Dana-Farber is a major cancer hospital in Boston that treats adult and pediatric patients
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is located in Boston, Massachusetts, and operates as both a teaching hospital and research facility affiliated with Harvard Medical School. The center treats patients with all major cancer types and also runs clinical trials — research studies testing new treatments. Unlike some cancer centers, Dana-Farber accepts most insurance plans and has financial counselors on staff who work with uninsured and underinsured patients.
The institute operates multiple locations across the Boston area, including the main campus in the Longwood Medical Area and satellite locations in other neighborhoods. Patients typically start with an appointment to establish their medical record, after which they are assigned an oncology team based on their cancer type.
Key Takeaways
- Dana-Farber is a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, meaning it meets federal standards for research and treatment quality.
- The center has separate pediatric and adult divisions, so children are treated in age-appropriate settings with specialists trained in childhood cancers.
- You can request an appointment directly through Dana-Farber's website or by phone, and the center will work with your insurance to verify coverage before your first visit.
- Dana-Farber participates in clinical trials for many cancer types, and your treatment team can discuss whether a trial might be an option for your situation.
- Financial counselors can discuss payment plans, charity care programs, and other resources if cost is a barrier to treatment.
How to schedule an appointment at Dana-Farber
To schedule an appointment, you can call Dana-Farber's main line or use the online appointment request form on their website. You will need to provide your name, contact information, cancer type or suspected diagnosis, and insurance details. The scheduling team will confirm your appointment and send you pre-visit paperwork to complete.
If you are being referred by another doctor, ask that doctor's office to send your medical records directly to Dana-Farber before your appointment. Bringing records from prior biopsies, imaging, or treatment saves time and helps your new oncology team understand your full medical history. If you do not have records, Dana-Farber can request them on your behalf, though this may delay your first appointment by a week or two.
New patients should plan to spend several hours at their first visit. You will meet with a nurse, have blood work or imaging if needed, and meet with an oncologist who will review your diagnosis and discuss treatment options. Bring a list of all current medications and any questions you want to discuss.
Insurance, costs, and financial support at Dana-Farber
Dana-Farber accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Before your first appointment, the financial counseling department will verify your coverage and explain what your insurance will and will not pay. This step prevents surprise bills later.
If you are uninsured or underinsured, Dana-Farber has a charity care program that reduces or eliminates bills based on household income. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to receive care, though documentation of income will be required to determine your level of financial support. The financial counseling team can also discuss payment plans that spread costs over time.
Some patients also may have access to for grants or support from cancer-specific nonprofits, pharmaceutical companies, or local organizations. Dana-Farber's financial counselors know which programs match different diagnoses and can help you explore these options. Ask about this at your first visit or call the financial counseling department directly.
Clinical trials and research at Dana-Farber
Dana-Farber runs hundreds of clinical trials at any given time, testing new drugs, combinations of existing drugs, immunotherapies, and other approaches. If your standard treatment options are limited or if your cancer has returned after prior treatment, your oncologist may discuss whether a trial is appropriate for you.
Participation in a trial is always voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time. The research team must explain the trial's purpose, what it involves, potential risks, and how it differs from standard care. You will sign an informed consent form that documents this conversation. Trials are often free to participants, and some cover travel costs for patients who live far from Boston.
You can also search Dana-Farber's trial database on their website to see what studies are open for your cancer type. If you find a trial that interests you, you can ask your oncologist about it, or contact the trial coordinator directly using the information listed in the database.
Dana-Farber's pediatric cancer program
Dana-Farber's pediatric division treats children and young adults with cancer in a separate facility designed for younger patients. The pediatric team includes oncologists who specialize in childhood cancers, which often behave differently from adult cancers and require different treatment approaches.
Parents can stay with their child during treatment and appointments. The center also has social workers, child psychologists, and educational liaisons who help children continue schooling during treatment and address emotional and social needs. Sibling support groups and family counseling are also available.
Pediatric patients at Dana-Farber are enrolled in treatment protocols — standardized research-based treatment plans — which means your child's care follows evidence-based guidelines while also contributing to research that improves outcomes for future children with the same diagnosis.
What to expect during treatment at Dana-Farber
Treatment plans vary widely depending on cancer type, stage, and individual factors. Your oncology team will explain your specific plan, including how often you will visit, what procedures or medications you will receive, and what side effects to watch for. Most patients have a primary oncologist they see regularly, plus a care team that may include nurses, social workers, and specialists in other areas.
Dana-Farber offers treatment in outpatient clinics, meaning you do not stay overnight unless your specific treatment requires hospitalization. The center also has an inpatient hospital for patients who need overnight care. Infusion centers are available for chemotherapy and immunotherapy, and imaging and lab services are on-site.
Between appointments, you can contact your care team with questions or concerns. Dana-Farber provides patient portals where you can message your doctor, view test results, and refill prescriptions. Many patients also work with a patient navigator — a staff member who helps coordinate appointments, explain next steps, and connect you with support services.
Support services beyond medical treatment
Dana-Farber offers counseling, support groups, nutritional guidance, and rehabilitation services. Mental health counselors can help with anxiety, depression, or adjustment to a cancer diagnosis. Nutritionists work with patients to manage side effects like nausea or loss of appetite. Physical and occupational therapists help patients regain strength and function during and after treatment.
The center also has programs for specific needs: fertility preservation for patients who want to have children after treatment, sexual health counseling, and programs for patients dealing with cancer-related fatigue or pain. Many of these services are included in your treatment plan at no additional cost beyond your insurance copay or coinsurance.
Dana-Farber's website lists all available support services, and your care team can refer you to the ones most relevant to your situation. You can also contact the patient advocate office if you have concerns about your care or need help navigating the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral from my doctor to see Dana-Farber?
No, you can call Dana-Farber directly to schedule an appointment without a referral. However, if you have a referring doctor, ask them to send your medical records to Dana-Farber before your visit. This speeds up your first appointment and helps your new team understand your history.
How long does it take to get an appointment?
Wait times vary depending on cancer type and urgency. Urgent cases are often scheduled within days, while routine appointments may take one to three weeks. Call the scheduling department to ask about current wait times for your specific cancer type.
Can I continue seeing my regular doctor while being treated at Dana-Farber?
Yes. Dana-Farber coordinates with your primary care doctor and other specialists. Tell your oncology team about all your doctors so they can share information and make sure your overall care is coordinated.
What if I live far from Boston?
Dana-Farber has satellite locations in other areas of Massachusetts and New England. Some patients also use telehealth visits for follow-up appointments. Ask your scheduling coordinator whether your treatment can be split between a local center and the main Boston campus, or whether some visits can be done by video.
Does Dana-Farber treat patients with insurance from other states?
Yes, Dana-Farber accepts most major insurance plans regardless of state. Before scheduling, call your insurance company to confirm that Dana-Farber is in-network and to understand your out-of-pocket costs. If Dana-Farber is out-of-network, the financial counseling department can discuss payment options.