Preparing for Your Appointment

A little preparation can go a long way toward making your visit a smooth and comfortable experience. Whether you’re coming in for a routine appointment, a hospital visit, or a scheduled procedure, we’re here to help you feel prepared.

Here are a few things to keep in mind before your next appointment.

Before Your Appointment

Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This allows time for check-in and any necessary paperwork so you can be ready when it’s time to see your provider.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

To help make check-in and your visit go smoothly, please remember to bring:

• Your current health insurance card.
• Your co-payment, if applicable.
• A list of your current medications, or ideally, the medications themselves.
• Any relevant medical information or paperwork requested by your provider.

Bring Your Medications

Having an accurate list of your medications is an important part of your care. Whenever you visit your healthcare provider, are admitted to the hospital, or come to the Emergency Department, please bring your medications with you in a Ziploc-style bag.

Bringing your actual medication containers helps your healthcare team confirm exactly what you’re taking, including medication names and dosages. This can help prevent medication errors, including duplicate prescriptions and potentially harmful drug interactions.

A few helpful medication tips:

• Keep your medications together in one convenient location so they’re easy to collect before an appointment.
• If you’re unable to gather them yourself, ask a family member or caregiver to bring them for you.
• Keep an up-to-date record of your medications, allergies, and medical conditions.

Ask your provider’s office for a Medication List wallet card to help keep this information organized and readily available.

Preparing for Surgery or a Procedure

If you have an upcoming surgery or procedure at Gifford, your Pre-Op Clinic team will let you know which forms and instructions you need to review before your scheduled date.

Please follow the instructions provided by your care team and complete any required paperwork ahead of time.

Prescription Refills

Need to refill a prescription? Read our Prescription Refill guidelines.

Questions Before Your Visit?

We’re here to help you feel comfortable and prepared for your care. If you have questions about an upcoming appointment, procedure, or what to bring, please contact your healthcare provider’s office.