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Preparing for a Clinic Visit

When Scheduling Your Appointment

  1. Ensure you confirm the office location when setting up your appointment, as I have a few different office locations.

  2. Inquire about the need for arriving early to complete or update paperwork.

  3. Ask if you should bring any x-rays or other medical imaging to your appointment. 

Clinic Visit with Dr. Behbahani
What to Bring

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We recommend using a notebook, day planner, or organizer to keep track of information, appointments, phone numbers, questions, instructions, medications, and business cards. Here are some items to include:

  • Your personal information: Name, contact details, and insurance information. 

  • A list of previous surgeries, including operation names, dates, and the attending physician's names and hospitals.

  • Details about allergies to foods and medications, along with the type of reactions. 

  • A comprehensive list of medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, with dosages and frequency.

  • A list of current medical conditions and issues. 

  • Information about your pharmacy: name, address, phone number, and fax number. 

  • Copies of x-ray reports, medical test results, or other medical data. 

  • Business cards for your specialists and any facilities or hospitals where you receive care.

  • A list of questions for your doctor, with space for writing the answers. Print a page to help organize your questions and the responses.​

Obtaining Diagnostic Imaging (X-Rays, MRIs, CT Scans, etc.)

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​If you need your medical images, contact the hospital or imaging facility and ask for the radiology file room. They will typically require your name, date of birth, image date, and medical record number. Request that your images be prepared for pickup and include a copy of the x-ray report. When you collect your images, you might need to sign a release form. Nowadays, most hospitals and imaging facilities provide images and reports on a CD or thumb drive.

MRI scan
flashdrive
Prepare a List of Questions to Possible Ask

These questions might include:

  1. What is the diagnosis?

  2. What are the treatment options?

  3. What are the risks and benefits of each treatment?

  4. What can we expect in terms of recovery and long-term prognosis?

  5. Are there any alternatives to surgery?

  6. What is the expected timeline for treatment?

list of questions for a clinic visit with Dr. Behbahani
During Your Appointment

  1. Consider bringing a companion with you, as it can be challenging to hear, comprehend, and recall everything the doctor discusses, especially when nervous, anxious, or unwell.

  2. Bring your notebook, list of questions, and x-rays (including reports).

  3. During your appointment, take notes of answers to your questions (using key words).

  4. Collect business cards from each specialist or medical facility.

  5. Ask the front desk staff for your medical record number or account number and record it in your notebook. Every medical facility maintains specific numbers for each patient, which can streamline processes like requesting records, medical images, bill inquiries, or appointment scheduling.

Dr. Behbahani during a clinic visit
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