt Cancer Center
12902 USF Magnolia Drive
Tampa, FL 33612
T: (888) MOFFITT (888-663-3488)
Website: moffitt.org/

Helpful Phone Numbers

• Appointments for New Patients: (888) MOFFITT (888-663-3488)
• Reach a Patient: (813) 745-4673 / (888) MOFFITT  (toll-free)
• Visiting Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
• Request Medical Records: (813) 745-3991 / Request Records Online
• Billing Questions: (813) 745-8422 

Cancers Treated

Directions

Driving

Flying

Airports

Tampa International Airport

Tampa International Airport is a public airport six miles west of Downtown Tampa.

Location & Contact
4100 George J Bean Pkwy
Tampa, FL 33607
T: (813) 870-8700

Directions to Moffitt Cancer Center from Tampa International Airport

From downtown Tampa or Airport area / From I-275:

• Drive north (towards Ocala) on I-275. Exit I-275 at Fletcher Avenue.
• Drive east on Fletcher, past 30th Street (Bruce B. Downs) to Magnolia.
• Drive (just beyond Florida Hospital Tampa). Turn right on Magnolia (at light). Drive south on Magnolia to Moffitt Cancer Center.
• There is a small Circle Drive with Valet Parking (complimentary).

Parking

 *If you have questions about parking, please call (813) 745-3000.

Valet Parking

Complimentary valet parking is available for all Moffitt Cancer Center patients and visitors at the main campus.

• Red Valet: located at the main hospital entrance. Hours are from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
• Gold Valet: located at the Muriel Rothman Building (Clinic) entrance and Vincent A. Stabile Research Building on the north side motor court. Hours are from 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Blue Valet: located in the South Parking Garage. Hours are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

*Complimentary valet parking is available for all Moffitt Cancer Center patients and visitors at the main campus.

Special Assistance

At Moffitt Cancer Center, we provide patients with special assistance in a variety of ways.

Lift Service

Moffitt Cancer Center and Moffitt International Plaza provide state-of-the-art lift equipment to assist our patients who have special mobility and transfer needs.

The lift equipment provides a way to transfer our patients in a safe, comfortable and dignified manner. Patients may contact the lift team prior to arriving for an appointment to schedule assistance if needed to enter or exit their vehicle.

Please provide patient name, time of arrival and information as to whether the patient can stand and pivot to get into a wheelchair.  For more information, contact the safe patient handling coordinator at (813) 745-1953. To schedule service, contact the lift team at (813) 745-1063 or (813) 745-1062.

Wheelchairs

Wheelchair services are provided on request. Upon arrival, the valet staff will be able to provide a wheelchair, if requested.

Oxygen Services

If you are using oxygen that has been prescribed by your physician, Moffitt can provide a portable oxygen tank for your use during your outpatient visit. Pick up a Moffitt tank at one of the information desks. We are not able to fill your personal tank due to fire protection codes. We regret that we can only supply portable oxygen to Moffitt patients.

For special assistance, please ask a Moffitt team member or visit the nearest Information Desk.

Oxygen Services

If you are using oxygen that has been prescribed by your physician, Moffitt can provide a portable oxygen tank for your use during your outpatient visit. Pick up a Moffitt tank at one of the information desks. We are not able to fill your personal tank due to fire protection codes. We regret that we can only supply portable oxygen to Moffitt patients.

For special assistance, please ask a Moffitt team member or visit the nearest Information Desk.

RV Parking

Due to our association with the University of South Florida, we are unable to accommodate requests for overnight RV parking. Patients traveling with an RV should make arrangements with local RV parks for parking/accommodations. For treatment day parking information please contact the Parking and Transportation office at (813) 745-8822.

For additional information regarding lodging near Moffitt Cancer Center, contact the lodging department at (813) 745-4589 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lodging 

Hotels

Moffitt Cancer Center has partnered with the Residence Inn Tampa North and TownePlace Suites Tampa North to offer all suite accommodations that include full kitchens. The Marriott Tampa North Hotels offer our patients very competitive rates with many standard amenities, such as in-room WiFi and shuttle service to and from Moffitt. These hotels are located near Fletcher Avenue and I-75, within five miles of Moffitt. For current rates and reservations call the Residence Inn at 813-972-4400 or the TownePlace Suites at (813) 975-9777.

Moffitt has also negotiated reduced rates at a variety of hotels in the area. In order to obtain the hospital rate call the hotel directly and mention you are coming to Moffitt. View the list of hotels near Moffitt Cancer Center and Moffitt at International Plaza.

Furnished Housing

ATB Furnished Housing

ATB Furnished Housing, a full service housing provider, maintains a limited number of apartments at The Lodge at Lakecrest on N. McKinley Drive to accommodate the lodging needs of Moffitt patients.  All apartments are located on the ground floor and set up based on typical patient needs.  A minimum stay of 30 nights is preferred, but shorter lease periods can be accommodated depending on availability.  For additional information contact ATB Furnished Housing at 866-621-8090 or visit their website and click on patient lodging; the password is "gettingbetter" (all lower case no space).

Furnished two bedroom apartments starting at $115 per night located two miles from the Moffitt Cancer Center Magnolia Campus.

Location & Contact
6403 N 50th St.
Tampa, FL 33610
T: (813) 621-8090

American Cancer Society Hope Lodge - Tampa

American Cancer Society Tampa Hope Lodge, a non-medical residential facility, is located on the Moffitt campus. Patients must live a minimum of 40 miles away or have at least a one hour commute to Moffitt. A social work referral is required and rooms are assigned based on availability. There is no charge to stay at the Hope Lodge.

Location & Contact
12810 Usf Magnolia Drive
Tampa, FL 33612
T: (813) 490-4700

Hotels Nearby Moffitt Cancer Center

Lodging options listed are for the convenience of our patients and their families. Moffitt Cancer Center does not make any endorsement of the hotels listed. *RATES CURRENT AS OF JANUARY 1, 2016 AND MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE DUE TO SPECIAL EVENTS. HOTELS MAY OFFER OTHER DISCOUNTS SUCH AS SENIOR OR AUTO CLUB. To make reservations , call the number listed and speak with in-house reservations . Make sure to mention you are coming to Moffitt.

Marriot Residence Inn
13420 N. Telecom Parkway
Tampa, FL 33637
T: (813) 972-4400

Your First Appointment

Welcome to Moffitt Cancer Center. You've made your first appointment, but may not be sure what to expect. We want to help you prepare with the following information for your first visit.

What to Provide Before Your Appointment or Bring to Your Appointment

Your scheduling or clinical coordinator will ask you to collect the following items:

• Identification cards -- Bring a photo ID, all health insurance identification cards (including secondary insurance and supplemental policies) and your outpatient prescription benefit card. Your insurance plan may require a referral or authorization prior to any service. If we are unable to obtain the referral or authorization prior to your scheduled appointment, you will be financially responsible.
• Your medical records -- It is important we receive your medical records and radiology images prior to your first appointment. Please email, fax or drop-off copies of your medical records before coming to your first appointment so we have time to review them.
• Pathology slides and written reports -- If you've already been diagnosed with cancer, a pathologist has reviewed a biopsy or tumor specimen under a microscope. Moffitt must confirm this diagnosis. Bring the actual glass slides, as well as the written report from the pathologist. These can be obtained from the medical facility where your biopsy was performed. Please note charges will be assessed for review of pathology slides.
• Medications -- A current list of all medications you take, including dosages, or bring all of the bottles with you. Include all over-the-counter medications such as vitamins or supplements. Report any allergies to medications, foods or anything else that causes a reaction (like tape or iodine) to your health care team. Also mention what type of reaction you have such as a rash, shortness of breath, swelling of the lips and tongue, etc.  *Download the medication and allergy form (pdf)
• Referring physician follow-up -- Addresses and phone numbers of your primary care and referring physicians.

What to Expect

• Your primary Moffitt oncologist or Moffitt surgeon will review your materials, conduct your examination, and have a discussion with you and your family or significant other. At this point, he or she may make preliminary treatment or diagnostic recommendations.
• Your oncologist or surgeon will discuss your individual treatment needs with other members of your team and explain to you any changes in the recommendations for your care.
• You might be asked to see additional oncology specialists or undergo additional tests. If surgery is needed, you will be given specific details on any preoperative testing. Prior to surgery, you and your family will have the opportunity to meet your surgeon (if you have not already met) to discuss the planned procedure.

What to Ask

As you cope with cancer and cancer treatment, you need to have honest, open talks with your doctor. You should feel free to ask any question that's on your mind, no matter how small it might seem. Here are some suggested questions you may want to ask:

• Would you please write down the exact kind of cancer I have?
• What treatment options are there?
• What do you recommend? Why?
• What is the goal of this treatment?
• What are the risks or side effects that I should expect?
• Will I be able to have children after my treatment?
• Will I lose my hair? If so, what can I do about it?
• What are the chances my cancer will come back with the treatment we have discussed?
• What should I do to be ready for treatment?
• Should I follow a special diet?
• What are my chances of survival, based on my cancer as you see it?

*Source: American Cancer Society

Patient and Family Orientation

Moffitt invites all patients, family members and caregivers to attend the Patient and Family Orientation.

• Connect with programs and services
• Partner with your care team
• Find your way around Moffitt
• Walking tours on select days

Patients or caregivers who attend or view the Orientation, receive a messenger bag with Moffitt Resources and Organizational Tools. The bag contains useful information and tools to help you with organizing, including a system to keep track of appointments, medications, medical records and more.

Schedule and Reserve Your Place at Orientation

Contact Information

Call us! We'll find a time that works for you. Call (813) 745-2963 (English) or (813) 745-7618, or submit your questions.  

For Your Safety

Moffitt encourages patients to partner with your health care providers to prevent health care errors.

• Review your identification armband to ensure the information is correct. Inform a staff member if an error needs to be corrected. Be sure your health care professionals check your armband before drawing blood, giving medications or performing procedures.
• Make sure anyone caring for you is wearing a Moffitt badge you can clearly read.
• Moffitt requires all caregivers and staff to wash their hands with soap and water or a waterless alcohol hand gel before and after interacting with each patient. This simple act is extremely effective at reducing the spread of infection.
• Illness and treatment might cause you to feel weaker and more tired than usual, which could increase your risk for a fall. Let your health care team know if you have had any recent falls or if you feel unsteady or dizzy so we can properly help you move about safely.

Insurance

Moffitt Cancer Center plays a proactive role in helping patients receive quality cancer care by working with an extensive national network of insurance and managed care organizations. Moffitt will work with patients to obtain the necessary insurance authorization to receive treatment, although patients are ultimately responsible for adhering to their healthcare plan.

With insurance plans evolving, it's important to make sure Moffitt and cancer care are part of your healthcare plan.

Moffitt's Patient Appointment Center (813-745-3980) and (888-663-3488) are both up-to-date on the managed care plans for which Moffitt is a participating provider.

Before contacting your insurance company, you may want to review Questions to Ask Your Insurance Company.

Questions?

To better prepare yourself when talking with your insurance company, read these questions to help you enroll in a Medicare plan.

For more information, call (888)MOFFITT (1-888-663-3488) or for general Medicare information, call the government's help line at (800) MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Services and Amenities

Advance Care Planning

At Moffitt Cancer Center, we have certified facilitators for advance care planning to help you through the process. We encourage you to talk with your doctors and family about your personal goals for care, the kind of life you want to live, and your wishes about life-prolonging procedures.

What is advance care planning?

It is the process of anticipating and planning for your future healthcare needs in the event you have a serious injury or illness and are not able to make your own healthcare decisions. It involves thinking about how you would want to live your life in such a situation, and what steps should be taken on your behalf to support your healthcare wishes. It includes talking with your doctors so they can give guidance for your personal situation. It also includes sharing your wishes with your loved ones so they will be able to respect and support them. An important part of advance care planning is preparing advance directives

What are advance directives?

They are prior oral statements and written documents about your healthcare wishes that will be used in the event you are not able to participate in healthcare decision-making about your own care. To avoid misunderstanding, it is best to write down your wishes. In Florida, there are three main types of written advance directives:

• Healthcare Surrogate: This document identifies the trusted person you want to represent you, by making the healthcare decisions you would want, when you are not able to make your own decisions. This could be for a short period of time, or possibly permanently.
• Living Will: This document describes how you want to live, and the kinds of treatments you would want, if you have a permanent brain injury or disease, or you are close to death because of a serious illness. It will only be used if your condition cannot be cured, getting better is not possible, and you are not able to make your own healthcare decisions.
• Durable Power of Attorney: This document is typically prepared by an attorney as part of estate planning. It can include your healthcare directives by naming an agent who can legally represent you, as well as your wishes for medical treatment, if you are not able to make your own decisions

Who should participate in advance care planning?

All adults, no matter what age, healthy or not, who want to maintain a sense of wellness and dignity throughout their lives should take responsibility to prepare for their future healthcare needs.

How do I start my own advance care planning?

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call the social work and chaplaincy care office at (813) 745-8407. Information is also available in the Patient Library and Welcome Center on the second floor of the Muriel Rothman Building.

Content for this story is from PARTNERS winter 2015 (pdf), a newsletter of the Patient and Family Advisory Program.

Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Program

Moffitt's Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Program addresses the unique concerns and emotional needs of young adults with cancer. We are committed to providing patients ages 15 to 39 with specialized medical and psychosocial clinical care. What is AYA? AYA, an acronym for Adolescent & Young Adult, refers to someone diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 15-39. About 70,000 adolescents and young adults receive an unexpected cancer diagnosis every year*. A nationwide focus is emerging to increase the awareness of the unique issues AYA patients' face, to better understand and address these issues and to increase survival rates.

*NCCN Guidelines for Patients(R): Caring for Adolescents and Young Adults Version 2013

Moffitt's AYA Program exists to help young adult patients and their families:

• Manage the emotional toll of their cancer
• Receive access to cutting edge clinical trials and state-of-the-art care
• Discuss and understand the cancer treatment and its fertility risks and options.
• Connect with others who are also facing cancer and coping with similar issues 

For more information call (813) 745-4736 or email AYA@Moffitt.org.

Chaplaincy & Spiritual Care

Clinically trained chaplains are available for you and your family to provide spiritual counseling and support. Nondenominational and interfaith in approach, chaplains offer patients, family members and caregivers an opportunity to reflect on their spiritual concerns and to garner strength from their beliefs.

The Interfaith Chapel is located on the first floor of the hospital, near the Publix Pharmacy. For more information, call (813) 745-2856.

Families First

Families First is a special program at Moffitt Cancer Center designed to help parents and their children adjust to the changes that occur within the family when a parent has cancer. Education, preparation and support enable families to cope successfully in the face of a serious illness.

How does Families First help?

• Providing parents guidance in talking about cancer with their children
• Creating opportunities for health expression and validation of feelings
• Promoting parent's understanding of childhood growth and development
• Counseling children who experience difficulties adjusting to a parent's illness
• Offering peer support and lasting connections for parents and children
• Encouraging family communication and fun at weekend programs

To speak to someone about this program, call (813) 745-8407.

HER Place

The H.E.R. Place directory can help you connect to reliable information about breast and gynecologic cancers and other issues relating to cancer that may be of benefit to you during your journey. Please click on the links below to find out more.

Language Services for LEP* and Deaf and/or Hard-of-Hearing Patients

Understanding and communicating well with your treatment team is essential for your safety and well-being.

As a world-class cancer hospital, Moffitt sees patients from around the globe. Moffitt's Language Services department works to break down the language barrier by offering high-quality, professional language access services to patients with diverse language and communication needs. Moffitt Cancer Center offers a comprehensive, far-reaching Language and Communication Assistance Policy under which patients are automatically provided access to qualified interpreter services via phone, video or a live interpreter during the following sessions (the list is not all inclusive):

• Medical or social histories
• Informed consent
• Diagnosis and plan of treatment discussion
• Changes in regimen, environment or condition
• Medical procedures, tests, and/or surgical procedure discussions
• Medical/medication instructions
• Discharge plans
• Family conferences
• Reviewing legal issues and documents (Advance Directives, DNR, etc.)

Moffitt's professional, centralized Language Services department sets it apart from other institutions in the Tampa Bay area.  We provide the following services at no additional cost to patients:

• Spanish certified interpreters on site
• The latest advances in interpreting technology, such as telephone and video interpreting services to provide access to over 180 languages, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• American Sign Language interpretation via live certified interpreters and VRI (video remote interpreting)
• Translation of applicable medical documents into the patient's preferred language

For more information, email LanguageServices@moffitt.org.

LEP*: Limited-English Proficiency

Patient and Family Advisory Program

Moffitt's Patient and Family Advisory Program was established in 2005 to bring the patient and family perspective into everything we do at Moffitt. The program is dedicated to strengthening collaboration between patients and family members and the health care team so as to enhance Moffitt's ability to deliver the highest standard of safe, comprehensive and compassionate health care.

The program includes:

• A Patient and Family Advisory Council composed of patient and family advisors, as well as clinicians and administrators.
• Patient and Family Advisors integrated into Moffitt Committees, initiatives and projects
• A quarterly patient and family newsletter - PARTNERS
• Hospitality Coffee Hours for patients and family members held three times a month.
• Peer visitors who are patients and family members who talk with others and share experiences related to cancer diagnoses and treatment.

The Patient and Family Advisory Council

The Patient and Family Advisory Council, facilitated by patient and family advisor co-chairs, includes 15 patients and family members, who serve two year terms. The council also includes key Moffitt Cancer Center administrators and staff members, including representation from clinic administration, hospital administration, patient experience, patient support services and nursing.

The Council serves as a "voice" for patients who have received cancer treatment at Moffitt and their family members. Members work alongside doctors, nurses, other health care providers and administrators to:

• Provide information about needs and concerns
• Work with staff to make changes that impact patients and families
• Participate in the design of patient care areas
• Assist in the planning of new patient-related programs
• Serve as a resource on a wide variety of issues, services and policies

Patient- and Family-Centered Care 

The Patient & Family Advisory Program is based on the core concepts of Patient- and Family-Centered Care, which is an approach to the planning, delivery, and evaluation of health care that is grounded in mutually beneficial partnerships among patients, families and health care providers. It is founded on the understanding that the family plays a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of patients of all ages. In Patient- and Family-Centered Care, patients and families define their "family" and determine how they will participate in care and decision-making. The four core concepts of Patient- and Family-Centered Care are:

Dignity & Respect

Health care providers listen to and honor patient and family perspectives and choices. Patient and family knowledge, values, beliefs and cultural backgrounds are incorporated into care planning and decision-making.

Information Sharing

Health care providers communicate and share complete and unbiased information with patients and families in ways that are affirming and useful. Patients and families receive timely, complete, accurate information in order to effectively participate in care and decision-making.

Participation

Patients and families are encouraged and supported in participating in care and decision-making at the level they choose.

Collaboration

Patients, families and providers collaborate in policy and program development, implementation and assessment; in health care facility design; and in professional education, as well as in the delivery of care.

To find out more about the Institute for Patient and Family Centered Care, please visit www.ipfcc.org.

*Reprinted with the permission of the Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care.

Patient Relations

Compliments, concerns, complaints? Please contact the Patient Relations department to receive assistance with navigating Moffitt's services, resolving a concern about your care, or to offer suggestions for ways we can better serve you.

Email patientinput@moffitt.org or call us at (813) 745-3808 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays for assistance.

Though we strive to provide the best care possible, there may be times when you feel we have not met your expectations. If your concerns were not addressed to your satisfaction by the Patient Relations staff or if you wish to register a complaint against our hospital, clinic or a health care professional, you may contact the Consumer Assistance Unit of the Agency for Health Care Administration at 1-888-419-3456 or write to Agency for Health Care Administration, Consumer Assistance Unit, DOH/MQACSU, 4052 Bald Cypress Way Bin C-75, Tallahassee, FL 32399-3275. You may also contact the Joint Commission by visiting www.JointCommission.org or by calling (800) 994-6610. 

Social Work & Counseling

A diagnosis of cancer and the challenges of a treatment regimen can understandably lead to distress for the patient, as well as family members and friends.

Oncology social workers are available within every program and can recommend effective ways to manage stress, cope with changes caused by cancer and make health care decisions, such as advance care planning.

Social workers can also assist with concerns such as transportation, lodging, financial concerns and other common problems.

Contact the Social Work Office at (813) 745-8407 for information or to request assistance.

Support Groups

Living with cancer can pose many challenges for patients and families. Professionally led support groups can provide a safe and affirming environment in which to learn alternative methods of coping, obtain information about cancer and its treatment, gain problem-solving skills, practice communication and alleviate feelings of isolation. 

Please contact the Social Work Office at (813) 745-8407 for additional information.

Tobacco Treatment Program

Now is not too late to quit smoking. Moffitt's tobacco treatment program helps patients and family members quit as comfortably as possible.

Our Tobacco Treatment program offers all Moffitt patients and their families a personalized plan to help them quit smoking. 

Additional services include:

• Education and self help materials, including TeleTalks and webinars
• Tobacco treatment counseling services
• Nicotine replacement prescriptions
• Telephone and online support
• Quit smoking classes:  At Moffitt: Tools to Quit course schedule State of Florida: IQUIT Program schedule 
• Complementary therapies 
• Quitville Smoking Cessation Study

If you are a current or former smoker, lung cancer screening could save your life. Learn more about Moffitt's comprehensive lung cancer screening program.

Why choose us?

Moffitt is focused on cancer and cancer only, treating more than 300,000 patients with cancer - from common to complex. Moffitt also belongs to a group of elite cancer centers. We are one of only 47 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the country and the only one based in Florida.

But we realize that it's about more than just numbers and accolades. That's why our care is centered around the patient and family.

Mission

To contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer

Vision

To transform cancer care through service, science and partnership