We have provided some helpful tips to help you better prepare for your appointment.
- Log in to PHN’s Patient Portal to review your appointment details, lab results, and read messages from your care team. Don’t already have a Patient Portal account? Create one here.
- An appointment confirmation request and pre-visit registration will be sent to you directly via text message or email prior to your appointment. Please be sure to complete the patient pre-visit registration to ensure timely access to your appointment.
- Know your family health history. Write down any conditions that run in your family, along with who had them so that you’ll be prepared if your doctor asks.
- Ask for an interpreter, if you’ll need one. Primary Health Network provides interpreters free of charge. You can simply request an interpreter when you make your appointment.
- Be sure to bring important information including your insurance card, past and current medical diagnoses, dates of past surgeries, current medications, and any drug allergies.
- Be on time for your appointment.
- Ask questions. According to our Primary Care Medial Home model of care, you are an active member of your care team, so it is important to engage with your healthcare provider and ask for clarification on any medical terms or instructions you may not fully understand.
What is a Primary Care Medical Home?
As our patient, you are the heart of our home. This means, we view you as an active member of your care team. You will have a chance to communicate things that are really important to you when it comes to your healthcare. Take advantage of this time with your provider.
- Know your team.
- Look beyond your immediate needs.
- Set reasonable goals.
- Ask questions.
- Communicate your concerns.
- Schedule and show up for your appointment.
Working with your care team will improve your quality of care and ensure for positive health outcomes.
Who is your team?
A team of Primary Health Network employees and staff who work to provide you with the highest quality of care. Some of these employees, like your provider, work directly at the health center, while others provide support from different locations.
Your medical team will:
- Help you manage your health care needs
- Answer your health questions
- Listen to your concerns
- Work with other medical experts if necessary
- Coordinate your care through additional services
- Encourage you to be active in your care
Improve communication between you and your doctor.
- Write down the names of your team members.
- Write down questions before your appointment.
- Ask your most important questions first and keep track of the answers to your questions.
- Ask for guidance from your team on what health issue you should work on first.
- Use your own words to repeat back the things you’ve discussed with your team. This will confirm that information shared is clear.
- Ask your team about how to reach them after hours.
- Establish goals to work on before your next appointment.