Learn how to prepare for your ARcare appointment in advance to ensure a smooth, quick, and helpful visit.
Taking time to make sure you are well-prepared for your ARcare appointment can help you get the most out of it.
When you have an upcoming visit to your nearest ARcare location, there are steps you can take to help you get ready for it. Preparing for your appointment ahead of time helps ensure that it goes smoothly and that you get the care and advice you need. Use this checklist as you get ready for your appointment at our community health clinic in Arkansas.
Fill out paperwork early
Completing forms at home and bringing them to your appointment saves time. It also gives you a chance to look over these forms and contact ARcare ahead of time if you have any questions about them. You can register as a new patient online and download, print, and fill out other forms for your appointments, such as a HIPAA privacy form, health history form, patient rights and responsibilities form, a notice of privacy practices, and consent to treatment.
Make a list of symptoms
If you are experiencing any symptoms, make note of them and write down when they occur and how severe they are. Be prepared to provide as much detail as possible about your symptoms, such as how long you have had them or whether or not certain things seem to trigger them. You should also note if these symptoms are chronic or if they occur on and off. All of this information will help your physician make a diagnosis and come up with a treatment plan if needed.
Get a copy of your medical records
Request a copy of your medical records or ask for them to be transferred from your previous physician to your new one at ARcare. This helps ensure that your new physician will have all of your medical information before you come in for your appointment. If you have the results of diagnostic imaging tests, such as X-rays, bring these with you as well.
Bring your medications
Gather any medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter, as well as any supplements or herbal products you currently take. Bring these to your appointment to show your physician. Knowing all of the medications and supplements you take helps reduce the risk of drug interactions if you end up needing a new prescription.
Prepare a list of questions to ask
Your appointment provides you with a chance to ask your physician questions about your health in general or about specific health problems or concerns. Write down questions to ask your physician about any illnesses you have had, any conditions you might be at risk for, any dietary concerns you have, or any other health concerns that you have. For example, if you have a family history of heart disease, ask your physician about ways to lower this risk. If you are overweight, ask your physician about safe ways to lose weight.
If you need to schedule an appointment with our federally qualified health center in Arkansas, please contact ARcare by calling 866-550-4719.