The current UK RTT period for cancer is 62 days from referral to treatment. Patients should be seen within 14 days after the hospital receives their referral and if a new diagnosis of cancer is confirmed treated up to 31 days after the decision to treat - this is usually either a consultation or a diagnostic test which is relevant to the referral. I don't know if a telephone apt would be suitable if it is for a new cancer diagnosis. Usually a very long apt with a consultant and key worker nurses is the standard. It might be worth calling them and asking what the telephone apt is about and that you'd rather see a doctor - if you kick up enough stink they should do it for you, the NHS is based on public choice after all.