Table 1 The DISCO App’s prompted questions by question type

Cost of appointments and treatments

1. How much will I have to pay for my treatment?

2. Is there a less expensive drug, like a generic, that will be equally effective?

3. How many visits will I have? I may have to pay each time I come to the cancer center (co-pay, parking, etc.).

4. What happens if I can’t pay for some of my treatment costs?

Help with understanding my treatment costs and what my insurance covers

5. Do I need additional or supplemental insurance coverage?

6. Do I have a co-pay every time I come to the cancer center?

7. Is there someone I can talk to about my questions about my insurance and treatment costs?

Transportation to and parking at the cancer center

8. Does someone need to drive me to treatment appointments?

9. Are services available if I can’t find someone to drive me?

10. How much does parking cost?

Living far from the cancer center

11. Is it possible for me to receive my treatment closer to where I live?

12. Are there free or reduced-cost hotels nearby for me and my family?

Working during treatment

13. Can I keep working during treatment? If not, when can I go back to work?

14. Can I schedule my treatment around my job?

15. Do I need to file Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) paperwork? If so, how?

Assistance programs

16. Are assistance programs available to help me with treatment costs or other expenses or needs?

17. If I need a wig or other supplies, is there somewhere I can get them free or at a reduced cost?

Family and living responsibilities

18. Can I schedule my treatment around my family’s schedule?

General questions about cancer and treatment (all patients will get these)

19. What is my diagnosis and stage?

20. Is it possible to cure my cancer?

21. What is my treatment plan?

22. Are there clinical trials I can participate in? If so, will this cost more or less than standard treatment?