Preparation is Key!
Maximize your time with our healthcare team by arriving fully prepared. A few simple steps before your appointment can lead to more focused discussions, better care decisions, and optimal health outcomes.
Preparation Guide
Your Visit Preparation Guide
Your active participation in your healthcare journey begins before you even arrive at our office. By gathering these important items, you help us provide you with the most comprehensive, personalized care possible.
Essential Documents & Items
1. Identification & Insurance
- Government-issued photo ID
- Current insurance card(s)
- Emergency contact information
2. Medical History & Records
- List of current symptoms and concerns
- Recent test results from other facilities
- Previous medical records (if transferring care)
- Vaccination records
3. Medications & Supplements
- All current prescription bottles or a detailed list including:
- Medication names
- Dosages
- Frequency
- Over-the-counter medications
- Vitamins, herbs, and supplements
4. Test Results & Imaging
- Recent laboratory results from other facilities
- CDs or reports of imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
- Biopsy or pathology reports
- Specialized test results
5. Personal Health Notes
- Questions you want to ask your provider
- Symptom diary or log (if keeping one)
- Lifestyle changes you’ve made
- Any changes in your personal or family medical history
Why Preparation Matters
How Your Preparation Enhances Your Care
Saves Valuable Time
- More time for discussion vs. administrative tasks
- Faster check-in process
- Reduced waiting time
Improves Accuracy
- Ensures we have your complete medical picture
- Reduces medication errors
- Helps avoid duplicate testing
Empowers Your Participation
- You’re more engaged in your care decisions
- Better understanding of your health status
- More meaningful conversations with your provider
Facilitates Coordinated Care
- Seamless sharing of information between specialists
- Comprehensive view of your health history
- Better long-term health tracking
Special Circumstances
Additional Items for Specific Visit Types
For Annual Physicals:
- Health goals for the coming year
- Lifestyle questions or concerns
- Preventive screening questions
For Specialist Consultations:
- Referral forms
- Relevant records from your primary provider
- Previous treatment responses
For Procedure Follow-ups:
- Procedure notes if performed elsewhere
- Photos documenting changes (for skin conditions, wounds, etc.)
- Recovery journal or notes
For Chronic Condition Management:
- Home monitoring logs (blood pressure, glucose, etc.)
- Symptom tracker
- Previous treatment responses and side effects
FAQ
Common Questions About Visit Preparation
What if I don’t have all the requested items?
Come anyway! While preparation is helpful, we’d rather see you with limited documents than miss your appointment. We can work with what you have.
How recent should lab results be?
Typically, labs from the past 6-12 months are most relevant, but bring whatever you have.
What if I forget my medication list?
Bring the actual bottles, or our team can help you create a list during your visit.
Can you get my records from other providers?
With your written consent, we can request records, but this process can take weeks. Bringing them yourself ensures we have them for your visit.
Ready for Your Visit?
Still have questions about what to bring?
Call our office at (213) 816-0036 and our team will guide you.
Need to reschedule?
Please contact us as soon as possible so we can offer your slot to another patient.