So you’ve found a doctor you like and scheduled an appointment at a convenient location — what’s next? This helpful guide will walk you through what you need to know before your visit. At OSF HealthCare, we make getting the care you need as easy and stress-free as possible. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our office with any questions or concerns you have. We’re always eager to help!
Before Your Appointment
Before your first appointment, take a moment to make sure you have everything you’ll need. We recommend bringing:
- A list of your medications, allergies, health goals and concerns
- The name and contact information for any specialists you see
- Your ID
- Your insurance card
- Your medical record (your previous doctor can transfer this)
- Your vaccination record (your previous doctor can transfer this)
If you prefer, you can also bring the medications you take with you to your first primary care appointment, in their original pill bottles.
What To Expect
On the day of the appointment, show up at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time. When you check in, you’ll need your insurance card and ID. We encourage you to bring a trusted family member or friend to the appointment with you if you prefer.
During your appointment, your primary care physician spends time getting to know you and your medical history. You can expect a brief physical examination and a conversation about any health goals or concerns you have. Feel free to ask any questions. Some questions you may want to ask include:
- How far in advance do I need to call for an appointment?
- What’s the best way for me to get a prescription refilled?
- What’s the best way to contact you if I have questions?
- Where should I go if I need urgent or emergency care?
Getting off on the right foot with your primary care provider, or PCP, is important for your long-term relationship. Being open and honest with them will benefit both of you for years to come.
After Your Appointment
When you finish your visit, your new PCP physician gives you an after-visit summary, along with instructions for scheduling follow-up visits or testing before leaving the office. The best way to stay in touch with your provider’s office and manage your health is to sign up for OSF MyChart.
Instructions on how to get started in OSF MyChart are included in your after-visit summary. The summary and OSF MyChart account both have information about your:
- Future appointments
- Lab tests
- Medication
- Vaccines
- Vitals
Sign Up for MyChart
After your first appointment with an OSF Medical Group provider, you can sign up for OSF MyChart. This patient portal makes it easy to manage appointments, request refills, view your medical information and contact your provider.