On your first visit to Cleveland Clinic Florida, please arrive 15-30 minutes early to allow time for paperwork and to establish your medical file. Be sure to sign in at the building where your appointment is scheduled.
When it is time for your appointment, you will be escorted to an examination room. A member of your healthcare team will ask you about your medical history, followed by a thorough examination by your Cleveland Clinic Florida physician.
This is the time for you to ask any questions you may have, or express your concerns. We recommend, if possible, that you write your questions before you see your physician, as it may be difficult to remember everything you want to ask.
Medical Records
Please plan to bring with you copies of any tests or radiology studies as well as medical histories that pertain to your medical problem. You can obtain these records by calling your personal physician. We suggest that you keep a copy of these records for your personal file, as Cleveland Clinic Florida can not release them to you. If your records are mailed from your personal physician, please allow 5 working days to reach our facility.
Medical History Form
Please fill out your medical history questionnaire accurately and bring it with you. In addition, please bring a list of all current medications taken on a regular basis, including over-the-counter and herbal medications. We suggest you also write down a list of questions to ask your physician. We believe that communication is essential to good patient care, and will take the time to thoroughly discuss your concerns with you.
Special Instructions
Please review any special dietary or test instructions we have sent you, and plan accordingly.
Diagnostic Tests
Diagnostic tests may be ordered by your physician during your visit. If you have any questions regarding these tests, or want to know when you can learn the results, please ask your physician directly. Our laboratory technicians do not have access to test result information, nor are they permitted to perform tests without specific orders from a physician.
When all of your test results have been returned, your physician will review them and notify you if any follow-up is needed.
If there is any cause for concern, your physician will contact you immediately. In some cases, your physician may wish to see you again to discuss test results and treatment recommendations. If so, you will be contacted to arrange an appointment.
If You Need to See Another Physician
In some cases, your physician may want you to be evaluated by other specialists at Cleveland Clinic Florida. This will ensure that you’ve had a comprehensive examination regarding your condition, and that all of the physicians are in agreement on your diagnosis and recommended treatment. We will make every effort to schedule these tests and consultations at the earliest available time.
In the event that you need to be hospitalized, your physician’s office staff will coordinate admitting arrangements for you and will provide the hospital with the information they need prior to your arrival.
For Your Safety and Comfort
You may wish to bring a sweater or jacket, as our buildings are air conditioned to keep our equipment running smoothly.
We are committed to providing a healthy environment for our patients, visitors and employees. Therefore, smoking is not permitted at any Cleveland Clinic Florida facility.
Friends and Relatives
Friends and relatives are welcome and may accompany you to Cleveland Clinic Florida. They will be asked to remain in the waiting areas, unless there are special reasons for them to stay with you during your examinations and test.
