Wondering what to bring for your doctor’s appointment Here’s a mini list of some items which are likely helpful.
- Your ID. The office staff will likely ask for your driver’s license. Sometimes, they will scan it. This main trend is to ensure your identity and to guard against health insurance fraud. Your ID may also be required for compliance and record keeping. The practice is largely intended to protect patients and the healthcare system.
- Your health insurance card. You will generally be required to provide your health insurance card. This displays your insurance information and is used as a form of proof of health insurance coverage. The Member ID number identifies the individual, whereas the group number distinguishes the employer. The plan number shows what plan you are on. Together, these determine your eligibility and type of coverage.
- Your payment. For most appointments, a payment or co-payment (also called a co-pay) is required. A copay is generally a pre-established flat fee that one pays to visit a doctor, specialist, or urgent or emergency room care visit. It may also refer to the portion one pays for a prescription. Co-pay amounts vary and depend upon one’s health insurance policy.
- Your referral and/or prior authorization. Some specialists or medical services require a written order from your primary care doctor to provide services. These referrals are written by the doctor and are often sent to the specialist securely over the computer. Prior authorization is approval from a health plan before a service. When needed, patients are generally responsible for securing referrals and prior authorizations in advance of special services.
- Your medical records. Generally, these are not required if you are seeing the same doctor on a recurring basis. Most often these patient records are already in their system. However, when visiting a new doctor, it is valuable to bring along medical records or have them sent in advance. In having records sent electronically from one doctor to the next, there may be some hoops to jump through due to privacy laws such as HIPAA, a federal law tasked with protecting sensitive patient information. (To learn more about this Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, click here.) For example, a patient may have to fill out forms providing permission and allowing the doctor to act. Thus, it’s good to allow time for the process to take place.
- Your lists: Come to your appointment armed with valuable information. This includes bringing a list of up-to-date medications you are currently taking, questions you have about your healthcare and/or medications, pertinent family history information, and notable information from health tracking apps. When informing health care professionals of current medications, do provide dosage information as well as the reason you are taking them. Be sure to add supplements and over-the-counter products you are taking to your list. Also, have your pharmacy information available should a newer prescription be given.
Why be organized?
This mini list of basics to bring to your doctor’s appointment can help you prepare for your upcoming visit. Having the proper information you need on hand, securing the paperwork for your appointment in advance, and maintaining up to date lists with useful information for the doctor can save you valuable time and energy.
For information on recommended doctors for people over age 50, please click here.
Note that this article is purely informational. In advance of your appointment, do check with your medical doctor to ascertain which specific documents, information, and payments are required for your medical visit.
