If you find yourself nervous before your office visit, take a look at the following recommendations on how you can help combat stress and arrive to your appointment at ease and with confidence.
1. Be on time with your insurance card and photo ID
The safety of your medical records and PHI (Protected Health Information) is a top priority at The Center. Every time you check-in for a visit, we will ask for your insurance card and photo ID. Having these two items ready for our patient services staff will keep you one step ahead, and will help avoid a moment of panic when searching through your wallet or purse.
2. Complete forms ahead of time
If you are a new patient, welcome to The Center! To save time, complete intake forms prior to your first visit or if you haven’t been seen in two years or more by calling 541-322-2353 or visit this link to fill out your intake online.
If you don’t complete your intake forms in advance, remember to bring a list of medications and dosages, or simply bring your pill bottles or take a picture on your smart phone. You can manage this list from your patient portal account as well.
3. Sign up for a patient portal account
We highly suggest signing up for a patient portal account. You can make and cancel appointments online, send a message to your doctor, and ask for prescription refills, among other things, from your own computer 24/7. Click here to learn more and to request an account.
4. Give us a call
If you need to call our clinic ahead of your appointment, or at any time, try to avoid the busiest times between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. or during the lunch hour. We get hundreds of calls each day and have a team of people ready to schedule appointments, answer questions, or direct you to the right person.
If you are a current patient, you can also use your doctor’s designated scheduler to make or change appointments. Ask for his or her direct dial number at your next appointment.
5. Convenient clinic options
The Center’s offsite clinics at Shevlin and in Redmond may be more convenient for you. Ask for an appointment at one of these locations. We also see patients in Sisters, Prineville, Madras, La Pine, Burns, and John Day. If you live or work in one of these towns, be sure to request an appointment there.
6. Waiting area distractions
While you wait to be called back for your appointment, you may want to have a distraction or two available to you. Bringing a book, crossword puzzle, magazine, etc. can help keep you focused on something that puts your mind at ease.
7. Bring a list of questions and write down your doctor’s answers
Writing down and communicating your questions and concerns with your healthcare team is an important step in the quality of care you receive. Writing down the questions ahead of your appointment will leave you feeling prepared and confident going into your appointment.
Bring pen and paper to write down the important information, or turn on your smart phone’s recording feature and listen to the recording when you get home.
8. Bring a family member or trusted friend
Appointments can sometimes be overwhelming, and some people find it helpful to have the support of a family member, friend, or caregiver. Whether they just join you in the waiting room, or you’re comfortable having them in the clinic room with you, the presence of a trusted comrade may help distract you and put your mind at ease.
9. Bring all necessary info with you
If you have received imaging outside of The Center’s services, our providers will need to see the results. To help things go as smooth as possible, send in a copy of your imaging results prior to your appointment, or bring them with you.
If you have any other information that you think may help our providers with your care, bring it with you to give to your provider.
10. Use our website
If you have questions about The Center, our providers, or clinic locations, use our website to find information easily and quickly. You can get a map and directions to our clinics, view and print forms online, pay your bill, and request appointments. You can also learn about conditions and treatments, watch videos from our providers, and view our providers’ profiles prior to your visit. It is our priority to care for our patients with compassion and understanding. Our providers are here to partner with you and support you with their expert knowledge and care.
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