Getting ready for an urgent care center visit? Here’s a list of the items and information you need to be prepared.
💡 Tip 1: Bring Health Record
Bring your Patient Health Record that includes a list of other physicians taking care of you and recent physician visits with any changes in medications by that physician and tests or procedures performed.
💡 Tip 2: Current Medications
Write down all of the medications you are currently taking, this includes over-the-counter medications or supplements like vitamins or herbals. If it is easier for you, you may bring in the actual bottles to show your doctor. Also, consider if you will be away from home or need refills while you are out of the area. Ask your doctor to write prescriptions to get you through the time you will be away.
💡 Tip 3: Bring daily monitoring log
Bring your daily monitoring log if you use one (blood pressure/heart rate log, diet log, activity log, blood sugar log).
💡 Tip 4: Identifications
You can bring important IDs like – National ID, Medical IDs, driver’s license, passport, military ID, employment badge, or student identification card, etc.
💡 Tip 5: A Family Member or Friend
Having someone with you will give you support and company during the appointment. Just as importantly, they can help remind you of your questions and concerns, and act as another measure to help ensure your doctor answers all the questions that you have.
💡 Tip 6: Snacks and Water
Even if you don’t feel hungry, packing some snacks and water can come in handy – especially if you have to wait for a while before seeing your doctor.
💡 Tip 7: A Notebook and Pen
This may seem obvious, but your doctor may not have writing equipment readily accessible, and it’s important to have a notebook and pen to take notes. Write down things that don’t make sense and ask for clarification. If there are words mentioned that you’ve never heard of, ask your doctor to spell them. At the end of the visit, ask for a verbal summary. Make sure you write down and understand your plan.
💡 Tip 8: Bring Something to Read
Going to the First Care Centre often involves a lot of waiting, but bringing along something to read can help pass the time.
💡 Tip 9: A Smartphone
Everyone seems to have some kind of smartphone device these days. There will inevitably be downtime while you’re waiting to see the doctor or for test results. Use this time to look up what your doctor has told you. The smartphone also keeps you busy if your wait is particularly long!
💡 Tip 10: Headphones
A pair of headphones allows you to listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, or even watch movies or TV shows on your phone while you’re waiting at the doctor’s office. Just make sure you don’t miss your name being called!
💡 Tip 11: Face Mask
For many folks with chronic illnesses, catching a cold or flu can be way more serious than it is for those who are generally healthy. Those of us who have a weakened immune system due to illness or medication are at an increased risk of catching something – but wearing a face mask can help reduce the risk. OH, Don’t Forget about Covid-19.
💡 Tip 12: A List of Questions
You should always come prepared with a list of questions to ask your doctor. Brainstorm the list well before your appointment, and have a concise list of questions, starting with the most urgent that you must get answered. Don’t leave your doctor’s office without asking them.
Also Read: Tips To Avoid Unnecessary Visits To The Emergency Room