Preparing for your visit

1. Preparing for your office visit

Things to bring to the appointment:

Health card, personal identification
Information on any other personal medical coverage plans that you have
Any health records, test results, or X-rays that you've been asked to bring
The name and phone number of who to contact in an emergency
Instructions on how to get to the office
A list of all medications you're currently taking, including prescription drugs and non-prescription medications, as well as any vitamins, supplements, herbal and homeopathic remedies
A list of other health professionals you've recently consulted, why you went to see them, and what they told you

Before you arrive, be sure you know:

To fully understand your condition there are certain things you may want to ask your doctor, such as:

2. Preparing for admission to the hospital

Before being admitted to the hospital there are certain things you might want to do:

What to bring to the hospital:

Your health card and other necessary identification
All your other medical coverage information
Any medications you take on a daily basis
The name and phone number of who to contact in an emergency
Loose, comfortable clothing
Necessary toiletries and personal items - toothbrush, comb, razor, facial tissues and slippers
A small amount of cash
Leave all other valuables and money at home
A book or magazine to read
A long-distance calling card if you may want to make long-distance calls - cell phones are not allowed

Make sure you know:

Why you're being admitted into the hospital
How long you should expect to be there
Which doctor you will be seeing and the procedures and tests that will be performed
When you should arrive and the admission procedures
Whether you should arrange a ride home
What you can and cannot do afterwards certain foods or activities etc
Who you can call if you have any questions or concerns
Why you're being admitted into the hospital
How long you should expect to be there
Which doctor you will be seeing and the procedures and tests that will be performed
When you should arrive and the admission procedures
Whether you should arrange a ride home
What you can and cannot do afterwards certain foods or activities etc
Who you can call if you have any questions or concerns

3. Referal to a specialist

Things to bring to the appointment:

Health card, personal identification
Information on any other personal medical coverage plans that you have
A referral from your doctor
Any health records, test results, or X-rays that you've been asked to bring
The name and phone number of who to contact in an emergency
Instructions on how to get to the office
The name, address, and phone number of your family doctor
A list of all medications you're currently taking, including prescription drugs and non-prescription medications, as well as any vitamins, supplements, herbal and homeopathic remedies
A list of other health professionals you've recently consulted, why you went to see them, and what they told you

Before you arrive, be sure you know:

To fully understand your condition there are certain things you may want to ask your doctor, such as: