Prepare for Your Appointment
A little pre-appointment and admissions planning can go a long way to make your visit at Grady go more smoothly and comfortably.
What you need to know
Before your appointment, you’ll receive an email or text message letting you know it’s time to register for your appointment. Simply follow the prompts to update your personal information and answer health questions.
What to bring
Here are some things you should bring with you to every appointment. View specifics for your appointment type.
- Your photo ID
- Your health insurance plan card
- Your prescription insurance plan card
- Referral or authorization forms
- Confirm Your Appointment and Preregister: Confirm your appointment online and update your personal information and answer all screening questions. This can save time and help avoid delays when you arrive. If you can’t make it or are running late – let us know!
- List of Medications: Write down or bring all the medications you take – including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. Include the dose and how often you take them.
- Medical History and Symptoms: Be ready to share your health history, recent symptoms, and any changes in how you’re feeling. Make notes about when symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, and any patterns you’ve noticed.
- List of Questions: Prepare a few questions in advance about your health concerns, medications, test results, or anything else you’re unsure about. This helps make the most of your time with the doctor.
- Notebook or Support Person: Bring something to take notes or someone who can help listen and remember instructions. It’s easy to forget details after your appointment.
- Follow Prep Instructions: Some scans require you to avoid food, drink, or certain medications. Follow all instructions from your provider or imaging center.
- Confirm and Preregister: Call ahead or go online to confirm your appointment time and complete any preregistration steps.
- Bring Your ID and Insurance Card: Have your photo ID and current insurance card ready at check-in.
- Wear Comfortable, Metal-Free Clothing: Avoid wearing jewelry, zippers, or metal of any kind. You may be asked to change into a gown.
- Tell Your Provider About Implants or Conditions: Let the team know if you’re pregnant, have kidney problems, or have implants like pacemakers, joint replacements, or metal clips.
- Bring Previous Imaging (If Needed): If another doctor ordered scans recently, bring a copy of those images or reports for comparison.
- Confirm and Pre-register: Call ahead or go online to confirm your surgery time and complete any preregistration forms.
- Follow Pre-op Instructions: Carefully follow your provider’s directions—this may include fasting, stopping certain medications, or using special soaps.
- Arrange Transportation: You’ll likely need someone to drive you home. Plan ahead and make sure your ride knows your expected discharge time.
- Pack Only What You Need: Bring minimal items – leave valuables at home. If staying overnight, pack toiletries, comfortable clothes, and a phone charger.
- Know Who to Contact: Keep a list of emergency contacts and your care team’s phone number handy in case you have questions before or after surgery.
- Have Your Hospital Bag Ready: Include comfortable clothes, toiletries, phone charger, snacks for your support person, baby clothes, and any personal items like a birth plan. And don’t forget the car seat!
- Know Your Support Person: Choose someone to stay with you during labor. Make sure they’re available and know where to go.
- Follow Pre-Arrival Instructions: If your doctor gave any directions – like not eating or when to come in – be sure to follow them.
- Stay Calm and Focused: Take deep breaths, time your contractions, and remember – you’ve got this. Your care team is ready for you.
Admissions information
If you are admitted to a Grady facility, you will typically need to provide personal information, medical history, current medications, allergies, emergency contacts, and insurance details.
What to bring
When admitted, please bring only the essentials, including:
- Glasses
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Robe
- Slippers
Note: Leave valuables like jewelry or cash at home. Grady is not responsible for the loss or damage to patients’ valuables.
Locations and contact information
Get detailed directions, parking and contact information.