What to Expect During Your AYASC Clinic Visit
Going to a new health care provider for the first time can be hard. We’ve put together some resources to help you feel more comfortable before your visit to the Adolescent and Young Adult Specialty Clinic.
Making an appointment
There are 2 ways to make an appointment: phone call, or through the Patient Portal.
Call: You can call (816) 960-4152 to make an appointment. The people who answer the phone are ready to help you.
Be ready to tell them:
- Your name and birthday (month, day and year).
- A general idea of what you want to talk to the doctor about.
- What days/times are better for you for an appointment.
- What kind of health insurance you have, if you know.
- Your phone number and email address.
Patient Portal: The Patient Portal is a secure app that allows you to access your health information, make appointments and send messages to your provider. If this is your first visit to Children’s Mercy, you will have to set up the Patient Portal before you can make an appointment this way.
Write down the day and time of your appointment and set reminders for yourself so you don’t forget!
Preparing for your appointment
Make a plan for how you will get to Children's Mercy and who will go with you. There are several different Children’s Mercy locations, so make sure you know which one you are going to for your visit.
We encourage you to bring a parent or caregiver, but if you are 18 or older or your parent has signed a consent form at a previous visit, you can also come with a friend or by yourself.
Bring:
- Your health insurance card.
- Your ID or driver’s license.
- A list of questions you want to ask your provider.
When you arrive at the Children’s Mercy location, check in at the front desk and they will help you get to the clinic.
During your visit
When it's time for your appointment, the front desk staff will call your name and take you to an exam room. A care assistant will measure your height, weight, temperature and blood pressure. It’s ok to tell them whether you want to know this information or not.
The nurse will ask you some questions about your health history and what concerns you have.
The provider will come in and talk with you. They will examine you and work with you to figure out what’s going on and how to help you. It’s good to ask questions and be honest with your provider so they can give you the best possible care.
If your parent or caregiver is with you, your doctor will invite them to step out so you can ask any questions or talk privately with your doctor.
You can expect to have a plan for what’s next before you leave your appointment. The plan will be different for everyone, but might include:
- Information about your condition and any possible treatment options, if appropriate.
- A prescription for medication.
- Ideas for things you can do to help with your concerns.
- Directions on when to come back for another appointment.
When you’re done, stop by the desk to check out and then you’re good to go!
After your visit
Before you leave, your care team will give you your plan for what to do next. Now it’s up to you and your support system to work that plan.
This might mean:
- Going to the pharmacy to pick up any new medications or refills.
- Making changes to your behavior that will help you feel better.
- Getting connected with additional resources, like other doctors, therapists, teachers or coaches who can help you manage your health conditions.
- Setting up another appointment with your AYASC care team.