816.753.5144

Patients

Preparing For Your Visit

KC CARE wants our patients to be able to make good health decisions every day.

If you do NOT have health insurance, Medicaid or Medicare, you will be asked to bring the following documents to your first appointment at KC CARE once per year:

  1. Picture ID
  2. Proof of residency – This document must be no more than 90 days old with your name, address and a date on it. The following documents are approved for proof of residence:
    • A utility or phone bill
    • Mail from a federal, state or local agency.
  3. Proof of income – The following documents are approved for proof of income:
    • A copy of your filled tax return
    • Two (2) recent and consecutive pay stubs
    • Your Social Security earning statement

If you DO have health insurance, Medicaid or Medicare, please bring the following to your first appointment at KC CARE:

  1. Picture ID
  2. Insurance Card

KC CARE’s New Patient forms can be submitted electronically. View forms here. 

BEFORE your visit:

  • Don’t wait until you are very sick or out of medication to call your doctor.
  • Have your old medical records sent to your new doctor’s office, if it is your first visit.
  • Write down your health goals, problems, questions and concerns, and bring the list to your visit.
  • Make a list of all the medications and vitamins you take to bring to your visit, or bring the bottles.
  • When you make an appointment, write down what the nurse or scheduler tells you to bring, ask about costs and what to expect at your doctor’s visit.

DURING your visit, talk to your doctor about these things:

  • Your dietary, exercise, smoking, alcohol, leisure and sleep habits
  • Work and/or home stress
  • Family/relationship problems
  • Health improvements that you want to make
  • Any symptoms and/or concerns
  • Your personal and family medical history
  • Your medications: will any changes be made? Do you have refills?
  • What specialists you are seeing and why
  • Before you leave, make sure you know what you are supposed to do next

AFTER your visit:

  • If you are not sure about something that was discussed at your visit, make a list of your questions and call your doctor’s office
  • Keep up with your health goals, medication, healthy living and exercise, and always consult your doctor if you have concerns or questions

Ask these THREE QUESTIONS:

  • What is my main problem?
  • What do I need to do?
  • Why is it important for me to do this?

DON’T FORGET:

  • Arrive at least 15 minutes early for your appointment
  • Important things to bring:
    • Insurance card
    • Photo ID
    • List of medications and vitamins, OR your bottles
    • Personal and family health history (if your doctor doesn’t have it already)
    • Previous medical records (if your doctor doesn’t have them already)
    • If you must cancel your appointment, please call within 24 hours of your appointment

Questions to ask at your appointment

  • How is my health?
  • What can I do to stay healthy?
  • What do I do next? (bloodwork, screenings, more tests)
  • If I have an illness or chronic condition, what are my treatment options?
    • What are the benefits and concerns for each option?
    • What will happen if I don’t take care of it?
  • If I need to take medicine, when do I take it and how much do I take?
    • Are there any side effects?
    • Is a generic available?
  • Do I need a follow-up visit or a visit with a specialist?
  • Is there any written information for me to take home?
  • What do I do if I have questions when I get home?

To have a strong partnership, together we will:

Treat your short-term illnesses

Manage your chronic conditions

Help you stay healthy

You will:

Participate in making decisions about your care

Ask questions if you don't understand any part of your healthcare

Tell us if you disagree with a recommended health treatment

Be open and honest about your health

Come to your appointments, or tell us if you can't attend

Take your medications and follow the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor as best you can

Be respectful of volunteers and staff

Pay fees and co-pays according to insurance and sliding fee scales

We Will:

Provide considerate and respectful care

Explain health information in ways that you understand

Respect your privacy and maintain confidentiality, except in cases of suspected abuse and possible violence

Inform you about KC CARE's research studies, so that you can choose to participate in these studies

Explain fees for health services.

Review and explain your medical records

Give you the opportunity to have an advanced directive, which lets you decide how you want to be treated if you get very sick