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

When faced with cancer, it is crucial to receive reliable information and comprehensive care coordination. The experts at MSK are there to help ensure that you and those you love receive exceptional cancer center. MSK is the world’s oldest and largest private cancer center, devoting more than 130 years to patient care and research. It is consistently ranked among the top hospitals for adult and pediatric cancer care in the United States. MSK doctors are highly specialized in using the most-advanced approaches for diagnosing and treating common and rare cancers in both adults and children. MSK doctors have one focus: providing compassionate cancer care to help each patient have the best possible outcome. As a world-leading cancer center, MSK uses the most-advanced surgical, medical, and radiological treatments available. MSK doctors have pioneered many advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment.   

2. What is MSK Direct?

MSK Direct is a unique program in which MSK collaborates with American Express to engage and support American Express employees and their loved ones. The MSK Direct team includes experienced oncology nurses, social workers, and Care Advisors who will be there to guide you through a range of services across the cancer spectrum – from prevention and screenings to treatment and survivorship. 

3. How can MSK Direct help me?

MSK Direct helps:

• Schedule an expedited initial appointment at MSK
• Gather necessary medical records for the first appointment at MSK
• Answer questions throughout your cancer journey from our team of experts
• Facilitate virtual services for patients who are unable to travel to MSK (fees may apply)
• Recommend a local facility if the patient lives far from MSK and prefers to be treated closer to home

4. What are MSK Virtual Services?

To offer the most comprehensive and accurate guidance possible, MSK brings together experts from pathology, radiology, and oncology to provide you with MSK Virtual Services throughout the United States.  
 
Virtual Services include*: 

• Review diagnostic tests including your original pathology and radiology results by MSK doctors who specialize in the type of cancer you have. 
• Provide you and your local doctor with a customized written care plan to accurately diagnose your cancer and a comprehensive treatment plan to guide your care.  
• Find the best local hospitals in your health plan using MSK’s National Cancer Care Recommender database, so you can be treated close to home. 
• Match you with an oncology certified nurse who will answer questions and provide navigational support throughout your cancer treatment journey. 

 * Available in most states. 

5. What is the cost for MSK Virtual Services?

If your health insurance is issued in the United States, contact MSK Direct to request pricing for a remote written consult. If you have Medicare, you may receive additional bills for applicable co-insurance, deductibles, or co-pays.

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

Because many cancers are more treatable when caught early, American Express has partnered with MSK through MSK Direct to offer educational resources about cancer screening and early detection. These programs can benefit American Express employees and their family members. 

7. Do I have to sign up for MSK Direct?

No, there is no need to enroll in this program — you simply call whenever you need the services. 

8. Who is eligible for MSK Direct?

All American Express employees plus their loved ones may contact MSK Direct for assistance. An MSK Direct Care Advisor will verify that the patient has health insurance that considers MSK an in-network provider so they can receive cancer care at MSK.

MSK also treats patients from around the world with varying insurance plans. MSK Direct will work with American Express employees and their loved ones to streamline the process of evaluating cancer care options at MSK and determine potential out-of-pocket costs. 

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

No, all American Express employees and their family members have access to MSK Direct at no additional cost. All fees for medical services are billed through the patient’s health insurance.  

10. Does this partnership impact my other benefits?

No, MSK Direct is a new and additional benefit that does not impact or change your other health benefits. You may seek cancer treatment outside MSK if you prefer.

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

No, you can choose any participating provider for your care. The services provided by MSK Direct are available to you as an option should you or a family member need to seek cancer care. The decision on where to go for care is always your decision to make.   

12. How can I access MSK Direct?

You can contact MSK Direct through the dedicated phone line for American Express employees and their family members at 844-386-1509, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. Messages left outside of these hours of operation will be returned the next business day. You can also request an appointment here.