WTC health program nationwide provider network

What to Expect at Your Initial Health Evaluation

All newly enrolled Responders and Survivors are eligible for an initial health evaluation (IHE) once they are assigned to the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program Nationwide Provider Network (NPN). The IHE is a medical exam used to determine if you have any illnesses or conditions that may be related to your exposure at 9/11 and may be eligible for treatment under the Program. IHEs are provided at no cost to you and include a medical and exposure history, a physical examination and additional medical testing as needed.

Getting Set uP/SCHEDULING YOUR IHE

After enrolling in the Program and being assigned to the NPN, a NPN Member Services representative will call you to welcome you to the Program. You will also receive a welcome packet with additional information and, if you are a Responder, an NPN ID card. During your welcome phone call, the representative will begin the process to prepare you for your IHE.

Before the NPN can schedule your IHE, you will need to complete required forms:

• Exposure Questionnaire

• Medical Health Questionnaire

You can complete these forms online through the member portal, or the representative can schedule a time to assist you in completing the forms over the phone. Once you complete any forms required, a representative will prepare a summary for your IHE provider. This will help guide your provider during the examination.

After your forms are completed, a representative will call you to schedule your appointment with an in-network provider near you. Do not attempt to make this appointment yourself.

Preparing for your appointment

You should prepare for your IHE appointment in the following ways:

  1. Confirm appointment details (date, time, location of your provider, directions, and travel time).
  2. Follow any instructions from the provider before your appointment, such as fasting or changing your medication schedule.
  3. Complete any paperwork provided by the NPN prior to your first visit.
  4. Write down a list of any medications you are currently taking and take the list with you to your appointment.
  5. Write down a list of symptoms you are experiencing, even those that you think might not be related to your 9/11 exposures. Symptoms may include trouble sleeping, persistent cough, runny nose, etc.

*Keep in mind that an IHE usually takes longer than a routine check-up, so please plan your time accordingly.

What to Expect at the appointment

Your IHE may be like physical examinations you have had in the past. The exam may include:

• Physical assessment

• Laboratory test and/or bloodwork (Blood counts (CBC), metabolic panel (electrolytes, kidney function, and sometimes liver function), cholesterol, and a urine test are what the WTC Health Program authorizes at your physical)

• Pulmonary function testing

• Chest X-ray

• EKG

During the exam, be sure to share any concerns you have with the provider including any recent symptoms you have experienced. This is your opportunity to ask questions and talk through your conditions.

After the Examination

The NPN will send you a letter that summarizes your results and what, if any, conditions may be eligible to be certified, what conditions require further testing or medical documentation as recommended by your provider, and what conditions are not WTC-related, but should be discussed with your personal provider.

Contact Us

An NPN Member Services representative will contact you to schedule your IHE. If you have any questions in the meantime, contact us at 1-800-416-2898 or through the NPN Member Portal chat feature, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.