www.phs.org/Medicare 3 It is important to keep scheduled appointments There are many reasons to schedule an appointment. It can be for an annual checkup, screenings, or dental or vision care — or because you have a concern about your health. After you make an appointment, it is vital that you prepare for the meeting with your provider. How to prepare Preparing for an appointment is as important as scheduling one. Schedule an appointment on days where you have some flexibility. Provider offices can be busy and, at times, it can take longer than you think it should to be seen. Your provider wants to see you, and they are doing their best to see you on time. By scheduling an appointment on a day when your schedule is more open, it gives you the time you need to see your provider and can help reduce your stress. Remember, this is your opportunity to address health concerns, ask questions, and update your provider about anything new in your life. It can be helpful to make a list and take it with you. Also consider taking any medications/prescriptions that you currently use to the appointment. Appointment day Provider offices are busy places. After you check in, be sure that you have your list of questions ready. It is helpful to decide what questions are most important and to ask them first. Appointments can go by quickly. If you feel that your most important questions aren’t being addressed, be sure to ask about it. Remind your provider about your concerns and set up a plan for next steps. After your visit, review your notes. If you need another appointment, start the process for getting it on the calendar. It can take months before you see a provider, so getting it scheduled as soon as possible is best. If you need to follow up, take steps to ensure you are doing so in a timely manner. This will benefit you and your provider. By seeing your provider regularly and attending your appointments, you can stay on top of your health and manage your conditions. This also helps set up a good relationship with your provider and gives you confidence when you see them for your next visit. Prepare your advance directive You may wonder how to make sure your family knows what your wishes are if you are injured or sick and can’t speak for yourself. An advance directive helps to make your wishes clear so that they are followed. Electronic advance directives, or an e-AD, make it easy to share your wishes with your loved ones and healthcare providers. An advance directive is a document that makes your wishes clear if you are injured or sick and cannot speak for yourself. Making a plan is important so that your loved ones don’t have to make crucial decisions in unexpected or emotional situations. Your e-AD document: •Goes directly into your electronic medical record in real time •Is easily shared with family, loved ones, and decision makers •Leaves no guessing or tough decisions If you already have an advance directive on le, it’s easy to review your wishes at phs.vyncahealth.com, or go to your myPRES or MyChart account. If you don’t have an advance directive, have questions about the electronic advance directive, or want to make an appointment with an advance care planning facilitator, please call us at (505) 559-7226 or toll-free at 1-866-773-7226.
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