MD Anderson is a major cancer hospital in Houston that treats patients from across the United States
MD Anderson Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center located in Houston, Texas. It is part of the University of Texas system and operates as both a treatment facility and a research institution. The center treats more than 100,000 patient visits per year across all cancer types and stages.
MD Anderson functions as a referral hospital, meaning patients typically arrive through a referral from their primary care doctor or another physician, though self-referrals are also possible. The center operates multiple locations in the Houston area and offers inpatient beds, outpatient clinics, and specialized treatment programs. It is not a walk-in facility — you will need to contact them to begin the process of becoming a patient.
Key Takeaways
- MD Anderson is located in Houston, Texas, and accepts patients from anywhere in the United States and internationally.
- You can request a referral from your current doctor, or you can contact MD Anderson directly to ask about a self-referral process.
- The center treats all major cancer types and offers surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and clinical trials as treatment options.
- MD Anderson is a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Texas, which means patients may interact with medical students and residents as part of their care.
- Insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid are accepted, and the center has financial counselors who can discuss payment options and out-of-pocket costs.
How to become a patient at MD Anderson
To start treatment at MD Anderson, you will need to go through an intake process. The most common route is to have your current oncologist or primary care doctor send your medical records and a referral request to MD Anderson. You can also contact the center directly by phone or through their website to request information about becoming a patient.
When you contact MD Anderson, you will speak with a patient relations representative who will ask about your cancer diagnosis, current treatment status, and what type of care you are seeking. They will tell you what records they need — usually pathology reports, imaging scans, and any prior treatment summaries. Once MD Anderson receives your records and determines they can treat your cancer type, they will schedule an appointment.
Wait times for a first appointment vary depending on how urgent your case is and how busy the specific department is. Some patients are seen within days; others may wait several weeks. If your situation is time-sensitive, tell the patient relations team during your initial contact.
What types of cancer treatment MD Anderson offers
MD Anderson provides the full range of cancer treatments: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy. The center also runs numerous clinical trials, which are research studies testing new drugs or treatment combinations. Patients can ask their doctor whether a clinical trial might be appropriate for their diagnosis.
The center is organized into disease-specific departments — for example, the Breast Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center, and Leukemia and Lymphoma Center. This specialization means that doctors who treat your cancer type work together and see many patients with the same diagnosis, which can affect treatment decisions and outcomes.
MD Anderson also offers supportive care services including nutrition counseling, mental health support, rehabilitation therapy, and pain management. These services are available to help manage side effects and improve quality of life during and after treatment.
Insurance and payment at MD Anderson
MD Anderson accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. However, coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary widely depending on your specific plan and the treatments you receive. Before your first appointment, you should contact MD Anderson's financial counseling department to understand what your insurance will cover and what you may owe.
If you do not have insurance, MD Anderson has financial counselors who can discuss payment plans and may be able to direct you toward financial resources. The center also participates in some state and local information programs. Having this conversation early — before treatment begins — helps you understand your costs and avoid surprises later.
Travel and lodging can be significant expenses for patients coming from out of state. MD Anderson maintains information about hotels, housing programs, and travel information resources on their website. Some organizations also offer free or reduced-cost lodging specifically for cancer patients traveling for treatment.
What to expect during your first visit
Your first appointment at MD Anderson will likely be longer than a typical doctor visit — plan for two to four hours. You will check in at the front desk, complete paperwork, and may have blood work or imaging done if recent scans are not available. You will then meet with an oncologist or specialist in your cancer type.
During this visit, the doctor will review your medical history, examine you, and discuss treatment options. They may recommend surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, a clinical trial, or a combination of treatments. If you need time to think about your options or want a second opinion, you can ask for that. MD Anderson also offers second opinion consultations for patients who are being treated elsewhere.
Bring a list of all your current medications, any questions you have written down, and a family member or friend if you want someone to help you take notes and remember information. The visit will be detailed and may include a lot of medical information, so having support can be helpful.
Clinical trials at MD Anderson
MD Anderson runs one of the largest clinical trial programs in the United States. Clinical trials are research studies that test whether new treatments work better than standard treatments. Patients who join a trial receive the experimental treatment at no additional cost (the trial covers the cost of the new drug or therapy), though standard supportive care costs still explore.
Not every patient is a candidate for every trial — trials have specific requirements based on cancer type, stage, prior treatments, and overall health. Your doctor can discuss whether any open trials match your situation. You can also search MD Anderson's clinical trial database on their website to see what studies are currently enrolling.
Joining a clinical trial is voluntary, and you can leave at any time. Your doctor will explain the potential benefits and risks of any trial they recommend, and you will sign a consent form before starting.
Getting a second opinion from MD Anderson
If you are being treated for cancer elsewhere and want another doctor's perspective on your diagnosis or treatment plan, MD Anderson offers second opinion consultations. You do not have to become a full patient at MD Anderson to get a second opinion — you can have a one-time consultation with a specialist.
To request a second opinion, contact MD Anderson and provide your medical records, pathology reports, and imaging scans. A doctor will review your case and meet with you (in person or by video, depending on your location) to discuss your diagnosis and treatment options. This consultation can help you feel more confident about your current treatment or may suggest alternative approaches to discuss with your current doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral from my doctor to go to MD Anderson?
A referral from your current doctor makes the process smoother because your medical records come directly from them. However, you can also contact MD Anderson directly to request a self-referral. Either way, MD Anderson will need your medical records before they can schedule you.
How much does treatment at MD Anderson cost?
Costs depend on your insurance coverage, the type of cancer, and the treatments you receive. MD Anderson accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance. Contact their financial counseling department before your first appointment to understand your specific costs and payment options.
Can I do virtual visits at MD Anderson, or do I have to come to Houston?
MD Anderson offers some consultations by video, particularly for second opinions or follow-up visits. However, many treatments and initial evaluations require in-person visits in Houston. Ask your doctor or patient relations representative which visits can be done remotely.
What if I live far away and cannot travel to Houston frequently?
MD Anderson has satellite locations in other Texas cities, and some follow-up care can be coordinated with your local oncologist. Discuss your location and travel limitations with your doctor — they can help you understand what appointments must happen in Houston and what can be managed closer to home.
How long does it take to get an appointment at MD Anderson?
Wait times vary from days to several weeks depending on the urgency of your case and the specific department. When you contact MD Anderson, tell them if your situation is time-sensitive, and they will prioritize accordingly.