Appointment Information
Appointment Info
Appointment Tips
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Schedule an appointment by calling 256.997.5900. Patients are seen by appointment, Monday through Friday from 8a-8p and Saturday from 8a-4p., during regular business hours. -
Arrive Early. We will update your information at each visit. This usually takes only a few minutes. -
Patients who have arrived on time will be seen ahead of those who arrive late. -
Call ahead if you are late or unable to make your appointment time. -
If you arrive late, your wait may be longer or your child’s visit may have to be rescheduled. -
We will do all we can to accommodate your child’s appointment and to minimize the need to reschedule. -
Late arrivals will be offered the next available appointment. While we will do our best to accommodate requests, the first-available appointment may or may not be on the day the appointment was missed. -
Whenever possible, please give 24 hours notice if you cannot make your appointment.
During the Visit
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Arrive a few minutes early and be prepared to update any necessary information. -
Prepare for a short to moderate wait time in the reception room by bringing a book or a magazine. -
Listen to the doctor’s questions and answer them as accurately and honestly as possible. -
Maintain a healthcare folder that includes any educational materials, healthcare information, and appointment information given to you at your child’s visit. -
Review your list of questions with your doctor and make sure each is answered to your satisfaction. -
Ask questions that may arise during the visit. -
Write down or ask for written instructions to help you understand your child’s care plan. -
Ask how you can educate yourself about your child’s healthcare needs. -
Listen to your child. If they feel something is wrong, share your concerns with your doctor.
Completing Your Visit
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Did the provider order new medications for your child, and, if so, did you understand how and when to take them? -
Does your child have enough medication to last until the next visit? -
Make sure you have a return visit scheduled, if needed. -
Make certain you have the written prescriptions or confirm the pharmacy for electronic prescriptions before you leave. -
Check out at the front desk before leaving. -
With a little preparation, by asking the right questions and by following a few simple guidelines, you and your child will get the most from each visit to your doctor.
Before the Appointment
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If it is your first visit, request medical records from your previous doctor. We can assist you with this in our office, if needed. -
Keep a health care diary and take it to the visit. For example; changes in health status, physical observations, specific complaints or concerns and abnormal side effects or symptoms since the last visit. -
Prepare a list of your child’s medications (including over the counter), dosages, and drug allergies. It is very important to take this list with you to your child’s appointment – don’t count on remembering everything. -
Check current medications to make sure refills are available or you should be prepared to ask the doctor for medication refills. -
Prepare and maintain a list of immunizations your child has had in the past. We can assist you with this in our office, if needed. -
Consider the clothing your child will wear to the appointment. For example, if your child is scheduled to have a check-up or a sports physical, have them wear clothing easily removed if they are scheduled for lab to have them wear a short sleeve shirt or a shirt with sleeves that can be easily pushed up. -
If the patient has medical insurance, be sure to bring your card(s) to your appointment.