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 140 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 DC 37 to engage and support DC 37 members 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
• Recommend a local facility if the patient lives far from MSK and prefers to be treated closer to home

4. What are MSK’s remote services?

MSK’s remote services bring together MSK experts from pathology, radiology, and oncology to offer the most comprehensive opinion. For remote services, your out-of-pocket cost includes an upfront fee and potential additional charges for services not covered by your insurance plan. These services may qualify as eligible expenses reimbursable through healthcare flexible spending accounts (e.g. FSA & HSA).

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

Because many cancers are more treatable when caught early, DC 37 has partnered with MSK through MSK Direct to offer educational resources about cancer screening and early detection. These programs can benefit DC 37 members and their family members. 

6. 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. 

7. Who is eligible for MSK Direct?

All DC 37 members and 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 DC 37 members and their loved ones to streamline the process of evaluating cancer care options at MSK and determine potential out-of-pocket costs. 

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

No, all DC 37 members 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.  

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. How can I access MSK Direct?

You can contact MSK Direct through the dedicated phone line for DC 37 members and their family members at 833-786-3365, 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.