WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT
Welcome! Edwin W. Maldonado, MD, and his dedicated team of administrative and medical staff members thank you for choosing us for treatment of your chronic pain.
The information below will help to ensure that you have a stress-free and productive first visit.
Before the Appointment
Step 1: Insurance & Referrals
Gather details about your current insurance plan. If your insurance requires a referral, please bring that documentation with you. Injured-at-work or auto accident patients should submit relevant details to our staff before the appointment to help streamline your visit.
Step 2: Provider Contact Information
Bring contact details for your primary care provider and, if applicable, your referring provider. Having this information supports a more coordinated and comprehensive approach to your care.
Step 3: Arrive Early
Plan to arrive 15–30 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete the new patient packet. This includes registration forms, a patient questionnaire, medical release, and HIPAA acknowledgment. To save time, you can download and complete these forms at home.
Step 4: Medications List
Provide a detailed list of all medications you take, including prescription, over-the-counter, herbals, and supplements. Include dosages and strengths. Some medications may need to be paused before treatment, depending on interactions.
Step 5: Imaging & Lab Reports
Bring copies of any relevant x-rays and lab results. If they are held by someone other than your referring provider, please request them in advance of your appointment.
Day of Appointment
Bring all of the requested information you’ve gathered to your first visit.
Remember that the first appointment is typically a consultation in which your medical history will be discussed, the physician will examine you, and a treatment plan will be devised.
We ask that you arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment, to allow time for completion of the paperwork process and so that our office staff can update current information, as needed.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
- Your vital signs and weight will be taken.
- Dr. Maldonado will discuss your medical history, conduct a physical exam, and talk with you about your treatment goals.
- For your safety, additional tests may be ordered to ensure an accurate diagnosis. These may include blood tests and special imaging.
- Our support staff will help you obtain pre-certifications for diagnostic imaging such as CT scans and MRI scans. We’ll assist with choosing a facility, making the appointment, and securing authorizations. Please notify us once you’ve scheduled your imaging.
- If you do not have complex health issues and your insurance does not require pre-authorization, you may be eligible for a procedure on the same day as your consultation. However, in most cases, only the consultation is performed during the initial visit.