Ascension_Personalized_Care_ACA_health_plan_Doctor_Visit_Readiness_zoomed

Visit Readiness

Preparing ahead of time for a visit to your doctor or provider will help you make sure what matters most to you is covered during the visit.

Insurance card and identification

Bring your insurance card and a form of picture ID with you.  You should have received an insurance card after enrolling in a plan.  If you don’t have a card, login to your member account at ascensionpersonalizedcare.com to access a digital version. You may also contact Ascension Personalized Care customer support at 833-600-1311 and request a card to be sent to you.

Medication, Vitamins, and Supplements

Bring an up-to-date list of all the medications, vitamins, and supplements you take and the dosages. You can also bring the medication bottles to your appointment. 

Medical history

Make a list of family health history (at least one generation) and other doctors (name, specialty, and contact information) that you see.  If you have them, bringing your  medical records could also help make the most of your visit.  If you don’t have medical records, you can ask to have your medical records transferred to the Ascension location you will be visiting.

Questions or concerns

Bring a list of any questions or concerns to your visit. Putting your questions or concerns in order of importance and sharing them early will help you and your doctor make the most of the visit. Some things to consider when making this list are:

Be honest - Some medical conditions can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, or hard to discuss. Share details with your doctor and be open. This will help your doctor understand and create a care plan that is right for you.  

        • If you have concerns about cost, share this with your doctor to see if help is available.

Keep your doctor up to date - Let your doctor know of any:

        • Recent healthcare you’ve received (emergency room or specialist)

        • Health related changes (appetite, sleep, energy levels) Symptoms (what/how are you feeling, where, how bad, when did it start) you’ve noticed since your last visit. 

        • Changes to your physical appearance (swelling, skin changes, etc.)

Take Notes

Bring something to take notes or record your visit. If you need to bring someone else with you to help you during your visit, ask the office in advance if this can be done. If there is something you did not understand or hear, ask that it be repeated, said in a different way, or drawn to make sure everything shared is clear. Be sure to write down what you need to do after the visit: 

       • When is your next visit?

       • Was there a new prescription? Where will you get it? How and when should it be taken? Are there any side-effects? Will there be any effects with the medication you're currently taking?

       • Is any testing needed? How will it be scheduled? Who will explain the results? When can you expect results?

       • Do you need to see another doctor? How do you schedule that? Why do you need to see them? Will the doctors speak to each other?

Knowing what needs to happen next will help make sure you receive the best care.

Interpretation Services

If the doctor you are visiting does not speak your language, ask the doctor’s office for an interpreter.  Ask the doctor’s office before your visit as they may need to plan for an interpreter to be available. If you don’t understand what the doctor tells you or any instructions they give, make sure to tell your interpreter.  

       • Ask the office if the interpreter will be on the phone or in-person, so you know what to expect.

       • If you would like to bring someone with you to interpret, ask the office in advance if this can be done.