Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We’ve gathered answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we often receive – so you can feel more confident and prepared before, during and after your visit.
Explore our full list of patient experience questions by scrolling or click on a subcategory below:
Emergency & Urgent Care
When you need medical attention, we’re here to help you decide where to go and what to expect.
For severe or life-threatening conditions, visit the emergency room or call 911. Urgent care is for minor injuries and illnesses.
Read More: How to choose between the ER, Urgent Care, Telehealth, or Primary Care.
For after-hours assistance, visit our urgent care centers.
If it’s an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Our urgent care centers and ExpressCare Virtual offer a wide range of services, including treatment for minor injuries, illnesses, diagnostic tests, and more.
Most of our urgent care centers accept walk-ins or you can reserve a spot in line.
With ExpressCare Virtual, you don’t need an appointment and may be able to start a virtual visit right away pending physician availability.
Appointments
Find answers to your scheduling questions, such as how to reschedule or how to get a referral to a specialist.
You can schedule, reschedule or cancel appointments using the Providence App or MyChart, our online patient portal.
You can also call your doctor’s office directly to schedule or adjust your appointment. Please note that not every location or clinic offers online scheduling.
If you’re running late, please call your doctor’s office to inform them. They may need to reschedule your appointment to ensure you receive the best care.
If you’re unable to reach anyone at your doctor’s office by phone:
- If it’s an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
- If it’s not an emergency, please leave a voicemail and the doctor’s office will return your call.
Wait times can vary depending on patient volumes, emergencies or other issues. We strive to keep wait times minimal and appreciate your patience.
For urgent care, using our online check-in can help reduce wait times. For appointments, check with your doctor’s office for specific wait times.
Your primary care physician will refer you to a specialist as needed. You can also request a referral through MyChart, the Providence App or by contacting your doctor’s office.
Appointment availability with specialists can vary. Contact the specialist's office directly for estimated wait times or use MyChart or the Providence App to check for appointment openings.
Preparing for Your Visit
Make the most out of your visit by knowing what to expect and what to bring.
Please bring your insurance card, photo identification, a list of current medications and any relevant medical records.
For specific instructions, contact your doctor’s office.
We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete any necessary paperwork and check-in procedures.
Hours of operation vary by location.
Please check your specific location’s webpage for details.
Most parking information can be found on our website under the specific location's page.
You can also call the hospital or doctor's office for more specific parking instructions.
You can learn more about our doctors and medical staff on our Find a Doctor page.
Prescriptions
Here’s what you should know if you have any questions about your prescription or need to request a refill.
You can request a prescription refill through MyChart, the Providence App or by contacting your pharmacy directly.
If there’s an issue with your prescription, contact your doctor’s office or the pharmacy for assistance.
Medical Records, Imaging & Test Results
Your health information is at your fingertips – learn how to access your medical records, test results and imaging using MyChart or the Providence App.
MyChart and our Providence App are both online patient portals designed to ease your way when navigating your medical records and appointments. In MyChart and the Providence App, you can:
- Schedule appointments (availability may vary by location)
- Receive health reminders for screenings or immunizations
- Receive test or lab results
- Request prescription refills
- View and pay billing statements
Yes, you can request a printout of your visit summary through MyChart, the Providence App or from your doctor’s office.
If your doctor has ordered bloodwork or other tests, you can get lab work done at any of our convenient lab locations.
Lab result times can vary based on the test. Most results are available within a few days. If you’re interested in viewing your lab or test results, you can access them in your MyChart or on the Providence App.
If you’d like to speak with your doctor or care team about your lab or test results, please call your doctor’s office directly.
Policies & Protocols
Learn more about our policies and protocols surrounding interpretation services, special assistance requests and protecting your privacy.
Yes, we provide language interpretation services for patients who need them. Please inform us when scheduling your appointment.
Please contact your physician’s office ahead of your visit to request any special assistance or accommodations.
Providence is committed to protecting your personal and medical information in accordance with HIPAA guidelines. Our privacy policies detail how we handle and protect your health information.
Billing & Insurance
We’re here to help you understand your billing statement and give you information on insurance coverage.
You can view a detailed explanation of your bill through the Providence billing portal.
If you believe there is an error on your bill, please contact our billing department.
More information, including our billing FAQ, is available in our website billing support section.
Providence accepts a wide range of insurance plans.
Please contact your insurance provider to understand whether a particular provider or care facility is within the network and/or will accept your insurance.
Patient Experience & Feedback
Your experience matters. Here’s how you can share your feedback with us.
We take patient feedback and complaints seriously and strive to address them promptly. Contact our patient relations team through MyChart, the Providence App or directly through your doctor’s office to provide feedback or to submit a complaint.