The purpose of the first consultation at the Northern California Melanoma Center is to provide the patient with information about melanoma and therapeutic options. The patient meets one of the NCMC Doctors, Drs. Robert Weber, Ruth Marlin, or Cecily FitzGerald who reviews the patient's medical history and medical records, performs a physical examination, and discusses the case with Dr. Spitler.  Thereafter, Dr. Spitler meets with the patient and family and or friends to inform him or her of the recommendations, answer any questions he or she may have, and help to work out a “game plan” going forward.  The goal is that by the end of the day, the patient and loved ones will have gained information to allow them to make informed decisions regarding diagnostic and/or treatment options.

If the case is complex, and/or if the patients desire it, Drs. Weber, Marlin, or FitzGerald present the patient's case to the NCMC Consulting Panel. The Consulting Panel discusses the case and makes recommendations concerning any diagnostic measures needed, as well as the best therapeutic options. If the case is presented to the Consulting Panel, Dr. Spitler meets with the patient and loved ones after the Panel meeting to inform them of the deliberations and recommendations of the Consulting Panel and answer any questions they may have.  There is no charge for the case to be presented to the Consulting Panel.

After the initial consultation, we encourage patients with melanoma to have regular follow up visits with the Northern California Melanoma Center or with their oncologist. Should a problem arise, the patient's case will be discussed again by the melanoma Consulting Panel.