Planning a health care trip can be hectic and nerve-wracking. When you or someone you love needs medical attention, a suitcase is probably the last thing on your mind.

Use this list to gather up the essentials. Being prepared can help you focus on getting the answers to your medical concerns.

 

Special instructions for COVID-19

In addition to the checklists below, bring an acceptable face mask to wear while you're in NNC, which is required of all visitors and staff. (We recommend wearing a face mask anytime you're away from home.)

Please have children under age 13 stay home with someone else unless they're receiving care at the clinic.

 

Personal items

Focus on much-loved, much-worn items that will help you feel at home for your stay, including:

• Loose-fitting, comfy clothing, plus a robe or sweater in case you get cold in clinic rooms.

• Winter coat, hat and gloves if you're traveling in the winter. Sunscreen if you're traveling in the summer.

• Comfortable walking shoes and slippers. Consider elastic laces or slip-ons so you can easily take shoes on and off.

• Personal care products and toiletries, such as shampoo, conditioner, comb, toothbrush, shaving equipment and lotion.

• Eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, canes, walkers, crutches and other assistive devices you use for daily activities.

• Sleep aids, such as your favorite pillow or blanket.

• Pen and paper, for writing notes and questions.

• Earplugs, earphones and playlists of your favorite tunes.

• Phone charger.

• Books, magazines, playing cards or games to help pass the time. National Neuro Center does offer free Wi-Fi access for patients and visitors.

• Comfort items, such as photos of your favorite people or a movie that always makes you laugh.

 

Medical and registration items

Please bring any registration forms or medical records, reports, and radiology images that were requested by your care team and not already submitted. Also:

• A list of your medications (prescription, over-the-counter and supplements) — including doses and why you take them. You can also bring the original bottles to your first appointment. (Or use your smartphone to take a picture of all your medication labels.)

• Your insurance information, if you have one.

• Any National Neuro Center documents you have received.

• A mobile device with the National Neuro Center app, so you have easy access to appointment itineraries, maps and eCheck-in for some appointments.

 

What not to bring

You may want to leave these items at home for safe-keeping:

• Jewelry, especially anything sentimental or precious. (It can be comforting to keep special jewelry close to you, but you may need to remove it for certain tests or procedures.)

• Large amounts of cash. There are ATMs close by, and many establishments take credit cards, so you don't have to carry large wads of cash.

• Expensive technology devices or other valuables. If you have the latest laptop or other tech gear, you may not want to worry about tracking it from place to place throughout your stay.