Your doctors and nurses know a lot about your disease, but you know your own body better that anyone else. Share your fears and concerns, and feel free to ask questions or ask to have something explained again.
Ask a family member or friend to join you for your visit. Having support and another person with which to talks things over may help you when making choices.
Take notes when your doctor or nurse explains something, or ask your companion to do so. You might want to bring along a notebook and pen, laptop computer, or portable electronic device to help keep track of key information. If you’d like to record the session, you will need verbal permission from your clinician and anyone else participating in the conversation.
Write down the names of your health care team and office staff or ask for their business card.
Keep your insurance card and any other identification with you at all times.
Make a list of all medications you take and any allergies you have. Update this list often and carry it with you to share with your health care team.
Plan enough time for traffic delays (especially during rush hours) and parking. Checking in at least 30 minutes before your first appointment and 15 minutes before subsequent appointments can help ensure that you and other patients are seen promptly throughout the day. Keep in mind emergencies can arise at any time throughout the day, but we will do our best to have you seen by your medical team at a timely manner.
A new diagnosis can be overwhelming. QMA’s Patient Navigator (PN) can help. Your PN will be your advocate and guide throughout the course of diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.
Your First Appointment
On your first day, you will meet with the health care professionals involved in your care, who will review your medical records and health history and give you a physical examination. They will answer any questions and discuss treatment options, including the possibility of participating in clinical studies of innovative new treatments.
Please make sure you have with you the items necessary for a successful visit; radiology images, your demographic form and patient health history form, photo id, list of medications, as well as your insurance cards. You might also like to bring along a book, magazine, or laptop to help pass the time. We offer wireless internet access.
Please plan to check in at least 30 minutes before your appointment time. There’s a self-pay parking garage located on the same block as our facility, as well as ample street parking. When entering the office, please see the receptionist at the front desk and check in. The receptionist will double check that everything is ready for you.
You should plan to spend 90 minutes to 2 hours for your first visit.
Prior To Your Appointment
Take the time to write down all the questions you would like the doctor to answer. Bring this list with you to your first visit.
If your insurance plan requires it, please contact your referring physician for a referral document/script. If you do not have insurance or have questions, please call our financial counselors at 718-460-2300 ext. 36055 or ext 36054.
It is important for us to have as much information about your case as possible. We will work with you to request pathology slides, medical records, or radiology images from other health care providers in preparation for your first appointment and sending those items to us in advance will greatly enhance your visit.
Be sure to read more information about us and to fill out the necessary documents for your visit, such as a medication list, patient history form, or questionnaire about your illness.
Review maps, directions and transit routes so you will feel comfortable about your transportation, especially if it’s your first time to the area.
You Are On Your Way
Once your appointment has ended, take a moment to recognize that this first step is over. Your next visit will feel much easier, because you’ll know your way, your care team will be familiar, and you’ll have a plan for moving forward.