Patient Checklist

1. You should know the following information pertaining to your insurance prior to your visit. Your insurance coverage should fall under one of these categories

• Traditional fee-for-service health insurance plans are usually the most expensive choice. But they offer you the most flexibility when choosing healthcare providers.
• Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) offer low co-payments and cover the costs of most preventative care, but your choice of healthcare providers is limited.
• Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) offer low co-payments like HMOs but give you more flexibility when selecting a provider. A PPO gives you a list of providers you can choose from

If you go outside the HMO or PPO network of providers, you may have to pay a portion or all of the costs.

2. Make a list of your questions and concerns before your doctor’s visit. Go to your visit prepared with a written list of health problems and questions/concerns.

3. Bring all of your medicines and supplements to your doctor visits. This can help you and your doctor talk about them and find out if there are any problems. It can also help your doctor keep your records up to date and help you get better quality care.

4. Make sure your doctor knows about any allergies and/or adverse reactions you have had to medicines. This can help you to avoid getting a medicine that could harm you.

5. When your doctor writes a prescription for you, make sure you can read it and understanding how to take it and its side effects.

6. Be clear that you understand your diagnosis and treatment plan.

7. Follow all instructions given by your doctor including going for tests.

8. Make your follow up appointment prior to leaving the office