Patient and Visitor Information

Your Appointment

When you come to UI Hospitals and Clinics, please bring your appointment letter showing the date and time of your appointment. If you need information or assistance, staff at the information desks inside our main and Pappajohn Pavilion entrances will be happy to help you.

Registration

Your appointment letter may request that you go to a registration area upon your arrival. If so, or if you need to update your insurance information, please bring all insurance identification cards with you. If your insurance company or health maintenance organization (HMO) requires pre-authorization of your visit or admission, please be sure you have the proper authorization (from your doctor, HMO, or insurance company) before arriving for your appointment.

Patient Reception

When you arrive at the area where your appointment is scheduled, please check in at the reception desk so the clinic staff will know you have arrived. A receptionist will ask for the name of the physician or dentist who referred you for the visit. In addition, please let us know if you would like us to forward information on your visit to another health care professional, such as your family physician or dentist.

Your Health Care Team

A staff physician will direct your examination, diagnosis and treatment, and will be in charge of the care you receive. Staff physicians are sometimes assisted by resident physicians, who are physicians furthering their specialty training, and/or by medical students. Resident physicians and medical students will always be supervised by your staff physician. Nurses and other health care professionals are also members of your health care team.

During your visit, your physician may feel that you would benefit from examinations from specialists in other departments. If so, we'll make every effort to schedule those appointments during your visit. It may be necessary, however, for you to stay overnight in the Iowa City area for an appointment the following day, or to return at another time.

Leaving Your Appointment

Before you leave, ask your nurse about your treatment plan and about scheduling any future appointments or tests. Your nurse can also answer questions about medications and supplies.