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Santa Clara Valley Medical Center

What to Bring to the Hospital

Your health care team may include - doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, medical assistants, and registration clerks. We look forward to meeting you and helping improve your health.

Things to Bring to Your Appointment

Please bring the following items to your appointment with your health care team. We highly recommend you bring the items that apply to you:

  • Health Plan Card, Medi-Cal Card, FPACT Card
  • Immunization (Shot) Record
  • Bottles of all your medicines and any over the counter or herbal medicines you are taking
  • Immunization (Shot) Record
  • Any health forms that need to be completed
  • Any recent test results (from facilities outside of SCVMC) that your doctor might need to see
  • If you are diabetic – you need to bring your blood sugar logs and meter to your appointment
  • Prepare a list of the 2-3 most important questions you need to have answered by your healthcare provider during your visit. Examples include questions about your medicines and upcoming tests. Take those notes with you on the day and make notes during your appointment. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Let your health care team explain it to you until you are sure you understand the answer. If needed, take someone with you to make sure you understand everything.

Here are some examples of questions to ask your health care provider during your appointment.

Medications (Medicine)

  • What are my medicines for?
  • How do I know if they are working?
  • What side effects are possible?
  • How long do I take my medicine?

Tests, such as blood tests or x-rays

  • What are the tests for? 
  • How and when will I get the results?
  • Who do I contact if I don't get the results?

What next?

  • What happens after my appointment?
  • Do I need to come back and see you? If so, when?
  • Who do I contact if things get worse?
  • Do you have any written information?
  • Where can I go for more information?
  • Is there a support group or any other source of help?

Photo Identification - Patient must bring a form of photo identification to appointments

Anyone who receives non-emergency health care services at any of our facilities must show photo identification (ID) prior to receiving treatment. You must bring a photo ID with at least two of the following on it: 

  • Name
  • Address
  • Date of Birth
  • Social Security Number

Examples of the kinds of ID that will work are a Driver’s License, Passport or another government issued Identification card. 

If you do not have identification with a photo and the information listed above, you will need to show other documents for identification. You need at least two (2) of the following:

  • Consular Identification
  • Naturalization Record
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Military ID with photo
  • INS Work Permit
  • MarinerCard

If you are disabled and live in a residential care facility, a legal affidavit signed by the residential care facility’s director or administrator is required. 

Remember, the information on your ID must match the information we have in our system. Having correct information – including correct contact information - is important in case your health care provider or care team needs to speak with you.

If you need more information or have questions, please visit or call the Admissions Office at (408) 885-6600. You can also contact the Financial Counseling Center at 1 (866) 967-4677 about identification for children.