Preparing for a healthcare visit may seem simple, but arriving without the right information or paperwork can cause delays.
A missing physical form, incomplete medication list or unavailable vaccination record may prevent a healthcare professional from completing the service you need. This is especially important when visiting for a school physical, employment examination, immunization, medical screening or other purpose-specific appointment.
The items you should bring depend on the reason for your visit. A patient seeking treatment for a sore throat may need different information than a commercial driver arriving for a Department of Transportation physical.
FastMed has locations throughout North Carolina that provide care for many common illnesses, minor injuries, physical examinations, vaccinations and screening needs. Services vary by location, so patients should confirm availability and preparation requirements before visiting.
What Should You Bring to an Urgent Care Visit?
For most urgent care visits, bring:
A government-issued photo ID
Your insurance card
A list of current medications
Information about medication and food allergies
Relevant medical records
Payment information
Contact information for your primary care provider
A parent or legal guardian for a minor, when required
You should also be prepared to explain:
When your symptoms began
Whether they are improving or getting worse
What treatments you have already tried
Whether you have been exposed to anyone who is sick
Whether you have recently traveled
Whether you have had similar symptoms before
Whether you are pregnant or could be pregnant
The more complete your information is, the easier it may be for the healthcare professional to evaluate your condition.
Why Is a Medication List Important?
Your medication list helps the healthcare professional understand your current treatment and avoid potential drug interactions.
Include:
Prescription medications
Over-the-counter medicines
Vitamins
Herbal products
Dietary supplements
Inhalers
Creams or topical medications
Injectable medications
For each medication, include the name, dosage and how often you take it.
A photo of the medication label may be helpful when you do not know the exact spelling or dosage.
Do not rely only on memory if you take several medications. Missing information could affect treatment recommendations.
What Medical History Should You Share?
Tell the healthcare professional about relevant health conditions, even when they do not seem directly related to the reason for your visit.
Important information may include:
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Asthma
Kidney or liver disease
Seizure disorders
Previous surgeries
Pregnancy
Blood-clotting conditions
Immune system disorders
Previous serious infections
Recent hospitalizations
You should also mention any history of severe medication or vaccine reactions.
What Should You Bring for a Physical Exam?
Physical examinations often require more paperwork than routine illness visits.
Bring:
The original physical examination form
A government-issued photo ID
Insurance information
A medication list
Vaccination records
Relevant medical records
Glasses or contact lenses
Hearing aids
Specialist clearance documents
Information about previous injuries
Payment or employer authorization
Complete the patient, parent or employee sections of the form before arriving. Leave any sections marked for the healthcare professional blank.
The organization requesting the physical may have specific requirements. Bring the exact form provided by the school, employer, athletic program or agency whenever possible.
Preparing for a School Physical
Parents and guardians should bring:
The school’s health form
The student’s immunization history
A list of medications
Allergy information
Records related to chronic conditions
Glasses or hearing aids
Documentation from specialists
Insurance information
Identification
Parents should also be prepared to discuss:
Previous illnesses
Hospitalizations
Surgeries
School accommodations
Developmental concerns
Current treatment plans
Previous vaccine reactions
Families searching for school physicals in Raleigh, NC, or school health physicals in Rowan County should review school deadlines and requirements well before the academic year begins.
Some students may need additional vaccinations, screenings or specialist documentation before their forms can be completed.
Preparing for a Sports or Athletic Physical
Sports physicals focus on whether an athlete can safely participate in physical activity.
Athletes should bring:
The athletic organization’s form
A list of current medications
Information about previous injuries
Concussion records
Specialist clearance documents
Glasses or contact lenses
Insurance information
A parent or guardian, when required
Be prepared to discuss:
Chest pain during exercise
Fainting or dizziness
Breathing problems
Asthma
Previous fractures
Joint injuries
Concussions
Seizures
Family history of certain heart conditions
Current restrictions
Athletes should answer all questions honestly. Withholding information may place the athlete at risk.
Patients looking for an athletic exam near Sunset Avenue in Rocky Mount, NC, should confirm that the location provides the required examination and accepts the organization’s form.
Preparing for an Employment Physical
Employment physicals may include job-specific requirements.
Bring:
The employer’s physical form
A job description, when provided
A photo ID
Medication and allergy information
Corrective lenses
Hearing aids
Vaccination records
Medical documentation
Employer billing authorization
Drug-screening paperwork
Respirator or occupational health forms
The employer should explain which services are required.
Some employment examinations may include:
Vision testing
Hearing testing
Drug screening
Tuberculosis screening
Physical ability assessment
Vaccination review
Laboratory testing
Patients should confirm whether the employer is paying directly or whether payment is due at the time of service.
Preparing for a DOT or CDL Physical
A Department of Transportation physical requires more detailed documentation than many general examinations.
Commercial drivers should bring:
A valid driver’s license or photo ID
A complete medication list
Glasses or contact lenses
Hearing aids
Medical records related to significant conditions
Documentation from treating providers
Recent laboratory results, when applicable
Sleep apnea treatment records
Information about implanted medical devices
Required federal or employer forms
Drivers with chronic conditions may need additional documentation.
Examples include:
Diabetes treatment records
Blood pressure history
Cardiology documentation
Neurology records
Sleep apnea compliance reports
Medication clearance letters
Patients searching for a CDL physical exam near Veterans Boulevard in North Carolina should confirm that an appropriately qualified examiner is available.
Not every healthcare professional can perform a DOT physical.
What Should You Bring to a Vaccination Appointment?
Vaccination visits may require documentation of previous doses and health history.
Bring:
A photo ID
Insurance information
Vaccination records
School or employer forms
A medication list
Allergy information
Details about previous vaccine reactions
Payment information
A parent or legal guardian for a minor
Before receiving a vaccine, tell the healthcare professional if you:
Are currently sick
Have recently had a fever
Are pregnant or may be pregnant
Have a weakened immune system
Have had a serious vaccine reaction
Recently received another vaccine
Take medication that affects immune function
Have a history of fainting after injections
Vaccination records can help prevent unnecessary duplicate doses and allow the provider to determine whether the timing is appropriate.
What If You Cannot Find Your Vaccination Records?
When records are missing, check with:
Your primary care provider
A former pediatrician
Your school or college
A previous employer
A pharmacy
A local health department
A state immunization registry
A previous healthcare facility
Not every historical record will be available.
A healthcare professional can review your situation and explain whether testing, repeat vaccination or another step may be appropriate.
Patients searching for an immunization clinic in Asheville, Charlotte, Fayetteville, Raleigh, Sanford, Wilmington, Wilson or Winston-Salem should identify the specific vaccine they need before visiting.
Vaccine availability may differ by location, age and supply.
Preparing for a Flu Shot
A flu shot visit is typically brief, but patients should still bring:
A photo ID
Insurance information
A vaccination record, when available
A medication list
Allergy information
Details about previous reactions
Employer or school forms, if required
Wear clothing that allows easy access to your upper arm.
A short-sleeved or loose-fitting shirt may make the vaccination process easier.
Patients searching for a flu shot in Fayetteville, NC, should confirm that the vaccine is in stock before visiting, particularly during periods of high demand.
What Should You Bring for a Medical Screening?
The items required for a medical screening depend on the type of test.
Bring:
A photo ID
Insurance information
Written screening instructions
Employer or school forms
Medication and allergy information
Previous test results
Vaccination records
Payment information
Chain-of-custody documents, when applicable
Some screenings require special preparation.
Ask whether you need to:
Fast
Drink water
Avoid certain foods or drinks
Avoid strenuous activity
Return for a second visit
Bring corrective lenses
Bring hearing aids
Stop using specific nonprescription products
Do not stop taking prescription medication unless a healthcare professional specifically tells you to do so.
Preparing for Drug or Alcohol Screening
Employment and program-related screenings may use strict identification and collection procedures.
Bring:
A valid photo ID
Employer authorization
Chain-of-custody paperwork
A list of prescription medications
Contact information for the requesting organization
Payment information, when required
Follow all instructions exactly.
Arriving without the required identification or employer documentation may prevent the test from being completed.
Preparing for a Tuberculosis Screening
Tuberculosis screening may involve a skin test or blood test.
Bring:
A photo ID
Employer or school forms
Previous tuberculosis test results
Information about prior positive tests
Vaccination history
Relevant chest X-ray records
Medication information
A skin test may require you to return within a specific time period so the result can be interpreted.
Ask about follow-up requirements before leaving the clinic.
What Should Parents Bring for a Child’s Visit?
For a child or teenager, bring:
The child’s insurance card
Parent or guardian identification
A medication list
Allergy information
Vaccination records
Relevant medical history
School or athletic forms
Custody or consent documentation, when applicable
Comfort items for younger children
Parents should be prepared to explain:
When symptoms began
Eating and drinking patterns
Recent fever
Urination frequency
Recent exposures
Previous treatment
Changes in activity or behavior
A parent or legal guardian may need to remain present throughout the visit.
What Should You Bring If You Do Not Have Insurance?
Patients without insurance can still seek care at many urgent care centers.
Bring:
A government-issued photo ID
Payment information
A medication list
Relevant medical records
Forms required for the service
Vaccination records, when applicable
Ask about:
Self-pay pricing
Charges for laboratory testing
Imaging costs
Vaccine costs
Physical exam fees
Payment plans
Accepted payment methods
The total cost may depend on the services provided during the visit.
Should You Bring Previous Test Results?
Previous test results can be helpful, particularly when you are seeking care for an ongoing or recurring concern.
Bring copies of:
Laboratory results
Imaging reports
Discharge paperwork
Specialist recommendations
Previous physical forms
Vaccination records
Recent prescriptions
Treatment plans
These records may reduce duplicate testing and help the healthcare professional understand what has already been evaluated.
Should You Bring a List of Questions?
Writing down your questions before the visit can help you remember important concerns.
Possible questions include:
What may be causing my symptoms?
Do I need testing?
What treatment is recommended?
When should I expect improvement?
Are there activities I should avoid?
When should I seek additional care?
Do I need follow-up with primary care?
Could my medication be contributing?
When will my results be available?
Can the required form be completed today?
Keep your questions focused on the reason for the visit.
Complex or unrelated concerns may require a separate appointment.
How Should You Describe Your Symptoms?
Be as specific as possible.
Tell the healthcare professional:
When the symptoms began
Where you feel pain
How severe the symptoms are
Whether they are constant or intermittent
What makes them better
What makes them worse
Whether new symptoms have developed
Whether you have tried medication
Whether you have been exposed to illness
Whether the condition has happened before
Instead of saying, “I have felt bad for a while,” explain that your sore throat began three days ago and became worse this morning.
Specific information can help guide the evaluation.
What Should You Wear?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows the healthcare professional to examine the affected area.
For example:
Wear a short-sleeved shirt for vaccination.
Wear loose clothing for a physical examination.
Bring athletic shoes if a movement assessment may be required.
Avoid restrictive clothing when an injury involves a joint.
Bring glasses or contact lenses for vision testing.
Bring hearing aids for hearing-related evaluations.
Patients seeking a sports, employment or DOT physical should be prepared for basic movement or range-of-motion testing.
Should You Eat Before Your Visit?
Most urgent care visits and physical examinations do not require fasting.
However, certain laboratory tests may require you to avoid food or drinks for a specific period.
Call ahead when:
Blood work is expected
Your employer provided testing instructions
You are scheduled for a glucose or cholesterol test
The screening paperwork mentions fasting
Do not fast unless instructed to do so.
Patients should continue drinking water unless the facility provides different directions.
Can You Bring Someone With You?
A support person may be helpful when:
The patient is a minor
The patient has difficulty communicating
The patient needs help remembering instructions
Transportation is required
The patient has mobility limitations
The visit involves a stressful health concern
Visitor policies may vary by location.
The patient may also be asked to speak privately with the healthcare professional during part of the visit.
What If You Forgot a Required Form?
If you forget a school, sports, employment or agency form, the healthcare center may have a general examination form available.
However, that form may not meet the requesting organization’s requirements.
You may need to:
Obtain the correct form electronically
Ask the organization to send it
Return with the paperwork
Request completion after the visit
Schedule another appointment
Bringing the exact form helps reduce the risk of delays.
Can Forms Be Completed After the Visit?
Forms may sometimes be completed after the visit if the examination and required information are already documented.
However, additional evaluation may be necessary if:
The original exam did not address all requirements
The form asks for tests that were not performed
The patient’s condition has changed
The original visit occurred too long ago
Specialist clearance is required
Contact the location rather than assuming the form can be completed without another visit.
How Can Online Check-In Help?
Online check-in may allow patients to:
Select a nearby location
Review operating hours
Enter registration information
Reserve a place in line
Receive estimated wait information
Reduce paperwork upon arrival
Online check-in does not guarantee an exact appointment time.
Emergency or higher-acuity patients may be seen first.
How Early Should You Arrive?
Arrival recommendations depend on the service.
Consider arriving early when:
You have several forms
The visit is employer-authorized
A drug screen is required
Medical records must be reviewed
You need a DOT physical
The patient is a minor
Insurance information has changed
Arriving shortly before closing may not leave enough time for an examination, testing or paperwork.
Review the location’s current policies before traveling.
Preparing for Urgent Care in North Carolina
FastMed serves communities throughout North Carolina, including Boone, Burlington, Asheville, Cary, Smithfield, Concord, Garner, Goldsboro, Greensboro, Greenville, Hendersonville, Lenoir, Raleigh, Roanoke Rapids, Rockingham and Roxboro.
Patients should review the location page for their preferred center before visiting.
Confirm:
Current hours
Exact address
Available services
Age requirements
Insurance participation
Online check-in options
Testing or imaging capabilities
Physical exam availability
Vaccine availability
A location that treats common illnesses may not offer every physical, screening or immunization.
When Should You Skip Urgent Care and Go to the Emergency Room?
Preparation should never delay emergency treatment.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room for:
Severe chest pain
Serious difficulty breathing
Signs of a stroke
Loss of consciousness
Major trauma
Severe bleeding
A severe allergic reaction
Sudden confusion
Seizures
A serious head injury
Suicidal thoughts or immediate danger
Bring identification and medication information when possible, but do not delay emergency care to gather documents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing for a Visit
Do I need an appointment for urgent care?
Many urgent care centers accept walk-ins, but online check-in or scheduling may be available.
Can I visit without my insurance card?
The center may be able to verify coverage using other information, but bringing the card is recommended. Patients may also choose self-pay options when available.
What happens if I do not know my medication dosage?
Bring the medication bottles, a pharmacy printout or clear photos of the labels.
Do I need vaccination records for a physical?
Vaccination records are especially important for school, employment and certain program-related physicals.
Can I show records on my phone?
Electronic copies may be helpful, but some organizations require printed or official records.
Should I bring my school or employer form?
Yes. Bring the exact form supplied by the organization.
Can urgent care access all my medical records?
Not necessarily. Healthcare systems may not share records automatically, so bring relevant documentation.
Do I need to fast before a physical?
Most physicals do not require fasting unless specific laboratory testing is included.
Can someone else bring my child?
Consent requirements vary. A written authorization or legal documentation may be needed when the parent or guardian is not present.
What if I arrive without identification?
Identification may be required for registration, employer testing, controlled procedures or insurance verification. Contact the location for guidance.
Prepare Before You Visit
A little preparation can make an urgent care, physical exam, vaccination or screening visit more efficient.
Bring identification, insurance information, a medication list and relevant medical records. Patients seeking purpose-specific services should also bring the exact forms and instructions supplied by their school, employer, athletic organization or agency.
Before leaving home, confirm the location’s hours, services and preparation requirements.
FastMed has locations throughout North Carolina that provide convenient care for many common illnesses, minor injuries, physical examinations, vaccinations and screening needs. Visit FastMed online to find a nearby center, review available services and check in before your visit.