PREPARING FOR YOUR OFFICE VISIT

Diagnosing and managing your healthcare needs is a partnership between you and your physician.  Much of this partnership relies upon you sharing your health information. 

We would like to know all about your symptoms, medical history and any prior test results from other physicians.  This way we can be more effective in diagnosing and treating your symptoms on the day of your visit.  ALWAYS ASK YOUR PHYSICIANS FOR A SUMMARY OF YOUR OFFICE VISIT, each time you visit.  This is just a brief summary that list all the topics discussed and test that may have been ordered.  Keeping a copy for yourself can prevent other physicians from repeating test and the hassle of requesting records.  This will ensure that you get clear answers to your questions the day of your follow up visit, so that you and your loved ones can better understand any disorders you may have and the treatment of plan that your physician will offer.  

You can get the most out of your doctor’s visit if you are fully prepared.  Most people visiting an electrophysiologist / cardiologist often have questions.  So please write them down ahead of time.  When answering these questions, you and your physician will be exchanging a lot of information.  It often helps to have a family member or friend with you to listen, take notes or ask questions. 

  • Write down the questions you would like to ask.  It might be helpful to get a small spiral-bound notebook or folder to keep these questions and answers in one place.
  • Ask a relative or friend to come with you to the visit.  A second set of ears may be helpful.
  • Gather all your medications in a bag to bring to your visit. Or write down in your notebook their names, dosage and how often and what time you take them. 
  • Prepare your “health history” (previous illnesses, hospitalizations, allergies, etc.) and bring it to the visit. You may also want to bring your family members’ health histories.  Their health information may help diagnose your condition.
  • Bring other medical information and past test results, such as Echo’s, Holter monitors, 30-day event reports, pacemaker or defibrillator reports.  
  • Bring a list of the doctors you want included in your file, such a General Cardiologists, Primary Care Physicians, etc.  Be sure to include their telephone, fax numbers, and addresses.
  • Bring your insurance card and referral, if required to see a specialist. 
  • Plan to arrive early to complete any forms that may be needed.  
  • Give the Medical Assistant any information about your symptoms or condition.
  • Take notes or have your companion take notes.  
  • Ask the doctor the questions you wrote out during your pre-visit planning activities.
  • Ask for handouts or Internet information that you can share with your family or review when you are at home.
  • Make a follow-up appointment, if necessary.
  • Know what the next steps are in your care.
  • If your physician prescribes medication, make sure you fully understand:
  1. What has been prescribed and what it should do for you 
  2. If there is a generic substitution that is acceptable 
  3. Exactly when and how long you are to take your medication(s) 
  4. The potential side effects of the medications and what to do if they occur 
  • Review the information you got from the office.  If you can’t remember or don’t understand something you were told, call the office to get the information you need.
  • Follow instructions.  Please do not change your healthcare plan without your physician.  
  • Make sure any medication you get at the pharmacy is what was prescribed for you.
  • Call the office if:
  1. There are any complications or changes in your condition 
  2. You experience any side effects from the medications 
  3. You need to follow up on your test results 

There are two important legal documents that can help you and your caregivers manage your care and personal affairs.  They would go into effect if you become incapacitated for any reason. 

  • Advance Health Care Directive
    The Advanced Health Care Directive is a written statement of how you want care to be provided and the designation of an agent who is authorized to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to do so.  Many states have now combined the “living will” and the “durable power of attorney for health care” into one advance directive document. 
  • Durable Power of Attorney
    This document names the person who has the legal authority to pay your bills, deposit your checks, and handle your day-to-day matters. 

These documents are generally tailored to the legal specifications of each state. Before discussing your situation with an attorney, you may wish to contact your state department of health. 

  

Fill Out Your Patient Forms Before Your Visit!

AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASE pdf
NEw patient form pdf
New Patient Questionnaire pdf