Hearing the words, ‘you have cancer’ is a life-changing moment. At West Michigan Cancer Center Radiation & Surgical Specialties (WMCC) Hope Starts Here.® We understand the uncertainty a cancer diagnosis can bring and pledge to provide every available resource to care for you. From now on, you can count on us to be with you every step of the way. From diagnosis, through treatment, to survivorship, we’re here. Our expert providers are ready, armed with cutting-edge treatments and state-of-the-art technology. Our compassionate nurses and therapists will help you heal and connect you to the best research and clinical trials available. Our supportive social work and dietitian team will help you overcome challenges to receiving care. And, they will offer wellness resources to make you whole again. We will help you and your family get through cancer and feel hopeful again.
During our 30 year history, WMCC has cared for thousands of people with all types of cancer across southwest Michigan. In 2021, we turned a new chapter in our collaboration with Ascension Borgess and Bronson Healthcare. Our focus is more specialized as we treat cancer patients who require a gynecologic, radiation, or surgical oncologist’s services. Our hospital partners provide treatments for those who need medical oncology services like chemotherapy or immunotherapy. No matter what kind of care you need, you and your family can be confident clinical experts will coordinate it smoothly at all three locations.
The cancer care available to residents of southwest Michigan is truly exceptional. We have recruited and retained extraordinary board-certified providers, including gynecologic oncologists, radiation oncologists and surgical oncologists. Each is highly regarded, not only here in our community but far beyond our geographic borders.
Treating cancer is all we do. And we won’t stop until we get rid of cancer for good. With the best experts in their fields. With compassion and support. And with research that helps today’s patients and future generations.
Sincerely,
Bridget VandenBussche, MHA CPHRM
Executive Director
Your First Visit
It’s not easy finding out you need cancer treatment. We understand that you probably feel nervous about your upcoming appointment. We want you to know that the entire staff at WMCC is ready to support you with high-quality, compassionate care. Our mission is to make you feel as comfortable as possible during this challenging time. Below you will find information to help you prepare and know what to expect at your first visit. Please be sure to check our current COVID-19 Guidelines before your visit.
Patients who utilize the WMCC MyChart will receive their new patient packet electronically. This packet includes a health and history questionnaire. If you do not have MyChart, we will mail the packet to you. Please bring completed forms to your first visit.
If you have an appointed power of attorney (POA) or legal guardian, that person is required to be in attendance at your initial consultation. They will also need to bring their POA/legal guardian paperwork. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your first consult visit with your doctor. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please call us at least two (2) business days in advance at 269.382.2500, and follow the prompts to reach the appropriate scheduler.
- Packet you received in the mail including completed health and history questionnaire
- Picture ID
- Insurance cards
- Prescription cards
- List of medications and dosages including date prescribed and name of prescribing physician
- A copy of your advance directive (living will and/or power of attorney for health care), if you have one, which will be placed in your permanent record
- The person you appointed as your power of attorney, if you have one, for your initial consultation
If requested, please bring:
- X-ray (actual films or CD) and x-ray reports (i.e., MRI, PET scan, CT, bone scan, mammogram, diagnostic reports)
- Pathology report and slides
- Medical records
Parking
WMCC provides patient parking in the lot directly in front of our building as well as in an adjacent lot directly north of our facility. Click here for a map of our facility.
First stop inside WMCC
- For radiation oncology, proceed to the 1st floor registration desk.
- For gynecologic or surgical oncology, proceed to the 3rd floor registration desk.
- You are encouraged to bring a pad of paper and pen to take notes. You may also tape record the visit using a tape recorder or cell phone.
- Tell your doctor how much information you want to know; some people want to know all the details, while others may want a general overview.
- Ask any questions, and be sure you understand the answers.
Questions to ask your doctor:
- What kind of cancer do I have?
- How far along is my disease? (What stage is it?)
- What are the possible treatments for the type of disease I have?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment?
- How long will I receive treatment, how often, where, and how will it be given?
- When will you know if it is effective and how?
- What will happen if this treatment doesn’t work?
- Are there any supplemental treatments, vitamins, or nutritional aids that would help my treatments?
Keep track of appointments, tests, procedures, and treatments performed, including where and when they were done. Make sure to report for all treatment and follow-up care appointments. If you are unable to keep an appointment, please call us 24 hours or more in advance at 269.382.2500, and follow the prompts to reach the appropriate department’s scheduler.
Important:
Each time you return for a treatment or doctor visit, please check in at the 1st floor registration desk for radiation oncology or 3rd floor registration desk for gynecologic and surgical oncology. If your insurance coverage changes, please let the registration staff know so that they can scan your new card. We want to make sure that we bill the correct insurance carrier for your care.
