Visits & Stays

Especially if you are a new patient, plan to arrive to your clinic appointment with time to spare. Your clinic may request that you arrive 15 or 30 minutes early, depending on how much information they need to gather before your appointment, or if you need prior lab work.

Please bring the following to your appointment, along with anything else that the clinic requests.

• A list of medications you are taking, and the actual prescription bottles/packages if possible. Include any over-the-counter medications and supplements.
• Your health insurance card, whether you have private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid.
• Your credit card or checkbook – clinics often request that you pay your co-pay or deductible amount when you check in at the clinic.
• A list of questions you have for the physician or provider. It’s helpful to make this list in advance.

Please check in at the reception desk as soon as you arrive at the clinic.

• Be ready to pay your co-pay amount if requested.
• Have your health insurance card ready.
• Be ready to share your address, phone number and emergency contact information. The receptionist needs to ensure your information is up to date.
• Stand away from other patients who are in line to give them privacy as they check in.
• You may be asked to fill out questionnaires or forms.
• The receptionist will direct you to where you can wait for your appointment.
• We strive for short wait times whenever possible. If you feel your wait is excessive, please check in with the receptionist.

As a parent, you are the most important partner in your child’s health – you know your child best. So please be ready to accurately and clearly communicate any symptoms or concerns regarding your child’s health. All the above guidelines apply if you are bringing your child for a clinic visit. In addition:

• Bring your child’s insurance card or information, especially if they are on a different plan than yours.
• Please supervise your children and keep them close to you, for their safety and the safety of all our patients.

Your primary care provider may offer the option of virtual visits. If so, you can request these visits and talk with your provider through a secure platform via your phone, tablet or laptop. Not every type of visit is appropriate for virtual visits, for example, your yearly checkup should take place in person.

Whatever Avera facility will provide your care, here are some basic tips to help ensure a good visit.

• Follow specific instructions from your physician, provider or nurse, for example, what to eat or drink before a procedure, or how long to abstain from eating or drinking.
• Bring slippers, pajamas, robe, shoes, a coat and any toiletry items. You’ll need no more than three changes of clothing. You also might want your favorite books, magazines, laptop computer or tablet as Avera facilities provide free public internet.
• Any medications you bring will be kept in a locker and returned to you at the time of your discharge, or sent home with a responsible family member. Inform your care team of any medications you’re currently taking.
• Leave valuables at home. We are not responsible for loss of jewelry, money or other personal property kept in your room. You are encouraged to keep no more than $5 in cash.
• There may be additional information on your hospital’s location site.

At Avera, you may receive care from hospitalists – doctors who are available 24/7 to provide exclusive care for patients during their hospital stay. A hospitalist is a physician who specializes in the practice of hospital medicine and whose primary professional focus is in the general medical care of hospitalized patients.

When your child will have a procedure at the hospital or stay overnight, you can help make that experience a good one:

• As parents, you are the best people to comfort your child. Ask our staff what you can do to be more closely involved with your child's care.
• Use simple language when explaining the reason for the hospitalization, and give information and details appropriate to the child’s age.
• Be honest. Tell your child if there will be pain or discomfort, how long the procedure will take, etc. It is important to keep your child’s trust.
• Reassure your child the hospital stay is not punishment of any type.
• Bring special toys or security items that will be of comfort. Label all items. Also bring toothbrush and toothpaste and other toiletries, pajamas, slippers, robe, favorite toys or games, school work or books.
• Place pictures of the family at your child’s bedside.
• Let your child know it’s OK to feel frightened or angry.
• Plan a homecoming party for your child's return home!
• Check your hospital’s location site find specific patient information for that facility.

Your care team will provide detailed discharge instructions to help you when recovering at home. These may be printed out for you or made available on your AveraChart portal. Your care team may recommend follow-up appointments or may make appointments for you. Carefully following your discharge instructions and going to follow-up appointments will help ensure that you have the best possible outcome and smooth recovery.

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For the health and well-being of our patients, visitors and staff, all Avera properties are tobacco free. This not only includes buildings, but sidewalks, parking lots and lawns that are on hospital or clinic property.