How to Schedule and Prepare for an Ochsner Appointment

How to reach Ochsner and book an appointment

Ochsner Health System operates across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, with the main medical center in New Orleans and dozens of clinics and urgent care locations throughout the region. To schedule an appointment, call 504-842-3000 for the main New Orleans campus, or use the system's general appointment line at 1-866-624-7376. Both numbers connect you to scheduling staff who can book routine visits, specialist consultations, and follow-up appointments.

If you know which Ochsner location or department you need, you can often reach that clinic directly — most have their own phone lines listed on the Ochsner website. This can be faster than the main line, especially during busy hours. You can also schedule some appointments online through the Ochsner patient portal if you have an existing account.

Wait times for appointments vary by location and specialty. Routine primary care visits may be available within one to two weeks, while specialist appointments can take longer depending on the department. Urgent care locations accept walk-ins and do not require advance scheduling.

Key Takeaways

• Call 504-842-3000 for the New Orleans main campus or 1-866-624-7376 for the general Ochsner appointment line to schedule any type of visit.
• Have your insurance card and photo ID ready when you call, along with the name of your primary care doctor if you have one at Ochsner.
• Ochsner operates multiple locations across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, so confirm which clinic you are calling or whether you need to be referred to a specialist.
• New patients may need to complete intake paperwork before their first appointment, which you can often do online or arrive early to complete in person.
• If you cannot keep an appointment, cancel at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a no-show fee.

What information to have ready before you call

When you call to schedule, the scheduling staff will ask for your insurance information, so have your insurance card in front of you. They will also ask for your date of birth, address, phone number, and the reason for your visit. If you are a new patient to Ochsner, they may ask whether you have a primary care doctor or whether you need a referral from your current provider.

If you are scheduling a specialist appointment, know the name of the specialist or the type of care you need — for example, cardiology, orthopedics, or neurology. If your primary care doctor has already referred you, have that referral information available. Some insurance plans require a referral before you can see a specialist, and Ochsner staff can tell you whether yours does.

Write down the appointment date, time, and location before you hang up, and ask which entrance to use and where to park. Some Ochsner locations are large medical centers with multiple buildings, and knowing where to go ahead of time prevents confusion on the day of your visit.

Preparing for your first Ochsner appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so you have time to check in and complete any paperwork you did not finish online. Bring your insurance card, photo ID, and a list of all medications you are currently taking — include over-the-counter medications and supplements. If you have recent test results or medical records from another provider, bring those as well.

Write down any questions or symptoms you want to discuss before you arrive. This helps you remember what matters most and makes the appointment more efficient. If you are seeing a specialist, write down when your symptoms started and what makes them better or worse.

If your appointment is for a procedure or test that requires fasting or special preparation, the scheduling staff will tell you when you call. Follow those instructions exactly — for example, if you are told not to eat after midnight before a morning appointment, do not eat or drink anything except water after that time.

Understanding Ochsner's patient portal and online options

Ochsner offers a patient portal called Ochsner Online where you can view test results, request prescription refills, message your doctor, and manage some appointment details. If you have an existing Ochsner account, you can log in to the portal to schedule certain appointments without calling. To create an account, visit the Ochsner website or ask for help during your first visit.

The portal also shows your medical history, upcoming appointments, and billing information. You can use it to update your insurance and contact information, which saves time at your next visit. Some patients find it helpful to review their medical record before an appointment so they know what information the doctor already has.

What to do if you need to cancel or reschedule

If you cannot make your appointment, call the clinic or use the patient portal to cancel as soon as you know. Canceling at least 24 hours in advance helps Ochsner offer that time slot to another patient and protects you from a no-show fee. If you miss an appointment without canceling, you may be charged a fee and could lose your appointment slot for future visits.

To reschedule, call the same number you used to book the original appointment, or use the patient portal if that option is available. Scheduling staff can often find you a new time during the same call. If you are rescheduling a specialist appointment, ask whether your referral is still valid or whether you need a new one from your primary care doctor.

Navigating Ochsner's multiple locations and departments

Ochsner Health System includes the main medical center in New Orleans, Ochsner Medical Center — West Bank, Ochsner Medical Center — Kenner, and dozens of outpatient clinics throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Each location has different departments and specialties, so when you call to schedule, confirm that the location you are calling offers the care you need.

If you are referred to a specialist and do not know which Ochsner location has that specialty, the scheduling staff can help you find the right clinic. Some specialties are only available at the main New Orleans campus, while routine primary care is available at most locations. Ask whether you can choose a location closer to your home or work.

If you are already an Ochsner patient and your primary care doctor refers you to a specialist within the system, the referral is often sent electronically and the specialist's office will contact you to schedule. You do not always have to call — sometimes the specialist's staff will reach out within a few days of your referral.

Insurance, payment, and what to expect at check-in

Ochsner accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. When you schedule, confirm that your insurance is accepted at the location where you are being seen. If you do not have insurance, ask about Ochsner's financial assistance programs or payment plans — the scheduling staff can direct you to the right department.

At check-in, you will be asked to verify your insurance and contact information. If your insurance has changed since you scheduled, tell the staff immediately so they can update your record. Ochsner will bill your insurance for the visit, and you may receive a bill later for any portion your insurance does not cover.

If you have questions about cost before your appointment, ask the scheduling staff or call Ochsner's billing department. Some procedures and tests have known costs that the billing department can quote in advance, which helps you plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral from my primary care doctor to see an Ochsner specialist?

It depends on your insurance plan. Some plans require a referral, while others do not. When you call to schedule, the Ochsner scheduling staff will tell you whether your insurance needs a referral. If it does and you do not have one yet, ask your primary care doctor to send it to Ochsner before your appointment date.

Can I schedule an appointment online without calling?

Yes, if you have an existing Ochsner patient account and are logged into the Ochsner Online portal. Some appointment types can be scheduled through the portal, though complex or specialist appointments may still require a phone call. If you do not have a portal account, you can create one on the Ochsner website.

What if I am a new patient and do not have a primary care doctor at Ochsner?

You can still schedule an appointment. Tell the scheduling staff you are new to Ochsner and ask to be assigned to a primary care doctor, or ask for an appointment with a specific doctor if you have a preference. The staff will help you find an available doctor and get you scheduled.

How long does it usually take to get an appointment?

Routine primary care appointments are often available within one to two weeks. Specialist appointments can take longer, sometimes three to six weeks depending on the specialty and how busy that department is. Urgent care locations accept walk-ins and do not require scheduling.

What happens if I miss my appointment?

If you do not show up and do not cancel at least 24 hours in advance, you may be charged a no-show fee. Repeated no-shows can result in Ochsner dismissing you from the practice. If you know you will be late, call the clinic as soon as possible to let them know.