Patient Guide

Getting the Most from Your Visit

You can play a key role in your own health care by being an active participant. You can raise questions and concerns, and provide your surgeon with information that will help them make solid recommendations. Preparation will help you make the most of your visit.

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What to Prepare

In preparation for your visit, we ask that you please review the list below and bring all results that pertain to the condition for which you are being evaluated so they are available for your surgeon during your visit.

  • Bring a list of symptoms or problems you have been experiencing.
  • Bring information on over-the-counter medications, supplements or herbs you are taking. Remember to jot down information on frequency and dosage.
  • Know your family’s medical history including any recent changes.
  • Bring a copy of your up to date insurance information.
  • If you prefer to do your own research on the Web, while we appreciate our patients’ initiative, keep in mind that not all health information available on the Web is reliable.
  • If you are nervous about your appointment, bring your spouse, a family member or a friend to ask questions and provide support.
  • Get laboratory tests or procedures done in advance so your surgeon has the results:

Breast Problems

Bring all breast imaging (mammograms, ultrasounds, MRIs) films done in the last three years. Please be sure to bring the reports as well.

Gall Bladder Problems

Bring all imaging (CT scans, ultrasounds) films as well as reports related to your condition. Please bring the results of all blood work performed in the prior 6 months.

Intestinal Problems

Bring all imaging (CT scan, ultrasound, MRI) films as well as reports related to your condition. Please bring the results of all blood work performed in the prior 6 months as well as the results of any endoscopy procedures.

Required Forms

If this is your first visit with Surgical Associates you will need to provide information that will enable us to register you in our electronic medical record. In order to reduce the amount of time you will spend in the office doing paperwork we ask that you download the three forms listed below, complete them at home, and bring the completed forms with you to your visit.

Download Medical History Form (PDF)

Download Body Systems Review Form (PDF)

Download Registration Form (PDF)

Questions to Ask

  • Could you explain my medical condition?
  • How accurate are the tests used for diagnosing the problem?
  • What is the long-term outlook of this condition with and without treatment?
  • What are my treatment options, and what are the benefits and risks of each option?
  • What are the instructions for caring for me at home?

Things to Remember

  • Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
  • If you anticipate being late please call our office ahead of time at 203-772-0650. If you miss your appointment time we will need to reschedule you for another day.
  • Check in with the front desk. Please present your insurance card and identification.
  • Acceptable forms of identification include a driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, or another form of government-issued identification. In order to comply with new government regulations, we may ask you for additional demographic information upon arrival, namely race, ethnicity and language of preference.
  • Please bring any co-pay or deductible amount you are responsible for.

Most importantly, speak up.

Any opinions, concerns or anxieties you have about your condition or treatment may influence your course of treatment. Be sure to let your surgeon know about them.

If you have questions about insurance, please check our insurance page.

Please also check our practice policies.