Here are a few things our medical receptionist would like you to know, to make every medical visit as easy as possible for you.
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Call to schedule an appointment during mid-day hours. Avoiding the rush hours is always a good idea.
Know your own schedule before calling to make an appointment. This will make the process move more quickly for you and the office manager and avoid any accidental double-booking that you might have to correct later.
Fill out new patient paperwork before you come to your appointment. Many practices provide paperwork online, via email or will mail it to you. You’ll avoid having to call someone from the doctor’s office to get information you might not have handy or remember. In some cases, you may also be more accurate and thorough in answering some questions. You’ll also spend less time in the waiting room.
Have all of your insurance information with you. Be prepared to present your insurance cards and all applicable policy numbers. Most doctors’ offices also require some form of identification, such as a driver’s license.
Prepare, in advance, your questions for the doctor, timeline and notes for your medical condition and medications you are taking. If possible, keep a journal of your medical condition that records symptoms, medications taken, any side effects, etc. that will help you present your situation more accurately to the doctor. Also come with your questions so that you won’t leave your appointment and then remember you forgot to ask a question that is important to you.
Call the doctor’s office from the road if you’re running late. Make sure you have the office contact information with you so that you can let them know if you’re lost, stuck in a traffic jam or something else causing you to be late. The receptionist may then be able to move other patients ahead of you and work you in. (And please pull your vehicle over to a safe place to make your call.)
If going to a specialist, bring all of your diagnostic results with you. Make sure you gather up all diagnostic test results, such as imaging procedures and blood work, with you. The specialist will need them and not having them can delay your treatment. Also, bringing your files with you in person is better so as to avoid any problems such as transfer of files that aren’t identified properly.
Inform the office manager of any special circumstances associated with your condition and office visit. Be sure to let the doctor’s office know if your situation involves a worker’s compensation claim, accident or previous surgery.