Prepare for your visit

Before Your Visit:

Prepare yourself: Your time appointment time is limited, so preparing a list of questions ahead of time will help make the most of our time together. Sit down and think beforehand what you want to get out of your appointment. Decide what you would like to discuss and start with your most pressing concerns. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out.

Medical reports: To make the most of your appointment, it is best that we have all medical information pertinent to your visit. Make sure this office has copies of any recent lab report, MRI, ultrasound or X-ray specific to your medical issue. You or your PCP need to  fax these studies to our office prior to your visit.

Your medical history: It is helpful that we know your medical history even if previous or current medical problems are not the reason for your visit. It is also helpful that we know your immediate family’s medical history, so please gather as much information on your mother, father and siblings as possible.

Medications: Knowing what medications you are taking is important.  Bring a printed  list of prescription drugs as well as any over-the-counter medicines or herbal medications.

Identification cards: Please bring personal identification such as your driver’s license. If you have medical insurance, be sure to bring all your cards to the office. If you have an HMO that requires a referral,  call your PCP the day before your visit and confirm you have a referral on file.  If an active referral is not on file, you will be required to sign an insurance waiver or reschedule your appointment

Insurance copays: Copays are due on the day of your appointment and can be paid with cash, check or credit card.

Your Visit:

Some patients feel comfortable bringing a supportive family member or friend to the visit. If you do bring someone into the examining room decide ahead of time if you want him or her to step outside during a physical examination. Know whether sensitive personal information can be openly discussed and how proactive he or she can be.

Please be as specific, as descriptive and as accurate as you can when explaining your symptoms. When did your medical problem start? What part of your body is affected most? If you are in pain, how long does the pain last? Is it sharp, dull, intense or burning? Are there any major stresses or recent life changes? Every bit of information is important in order to find the underlying cause of your condition.

Sometimes it is helpful to take notes during your visit. If we need to order lab work or tests, it is important that you understand why. You should understand how and ordered test is done, who is going to do it, and where. If we prescribe medications, it is important that you know the name and dosage of the new medication, why we are prescribing it and how often you should take it. Always make sure you let any physician you visit know that you have started taking a new medication.

After Your Visit:

The results from all lab work and test that we order for you are reviewed. You will be notified only if the results are abnormal and require attention. We strictly adhere to HIPPA privacy regulations in terms of discussing results over the phone or faxing such information. If you would prefer to discuss your results with us, please feel free to schedule an office appointment.

If we suggest a follow up visit, we can schedule the appointment before you leave the office. If you need to reschedule an appointment, we ask that you give the office at least 48 hour notice.

We work together as a team to make the decisions important for your health.