How to Get the Most Out of Your Dr. Appointment

We here at Neuro Espitalia know that it’s more than a little unnerving to go see a doctor about something as critical as a neck, spine or back condition, especially when you are experiencing a great deal of pain.  We’ve taken a developed a list of suggestions from Professionals; things you can do to get the most out of your doctor’s appointment.

Research the Doctor

Individuals may choose a doctor because of location, insurance or even the doctor’s sense of humor.  It’s important to find a doctor with whom you feel comfortable.  This person is a teammate in your health.  Maintaining your body requires similar planning to that of finances.  A financial advisor is looking out for your interests 

now, and for years down the road.  Find a doctor who can coach you to good health for a lifetime. Ask friends about their experiences.

Check with your Insurance

Check with your insurance carrier to make sure your specialist is in the network.  If not, check with the insurer and doctor’s office to understand costs associated with a provider out of the network.

Schedule

If you’re going to see the doctor for a major concern (symptoms that have persisted, or not been resolved with treatment), let the scheduler know. Otherwise, you might be put into a 10-minute slot that won’t permit enough time for the complex issue.

Write Down Questions

Write down your questions and goals. This helps you stay on target. You can squeeze a lot more information out of a 10-minute visit by knowing what you want to cover.

Bring Test Results

Even if you think the doctor’s office has your information, already, if you have record of any labs or tests that might offer insight, any new medications that you are taking, bring them along (CD of images and chart notes).

Bring your Paperwork

InsuranceCard, Picture ID, and any paperwork that you were asked to fill out in advance of your appointment.  The office should always have an updated copy of your current health insurance card.  Also, if you are a new patient, you were sent paperwork for the doctor to examine, in identifying your health issue.  Bring that paperwork with you.

Ask About Treatments

If it’s unclear, always ask about the side effects, risks and benefits of a treatment. If you have any concerns about a potential therapy, share this with the doctor. Don’t be embarrassed if you don’t understand a treatment, or its risks.

Stay on Target

If you’ve been suffering for some time, you’ll have a lot to tell the doctor.Emotions might arise while discussing your symptoms. It’s OK. Just remember, you still have to convey your medical history in an efficient manner. If you spend a lot of time revisiting a toe injury from high school, but are there because of heart disease, the doctor could run out of time.

Ask About Insurance Coverage

After your appointment and before you approve a treatment, call your insurance company and find out, if that treatment is covered by your insurance. You may not always get a definite answer, but the insurer may be able to direct you to other options, such as a lab or x-ray facility that are contracted with your program or carrier. This could help save you money and stress.

Get Copies of Results

Ask for copies of your lab results at your visit. This way, you can keep an accurate health history. 

Relax and Start your treatment journey

The doctors at Neuro Espitalia have years of experience, have seen cases similar to yours before and have experience in successfully givingpatients back their lives.

What to Expect Before Your Surgery

Notify your surgeon before coming to the Hospital if there is any change in your physical condition, such as a cold, fever, or a wound near your surgery site.

Pre-Anesthesia Testing

You will be scheduled to meet with a surgical nurse for Pre-Anesthesia Testing (PAT). This nurse will take a medical history and decide what pre-surgery testing might be necessary and provide you with might be necessary and provide you with instructions for day of surgery. If needed the nurse will draw blood or perform an EKG. Please come prepared with an accurate medical history and a list of current medications and allergies.

An anesthesiologist will call you a few days prior to your surgery to review health information, discuss medications and answer any other questions. Unless instructed by your physician, do not discontinue to your regular medication as prescribed prior to your surgery. Please note: if you are on blood pressure or heart medication, or if you are a diabetic obtain specific instructions from the anesthesiologist.

What to Expect Day of Surgery

It is preferred that you confirm your surgery scheduled time and suggested to usually take 1 hour before scheduled surgery time to get comfort with the Operation.

It is your responsibility to make advanced arrangements for a responsible adult to drive you home and remain with you for the first 24 hours after surgery if you won’t need an inpatient service. You may NOT drive yourself, be left alone, or leave the facility in public transportation unless accompanied by an adult. Failure to meet these guidelines could result in the cancellation of your procedure.

Do  not eat after midnight the night before procedure including gum, mints.

Do  not use tobacco (smoking or chewing) after midnight the night before procedure.

Minimal fluids are allowed 2 hours before arrival time. Example: 8 oz water, cranberry or apple juice, soda, or coffee or tea (without creamers or sweetener).

Your family may wait in our lobby and rejoin you after you are stable and awake in recovery.

Please be aware you will be required to sign a consent form for your surgery.

Medication Storage

In order to work best, medications must be stored in the proper environment. Check your medication for special instructions, such as refrigeration, and use these general guidelines:

• Place medications in a cool, dry place; out of direct sunlight is best
• Keep medication out of areas of high humidity (Generally, bathroom medicine cabinets are not a good place for medications)
• Avoid storing medications where they can be confused with other medications, vitamins, or food
• Do not leave medications in places that can be accessed by children or pets

Neuro Espitalia accepts a variety of insurance plans. Please check the lists below to see if your plan is in network and accepted by us or not.

Please call our Billing Office at 15235 for more information:

• Faisal Islamic Bank
• Dreamland Park Co.
• Smart Care
• Well Care
• Egyptian Parliament
• Hammed Elsheity Organization for Zakat
• Safe Health Care
• Tristar Medical Insurance
• Agricultural Syndicate
• Doctors Syndicate
• Accountants for management and Integrated Services ( AMIS )
• Housing and Development Bank
• Next care health insurance
• Administrative Control Authority
• Pegasus Dreamland
• Ministry of Justice
• Fawkia Hospital
• Syndicate of Engineers
• Libyan Embassy in Egypt
• Egycare
• Almashriq Bank
• Unicare
• Axis Insurance
• Arab Misr Insurance Company
• Medmark
• Axa Medical Insurance