Preparing for your initial consultation

Things to do prior to your appointment

• Fill out pre-visit forms online. You’ll receive an email before your appointment with a link to the forms you need to fill out. If you fill out  these online you won’t have to do any paperwork at the office. 
• Upload imaging. If you have already obtained imaging relevant to your visit (x-ray, MRI, CT) please have reports and images available at the time of the visit. If you have a CD of your images, please bring it with you to your appointment. You can also use this link to upload images from a CD or an e-file. Please bring reports with you or forward them to us by fax or email. Contact your imaging facility for information on obtaining your images if you do not currently have them. Your scheduling representative can also let you know if we have direct access to your images.
• Make a plan for how to get to your appointment.  It’s important you show up on time.  If you need someone to take you to the visit make sure you coordinate with them in advance.
• Plan what you want to discuss.  It is often good to create a list of all of the concerns you’d like to cover with the doctor.  
• Prepare your answers for the questions the doctor will likely ask you. This way you can be sure you’re giving the doctor the right information so they can accurately diagnose you.  Some good questions to think through are:
  • When did the injury occur or when did your symptoms start
  • How did it happen?
  • Was the onset sudden or gradual? 
  • What are all of your symptoms?
  • How painful is it?
  • Is it limiting your ability to perform routine tasks and activities?
• Come prepared with questions. It’s always good to write your questions down because you’ll have time during the visit to get all of your questions answered.

What will happen during the consultation

• A medical assistant will take you back to the exam room, and take your vitals.
• The doctor will then come in and ask you questions about what it is you’re dealing with.
• The doctor will then work with you to create a care plan and you’ll organize the next steps of treating your injury together.