Preparing for your appointment | Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Here are some tips that will help you make the most of your health care screening with Women's Wellness Connection or WISEWOMAN.

When you're scheduling your appointment

Let them know you'd like to participate in the Women's Wellness Connection and/or WISEWOMAN program.
Each clinic has its own process for verifying you are eligible for, and enrolling you in, these programs. Some may require you to become a patient at that clinic so that they can be responsible for your care. Some may first assess if you are eligible for Medicaid or other financial assistance or grant programs.
Clinics can provide Women’s Wellness Connection and WISEWOMAN services to those who qualify regardless of residency status.
Ask what documents or records you need to bring to your appointment.
Not all clinics will be able to offer all of the screening services that you might need there at the clinic. A common example is mammograms, which are done at imaging facilities. The clinic staff will help refer you to the right facility or specialist that you need. However, you may first need to have an appointment at the clinic listed on the website before you can be referred for services at other facilities. This is so that the clinic can get you enrolled in the program, if eligible, and determine what procedures are needed.
If you are scheduling a WISEWOMAN visit for a heart health screening, check to see if fasting is recommended.
For Women's Wellness Connection appointments, tell clinic staff of previous mammograms and Pap test results, including the name, phone number, and address of place(s) you had them done.
It is important to list where and when your last mammogram was performed. Comparing mammograms is very helpful to see if there have been any changes in your breasts.
Your previous Pap test results provide a helpful history for your health care provider.

After your appointment is scheduled

Write down any questions you want to ask your health care provider during your appointment.
Write down all the over-the-counter and herbal medications you're taking, as well as any health symptoms that you want to discuss with your health care provider.
Make a list of your medical history and any known family medical history.
Gather the documents and records you were requested to bring.

During your appointment

The clinic will need to verify that you are eligible for the program(s) and then enroll you in the program(s). Each clinic has a different way of doing this. Some will need to verify your income or insurance status or eligibility for other grants or programs through their financial office.
Clinics may connect you with a health navigator to help you understand your health insurance coverage, set up appointments, or arrange transportation. Caring health navigators will not only help you get the services you need to get healthy, they’ll follow up with you to help.If you don't understand something; it's okay to ask questions and be involved. If your health care provider says anything you don't understand, ask them to explain.
Health care providers often seem very busy, but remember that it's okay to take their time. This is YOUR health, and you always have the right to know what's going on.
Not all clinics will be able to offer all of the screening services that you might need there at the clinic. A common example is mammograms, which are done at imaging facilities. The clinic staff will help refer you to the right facility or specialist that you need.