You are the expert on yourself.
Many people are more satisfied with their health care if they share the responsibility with their doctors. Your doctor is an expert on medical care, but you are the expert on yourself. Often there is more than one option for diagnosing or treating a condition.
How to prepare for each visit.
When you prepare for each visit, it helps your doctor give you better care and helps both of you make the most of the visit.
- Be ready to say what your main symptoms are, when they started, and what you have done to treat them so far. It may help to write these things down before your doctor visit.
- Write down the three questions that you most want to have answered. If the doctor doesn’t bring them up, don’t be afraid to ask.
- Bring a list of all the medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements that you are taking.
- Gather any medical records from previous treatment for the same or a similar problem. This includes copies of recent test results if the tests were done by a different doctor.
Patient Forms
Before your appointment with us, quickly and conveniently access patient forms from our practice.
Individual Forms
tips for being a good
Partner with your doctor.
Build a relationship with your doctor
Let your doctor know that you want to be a partner in your health care. Tell the doctor what your expectations are.
Participate in each appointment
Listen carefully to what your doctor says. If you do not understand a diagnosis or treatment, ask questions. Tell the doctor if you think that following the prescribed treatment will be hard for you.
Bring a family member or friend
He or she can take notes, ask questions to clarify information, and help you remember what your doctor says.
Bring your medicines with you
If you take prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal remedies or vitamins, bring all of them with you to any appointment with a doctor. If you cannot bring the medicines, bring a list of the medicines that you take.
Ask for instructions
Before you leave the doctor’s office, make sure you know what you are supposed to do to care for yourself. Ask for written information, links to videos and websites, and any other instructions.
Make and attend all appointments
Call your doctor if you are having problems. It’s also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Prepare your child
Let your child know why he or she is seeing a doctor and what will be done during the visit. Your child’s age and developmental level will determine how best to prepare him or her. And ask your older child if he or she would like to speak to the doctor alone. Teens may be more willing to talk about topics such as sexuality, mental health, and drugs or alcohol if they know they can have time on their own with their doctors.
What to do after each visit.
After your doctor’s visit, be sure to write down:
- What your health professional thinks the problem might be.
- What you might expect to happen next.
- What you can do to manage your problem at home.
Follow the instructions your doctor gave you, including filling a prescription, scheduling tests, or making another appointment. Call your doctor if you still have questions or if there is anything you do not understand.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems or symptoms that concern you. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety.
Update the medical records that you keep at home, including new test results and medicine changes.
Billing & Insurance.
We accept most insurance plans available in our region. However it is your responsibility to understand whether your insurance has limits on the doctors you can see, or the services you can receive.
If you provide complete and accurate information about your insurance, we will submit claims to your insurance carrier and receive payments for services. Depending on your insurance coverage, you may be responsible for co-payments, co-insurance, or other deductible amounts.
Please contact our billing office or call your insurance carrier should you have questions.