Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Why Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK)?

MSK is one of the world’s most respected hospitals that focuses only on treating cancer. For 140 years, our people have been united by a singular purpose: to find a cure for cancer. Our specialized care teams provide personalized, compassionate, expert care to patients of all ages.

When you’re faced with cancer, it’s important that you receive information that you can trust and understand when it comes to your treatment options. The experts at MSK are here to provide support and guidance no matter where you are on your cancer journey.  

2. What is MSK Direct?

MSK Direct is here to help when you or a loved one is facing or concerned about the risk for cancer. MSK Direct offers guided access to expert cancer care and support from a team of dedicated MSK cancer specialists. The team includes expert cancer doctors, experienced nurses, social workers, and care advisors to guide you through a range of services across the cancer spectrum—from prevention and screenings to treatment and life after cancer.

3. When should I contact MSK Direct?

Contact MSK Direct if you or a family member:

  • Are diagnosed with cancer and would like to explore treatment options where you live, or at MSK
  • Receive results from a medical test or exam that indicate a suspicion of cancer and want to understand what your next steps should be
  • Obtain a cancer diagnosis from another facility and would like second opinion from MSK
  • Are in cancer treatment elsewhere and would like to consult with an MSK specialist about other options
  • Want to explore cancer support resources

4. How can the MSK Direct team help me if I’m coming to MSK for care?

MSK Direct can help by:

  • Scheduling an expedited initial appointment at MSK
  • Helping gather necessary medical records for your first appointment
  • Answering questions throughout your cancer journey from our team of experts

5. How can the MSK Direct team help me if I’m not coming to MSK for care?

MSK Direct can help by:

  • Providing support from an oncology-certified nurse to answer questions throughout your cancer journey
  • Facilitating virtual services for patients who are unable to travel to MSK
  • Recommending a local facility if the patient lives far from MSK and prefers to be treated closer to home

6. How can MSK Direct help me if I don’t have cancer?

Many types of cancer are more treatable when caught early. MSK Direct offers educational resources about cancer prevention and screening. With our online screening tool, you can learn if you are due for any screenings, or if you are at higher risk for certain cancers or would benefit from genetic testing. 

7. Do I have to enroll to participate in MSK Direct?

No, you do not need to enroll to access MSK Direct.

8. Who is eligible to use MSK Direct?

Employees and family members covered under your ABK sponsored Collective Health health plan can access MSK Direct. MSK is not an in-network provider for Centivo plan participants, however expert medical opinion services will be provided at no cost. 

9. Does MSK Direct impact my other benefits?

No, MSK Direct is an additional benefit that does not impact or change your other health benefits.

10. Do I have to pay extra to use MSK Direct?

No. Employees and their family members covered under the ABK sponsored Collective Health health plan will have access to medical services and second opinions. Centivo plan participants will have access to second opinions.  

If you are a Collective Health plan participant, medical services and expert medical opinions provided by MSK will be subject to the standard out-of-pocket costs (such as copays, deductibles, and coinsurance) determined by your ABK sponsored Collective Health health plan. MSK is not an in-network provider for Centivo plan participants, but expert medical opinions will be available at no cost. Call MSK Direct or your health plan to verify coverage.

11. Can I access MSK Direct even if I don’t have a confirmed cancer diagnosis?

Yes. MSK Direct can help before a confirmed diagnosis of cancer is received. You may contact MSK Direct when you receive results from a blood test, imaging exam, or pathology report that show you may have cancer. 

12. Where are MSK’s physical locations?

In addition to the main hospital in Manhattan, MSK has outpatient facilities located in New York (Brooklyn, Long Island, and Westchester) and New Jersey.

13. Do I have to go to MSK for cancer care?

No. The decision on where to go for care is always your decision. A second opinion can help you understand your treatment options, and we can even help you find a top-quality, in-network cancer center close to home.

14. How can I contact MSK Direct?

The MSK Direct team is available to help you and your family make smart decisions about the best cancer care options. Learn more by visiting: mskcc.org/abk or call your dedicated MSK Direct phone number: 844-241-2159 (MSK Direct Care Advisors are available between to ET, Monday through Friday. Messages left outside of these hours of operation will be returned the next business day).

15. Are there additional digital services from MSK Direct?

With MSK Direct, you also get access to a team of care navigators who are here to support you from your diagnosis through treatment and beyond, as well as digital tools to help you stay organized. Contact an MSK Direct Care Advisor at 844-241-2159 to learn more.