WTC HEALTH PROGRAM NATIONWIDE PROVIDER NETWORK
Responders and Survivors have access to medical care for their certified World Trade Center-related conditions. If you are a member of the NPN, your medical care is provided through providers affiliated with the Program in your area. The tips below will help ensure you are prepared for your appointment.
Tip 1: Schedule Your Appointment:
It is important that the NPN schedule initial appointments. This makes sure that all bills are properly sent to the NPN, and you do not receive a bill. Check out How to Schedule an Appointment with the NPN for more information on scheduling your care.
Tip 2: Plan Your Trip
If your appointment is with a new provider, or in an unfamiliar area, take some time to plan your trip before heading out. Use a map or online tools such a Google Maps to find the best route to get there and how long it will take. Make sure you leave enough time for traffic, especially during morning or evening commutes. Aim to arrive at your appointment 15 minutes early. This will give you plenty of time to park, find your provider’s office, check-in, and complete any paperwork.
If a friend or family member will accompany you to your appointment, check in with them and share your plans. If you need help getting to and from an appointment, reach out to NPN Member Services at 1-800-416-2898 (Mon – Fri, 8am to 8pm ET).
Tip 3: Get Everything Ready
Check the night before your appointment and make sure you have everything you need. This will reduce stress, especially for morning appointments, and make sure you have everything ready to go. Make sure to have the following:
– Your NPN ID card (survivors must also bring their primary health insurance ID card)
– Your driver’s license or photo ID
– A list of your medications and any allergies
– Any medical records, workers’ compensation paperwork, or line-of-duty injury paperwork related to your condition.
– Any additional documents or materials requested by your provider
You may also want to take the time to write down your questions or concerns before your appointment, along with information on other doctors you see. It can be difficult to remember all your questions once you sit down with the doctor. Having them handy will make sure you address all your concerns with your provider during the appointment.
Tip 4: Present Your ID Card
Your NPN ID card lets your provider know to bill your care to the NPN. Make sure to present your ID card at your appointment!
– If you are a Responder, show this ID card to the front desk when you check in.
– If you are a Survivor, show this ID card to the front desk along with your primary health insurance ID card when you check in. This will allow the provider to coordinate benefits for your care. Learn more about the Coordination of Benefits for WTC Survivors.
Tip 5: Contact the NPN if you have any issues
Although the NPN speaks to the provider office while scheduling your first appointment, mistakes can happen. If you run into any issues at the provider’s office, such as office staff asking you for a co-pay, call the NPN as soon as possible at the number below for help. Our team can often resolve issues while you are still at the office so that you can continue with your appointment. Learn more about What To Do If You Receive a Bill For Your WTC-Related Care.
As always, if you need to contact the NPN with questions on how to schedule or prepare for an appointment, please call NPN Member Services at 1-800-416-2898 (Mon – Fri, 8am to 8pm ET).