Outpatient Visits
Depending on the nature of your outpatient appointment at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, this information should help you prepare for, and know what to expect during your visit.
- Visiting The Hospital
What to Expect
When you arrive for your appointment, you will find ample on-campus complimentary parking. Additionally valet parking services are available for a nominal charge. Within the hospital, there are a number of coffee-shops, and dining and retail outlets, as well as free WIFI available for all patients and visitors.
Please note, that for your safety, you will be asked several times to give your name and date of birth, and to show valid ID during your visit.
What should I bring with me to my appointment?
- Valid photo ID (Emirates ID for residents and passport for non-residents)
- Valid insurance card(s) where applicable
- Valid form of payment, (cash, cheques, credit or debit card)
- All medicines that you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medication, over-the-counter medicines, herbal and dietary supplements
- A list of allergies and sensitivities
- Any laboratory samples requested by your doctor or nurse
- Copy of your medical records in Englsih or Arabic, including, but not limited to your current diagnosis, x-ray, films and lab test results
- Any special directions from your doctor about diet or medication restrictions prior to your appointment
- Appropriate warm clothing as our medical campus is kept cool to protect and ensure proper functioning of medical equipment
- Please do not bring any valuables including jewelry or large amounts of cash
How long should my visit take?
Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time, and plan to spend at least an hour and a half or more to allow for your appointment, any required diagnostic tests, as well as picking up any medication from the pharmacy.
Appointment wait times can vary, however if you have been waiting for more than 15 minutes past your scheduled time, please inform our registration caregivers.
If you are late for your appointment, you may have a longer wait time while we do our best to fit your appointment back into the schedule.
What happens when I arrive for my appointment?
When you arrive, you’ll be checked in at the registration desk where you’ll be asked for your photo ID and insurance details – our nursing staff may also ask you to show your ID again prior to seeing your physician.
Once you’ve completed your registration, you will be asked to sit in the waiting area.
A registered nurse will then notify you when it’s time for your initial assessment, they will also ask you to confirm your name and date of birth to comply with our patient safety standards. Please be aware that more than one caregiver may ask you for these details during your visit.
Your initial assessment will include the following:
- Vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation)
- Height and weight
- Systematic assessment (including cardiac system, neurological system and respiratory system)
- Complete medical history and current complaints
- Current medications
This step of your visit is highly important in ensuring we deliver the highest quality of care for you.
Once the initial assessment is completed, you will be asked to wait in the observation room for your doctor.
What should I expect during my appointment
Your doctor will join you in the observation room to carry out your medical assessment. She/he will listen to your medical concerns and discuss the treatment options with you.
If you do not understand the prescribed treatment options or have any queries, please do not hesitate to ask your doctor.
If your doctor recommends further testing/investigation to determine your diagnoses or treatment options, they will be booked at the time of your check-out. When possible, these tests will be accommodated on the same day.
The nurse may book a same-day appointment with the patient educator for you in the case that your doctor has prescribed you a self-injection medication (e.g. insulin) or home device (e.g. blood sugar machine).
Will I need to fill out any documents?
During your visit, you will meet your healthcare team; besides your physician, you may also speak with a nurse, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, social worker, and / or other physicians.
Your healthcare team may ask you a number of questions and you may be asked to fill out some paperwork to ensure that we are providing the best care for you.
What happens after my appointment?
During your appointment, you will be advised if you need any follow-up visits or diagnostic tests. The checkout team will then be able to assist you with scheduling these at the most convenient time and date for you. You will also be able to collect any prescription medication required from the pharmacy within the hospital.
If tests or investigations are carried out during the appointment or on the same day, your results will be reviewed with you on a follow-up visit. In the case of any abnormality, your doctor or nurse will inform you within 48 hours. Please note that some tests require longer periods to be concluded, and if so the nurse or the technician performing them will inform you accordingly.