Transitioning Your Lymphoma Care From MSK to Your Primary Care Provider

Time to Read: About 1 minute

This information explains transitioning your lymphoma care from Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) to your local primary care provider. It also answers some frequently asked questions.

After your treatment for lymphoma at MSK is complete, your care may be transitioned to your primary care provider for your future healthcare needs. Your lymphoma care team will monitor your health and will work with you to decide when you can begin transitioning your care. Once transition of care is decided, a thoughtful care plan will be made that meets the individual need of each patient. At MSK, we have a care plan for people who have completed treatment for lymphoma. This plan is based on your individual needs. This transition may seem scary at first, but we will help you as much as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have a local primary care provider?

We will help you find a local primary care provider if you don’t already have one.

How will my primary care provider know about my treatment?

Your MSK doctor or survivorship nurse practitioner (NP) will send your primary care provider a detailed report of your care at MSK. This report will include information about your treatment, your most recent test results, and recommendations for follow-up care.

What other care will I need?

We will make recommendations to prevent, watch for and control any late or long term effects from your cancer treatment along with screening and surveillance for secondary cancers. We will also make recommendations for vaccinations after treatment.  

We also recommend the following as part of your ongoing care:

  • A physical exam with your primary care provider every year.

  • Getting the flu vaccine every year during flu season.

  • Asking your doctor when you should get the pneumonia and shingles vaccine.

  • Having your cholesterol checked every year.

  • Maintaining a heart healthy diet.

  • Maintaining a healthy body weight.

  • Avoiding the sun and using sunscreen daily.

  • Following your doctor’s recommendations for exercise.

  • Staying up to date with screenings and surveillance for secondary cancers.

I see doctors at MSK for reasons not related to lymphoma. Can I continue to do so?

Talk with your MSK doctor and local doctors about planning your care. Some people transfer other care they receive at MSK to their primary care provider or a specialist in their community. Others continue seeing doctors at MSK. Your MSK and local doctors will help you decide what’s best for you.

What if I have another problem related to lymphoma and need to come back to MSK?

If you have any problems related to lymphoma or your lymphoma treatment, we want you to come back to MSK. We will give you and your primary care provider contact information to make an appointment.

Last Updated

Saturday, April 29, 2023

Tell us what you think

Tell us what you think

Your feedback will help us improve the educational information we provide. Your care team cannot see anything you write on this feedback form. Please do not use it to ask about your care. If you have questions about your care, contact your healthcare provider.

While we read all feedback, we cannot answer any questions. Please do not write your name or any personal information on this feedback form.

Questions Yes Somewhat No
Please do not write your name or any personal information.