Your time is valuable, and you want to be sure that you do not have to return to the office because you were not prepared for your first appointment. There are some things that are essential, and others that will be helpful to get the most out of your visit. A little time spent in preparation before you come will ultimately save you time in the long run.

We suggest you bring the following things with you:

Information about the doctor who referred you here:
If another doctor has referred you to us, we will need his name, address, and phone number. Our doctor will want to contact him about you after your appointment to report on or discuss his findings. It is important that we have correct information on how to reach your doctor.

Medical information:
You should ask your referring doctor if there is any medical information you should bring with you to your appointment. Usually this will include the results of any tests you have had that pertain to the reason you are being seen, and in some cases, if you have had x-rays, CAT scans, or MRIs done it is suggested that you pick up the original or copy films.

In some cases you will have had previous recent surgery, and it will be helpful to have the pathology reports and slides as well as a description of that surgery. Copies of previous medical records will also be helpful

If you are seeing the doctor for a breast-related problem, it is especially necessary to have your mammogram or other studies done before your appointment with us, and bring the films with you when you come, as well as the radiologist’s report.

If you have had your tests done here at Rush, it is sometimes possible for us to get the films for you if you call us ahead of your appointment and request this. If you have had your films at another facility, you will need to get these yourself.

If you have any questions, we suggest that you speak with the secretary of the doctor you have made your appointment with to review what materials you should bring. Copies that you can leave at our office are the most helpful. Any original x-rays or pathology slides that are brought here will be returned either to the facility that loaned them out, or to you, after the doctor no longer needs them. It is not our normal procedure to retain original x-rays or pathology slides in our office.

Registration information: Your registration materials, if these have been sent to you prior to your appointment, should be completely filled out.

If we have not had time to send your registration packet to you prior to your appointment, you may download it from this website and the Print forms or you should arrive 15-20 minutes before your appointment time to allow time for this to be completed.

Your medical history:
You may have been sent a history form to complete. If so, it will save you time in the office if you complete this before arriving at the office. Click here (hyperlink) if you want to print our standard medical history form to complete at home.

Information about your insurance:
Do your homework with your insurance company – see “About Insurance” for more details about this (hyperlink). Be sure you know if you will be treated as in-network or out-of-network, and bring your current insurance card(s) with you.

You must have your insurance cards with you. If we are not given an alternate source that will be paying your charges, you must expect to pay in full for your charges when you are seen. We accept cash, checks, Master Card and Visa payments.

A valid referral, if required by your insurance company:
If your insurance requires you to have a referral, bring this also. If you need a referral and do not provide it when you arrive, you will be expected to have it faxed to us before you are seen (which will delay your appointment) or will be responsible for payment of your charges.

Out of pocket payments as defined by your insurance:
Be prepared to pay your copay and/or deductible when you are seen. If you do not have insurance, you should be prepared to pay for your visit or you may talk to our billing department and make alternate arrangements before you come to the office.