What to Expect
Before Your Appointment
Depending on the reason for your visit, this checklist can help you feel prepared and confident.
What to bring:
- Copies of any test results, imaging (like X-rays), or past medical records related to your current concerns.
- A completed medical history form, if your provider requested one.
- A full list of your current medications — including prescriptions, over-the-counter meds and supplements.
- Any special instructions your doctor gave you, such as diet or medication restrictions.
A few extras to consider:
- Bring a support person if you’d like — especially helpful if you’re expecting important news or may need a ride home.
- Grab a sweater or jacket. Our buildings tend to run cool to protect medical equipment.
During Your Appointment
Your time with your provider is focused on you. We want to make sure you feel heard and understood.
To help make the most of your visit:
- Speak up about your symptoms, questions or concerns — big or small.
- Don’t be afraid to ask your provider to slow down or explain something in a different way.
- Need help getting started? Here are some questions you might ask.
You might notice your provider using their phone during your visit. They’re using a secure app called AI AutoScribe, which helps document your conversation so they can focus more on you and less on typing. The app listens in and drafts a note for your provider to review and finalize after your visit — and you’ll find this note in MyChart.
Your information is protected, nothing is saved on the phone and the recording is automatically deleted after 60 days. If you prefer us not to use AI AutoScribe during your visit, just let your provider know.
After Your Appointment
Here’s what to expect after you leave:
- If you need more tests or to see another doctor, we’ll do our best to schedule those next steps quickly and conveniently.
- If a hospital stay is needed, we’ll coordinate the details and make sure the hospital team has the right information in advance.
Appointment Reminders
Text appointment reminders
Want to get text reminders for appointments for yourself or a family member? Just text START to 27182 to receive reminders and updates about upcoming visits. Message and data rates may apply.
You can also manage how we contact you through MyChart. Choose whether you’d like to hear from us by text, email, phone or mail, and select the types of message you want — appointment reminders, billing notices or health updates.
To get started, log in to your secure MyChart account and go to Communication Preferences. Select what works best for you, so you stay informed in the way that’s easiest.
Check-In Options
MyChart PreCheck-In and Mobile Check-In
MyChart’s PreCheck-In lets you take care of appointment details before you arrive, from the comfort of home. You can complete PreCheck-In up to one week before your visit.
With PreCheck-In, you can:
- Review and update your address, email and phone numbers
- Review and update medications, allergies and health conditions
- Confirm your insurance information and upload a photo of your insurance card
- Pay your insurance copay with a credit or debit card
- Sign required forms electronically
- Complete any pre-visit health questionnaires
Mobile Check-In is an optional step that notifies your care team when you arrive for your appointment. If you’ve already completed PreCheck-In, you can finish checking in through the MyChart mobile app and skip the line at the front desk or kiosks.
Check-in kiosks
Most locations now have self-service kiosks — a quick, easy and private way for you to check in for your visit. You can check in for multiple appointments at once if they’re at the same location and scheduled within one hour of each other.
If you need help, an attendant will be available to assist you. You can also complete your check-in with the patient service specialist at the designated department desk.
Admissions
Your doctor may recommend you be admitted to Cleveland Clinic. If so, you may have questions.
Our Admissions page has the information you need to make your stay as easy and comfortable as possible. Read our 2015 Patients and Visitor's Guide and watch our New Patient video for additional information.
