After
your surgeon or referring physician has made you an appointment with my
office, you will be sent a packet of information in the mail to fill
out and bring with you on your first visit. I ask that you fill this
out at home to give yourself time to answer each question and refer to
your medical records with dates, etc. Also, if you have a list of
medications I would appreciate you bringing that list with you so that
we may make a copy for your chart. If your referring physician does not
send your records, I would ask that you bring them with you to your
first visit. These would include any test results, x-rays, CT Scans,
lab reports, operative reports, pathology reports and any previous
treatment history such as chemotherapy records.
Also, it may
help to write down those questions you would like to ask but may not
remember when you get to my office. You are also welcome to bring a
family member or friend with you to help remember what you and I
discuss, and be there for support.
My office will be making
copies of your insurance card(s). Please make sure you bring these to
your first appointment. If you have insurance such as Blue Care
Network, HealthPlus or other HMO plans, it is your responsibility to
contact your primary care physician for a referral for your first visit
as well as all follow up visits.
Follow Up
On subsequent visits, there is important information you will need to give me so I will know how you are doing and what you are feeling. - How are your symptoms? - Do you have any new symptoms? If so, I would like you to describe them. - If you are taking a medication I prescribed, are you having any side effects or reactions? - Do you have any questions about your treatment or condition?
It is a good idea to bring a list of questions or issues you want to discuss. This will help you remember what you want to talk about during your visit, and will make our time together more productive.
As always, never wait for a follow-up visit if you have a fever over 101° F, ongoing vomiting, diarrhea, or other bothersome symptoms. Call the office immediately and ask to speak to me or my nurse.
