About your visit

Registration
Instructions you receive in your appointment letter may request that you report to a registration area upon your arrival. If you must register and/or update insurance information, you should bring all insurance identification cards. If your insurance company or health maintenance organization (HMO) requires preauthorization of your visit, be sure you have this authorization (from your doctor, HMO, or insurance company) before you arrive at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

To reach the Neurology clinic, take elevator D to the second floor. The clinic enterance will be directly opposite the elevator. When you arrive at the clinic, check in at the reception desk so the clinic staff is aware that you are in the waiting area.

Upon your arrival in the Neurology Clinic the receptionist will verify your address and other pertinent information needed to communicate with you or to schedule future appointments.

The receptionist will also request information concerning your local doctor. This information is important because the neurology physician will send a report to your referring doctor informing him or her of the results of your visit. Your referring physician may also need to be notified of any tests results indicating a change in mediciation or treament provided to you locally.

Visit the Hospitality Center
The Neurology Clinic is pleased to invite you to use the Hospitality Center in the clinic waiting room. The center offers hot beverages to patients and their families or attendants who accompany them to the clinic.

Seeing your doctor and nurse
After you have checked in with the receptionist, you will be called to an exam room by a nurse. The nurse will take your vital signs, ask you about any allergies or medications, and inform you of your day's schedule.

Your examination will be directed by a staff physician. The staff physician in charge of your care may be assisted by residents (physicians receiving specialty training), and medical students. The physicians will conduct a medical history, physical and neurological exam. They will then discuss with you the need for any further medical testing or consultations with other physicians in the hospital.

During your first visit

• You may receive information about
  • Testing plans
  • Testing results (if available)
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment plans
• Keeping in touch with us
  • Receive clinic telephone numbers
• After your first visit
  • A staff neurologist will send a letter regarding the results of your visit to your referring physician.
  • If it is necessary to return on another day for tests, visit the receptionist

Scheduling tests
During your clinic visit, your physician may order laboratory, radiology, electrophysiology, or other procedures. These tests will be scheduled at the end of your visit by the clinic receptionist.

Some tests may be arranged the same day. However, if another day is required, the receptionist will make every effort to meet your needs. If you have any questions about your tests, please ask to speak with a nurse or physician.

During your return visit for tests please check with the receptionist who will direct you to the test site. After your visit for tests a letter will be sent to you and your referring physician

Scheduling return appointments
If a return or follow-up appointment is indicated, the neurology physician will make the proper arrangements in the Scheduling Center.

Approximately one month prior to your scheduled return appointment, you will receive a reminder notice. If you wish to cancel or reschedule this appointment, please contact the Scheduling Center at 319-356-2571 or send a letter requesting the change to:

Scheduling Center
Department of Neurology
The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
200 Hawkins Drive
Iowa City, Iowa 52242.

Filling prescriptions
Prescriptions may be filled at your local pharmacy or at the hospital pharmacy on the first floor. The hospital pharmacy will give you a 30-day supply and return your prescription to you if refills are indicated. These refills may be obtained at your local pharmacy.

For your convenience, we encourage you to obtain renewals of your prescriptions from your local physician.