Patient completing new patient forms on a tablet before a dermatology visit at SOCAH Center in Atlanta, GA

Patient Forms and How to Prepare for Your Visit

Complete your forms before you arrive and know exactly how to prepare.

Patient Forms

Completing Your Patient Forms

Patient activating a patient portal account on a smartphone before a visit to SOCAH Center in Atlanta, GA

Online through the patient portal, or at our front desk

After you book your appointment, you receive an email inviting you to activate your patient portal. Once your account is active, log in at socah.ema.md or use the PocketPatient app on your phone.

In the portal you can complete your intake forms, sign consents, message our team and check in for your appointment. About 48 hours before your visit you receive a check-in notification. Completing everything ahead of time helps us see you promptly and avoids delays or rescheduling.

Patient forms are available in English and Spanish. If you prefer, you can complete them at our front desk. Please arrive a few minutes early so our team can help, or call (404) 474-2301 with questions.

What to Bring

What to Bring to Your Appointment

A short checklist for every visit

Bringing these items helps your provider build an accurate picture and avoid repeating treatments you have already tried. Records from previous physicians are especially helpful.

Photo ID: A current government-issued photo ID for check-in
Insurance Card: Your current card, so we can confirm coverage on our insurance list
Medication List: Current and past medications, supplements and treatments you have used
Prior Records: Biopsy reports and records from previous dermatologists or physicians
Product List: The hair and skin care products you use now, or photos of their labels

Dermatology Visits

How to Prepare for a Dermatology Visit

Hair, skin and nail exams

Hair Loss Visit

Every detail of your history and scalp exam matters. Please do not wash your hair for 48 hours before your first visit. Remove sew-ins, lace-fronts, braids, extensions and other glued-in, braided-in, sewed-in or semi-permanent styles so your provider can examine the entire scalp, and skip camouflage products on the day of the exam (48 hours if possible). Learn more about our medical hair loss evaluation.

Full Body Skin Exam or Skin Visit

Arrive without makeup, or be ready to remove it, so your provider can fully assess every area of concern, including your face. This matters for skin cancer screenings and rash evaluations.

Nail Exam

Keep your nails free of polish for 2 days before the appointment so color, texture and appearance can be assessed without staining.

A few simple steps for the best results

Aesthetician Visit

Before a chemical peel or a laser treatment, pause retinoids and other strong exfoliating products for a few days, as your aesthetician advises. Avoid sunburn and tanning in the days before your visit, and let us know about any recent procedures, cold sores or new medications.

Medical Hair Salon Visit

Come with your hair in its usual state so our team can see how your scalp and strands look day to day. Tell us about recent color, relaxers or other chemical services, and bring a list of your hair products. Our medical hair salon works under dermatologist supervision.

Forms and Visit Prep Questions

Where do I find SOCAH Center patient forms?

SOCAH Center patient forms are completed through the patient portal before your visit. You receive an activation email after booking, then log in at socah.ema.md or through the PocketPatient app. Forms can also be completed at our front desk if you arrive a few minutes early.

Are patient forms available in Spanish?

Yes, patient forms are available in both English and Spanish. Let our team know your preference when you book or at the front desk, and our team is happy to help with any question about the forms.

Should I bring my previous medical records?

Yes, records from previous physicians are very helpful, especially biopsy reports and treatment history. They help your provider avoid repeating treatments that did not work for you. If you cannot get copies, bring your prior provider's contact details.

Can I wash my hair before a hair loss appointment?

Please do not wash your hair for 48 hours before your first hair loss visit. Leaving the scalp as is lets your provider see flaking, oil, redness and other details that guide the diagnosis. Also remove any semi-permanent styles and skip camouflage products.

What happens if I do not finish my forms before arriving?

You can still complete your forms at the front desk, but it may delay your visit. All consents and medical information must be complete before you are seen. Finishing them in the portal ahead of time is the fastest way to start your appointment on schedule.

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