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Physician's Office Patient Check-out Procedures

When you go to the physician, whether for an annual checkup or because of some other ailing problem, there are certain checking out procedures that you should always remember to do before you leave. Certain seemingly routine actions are actually rather important in the grand scheme of things, when you consider that not doing them could, in some cases, mean life or death.

  1. Pay the Bill or Leave Insurance Information

    • Some doctor's offices will take payment information up front; others ask for it at the end of your visit so that you can hurry up and be treated. If you did pay up front, there are some instances in which you might be reimbursed after your visit. For instance, if you paid to update your birth control, but during the appointment, found out you were pregnant, you will be reimbursed for medication that you paid for already, because you obviously cannot use it.

    Update Medical Information

    • If your doctor has put you on a new medication or has taken you off of one, make sure that you update that information at the front desk before you leave so that you don't run into any hazardous mistakes at your next visit. It is important that you always keep a current list of any drugs---prescription or otherwise---that you are taking so your doctor knows of any potentially adverse side effects that could occur.

    Pick Up Special Instructions and Prescriptions

    • If you were instructed to do something like a sinus rinse or other easy, at-home procedure, there will be a brochure or a sheet of paper instructing how to do said procedure that you can pick up from the front desk. This will also be the time to pick up any prescription slips or to give pharmacy information for those prescriptions to be called in.

    Get Referral Information

    • If your doctor is referring you somewhere for a test or procedure, make sure that you get directions, if you don't know where it is. Most of the time, the front desk will have a map with street directions so that you know where you are going. Follow-up procedures are important and they don't want you to miss them.

    Schedule Your Next Appointment

    • If you know that you will be needing another appointment, or that you will be needing several appointments, such as if you are pregnant, schedule as far in advance as you can. Make sure to bring a pocket calendar with you so that you can mark down appointments and avoid scheduling conflicts.

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