Preparing for Your First Visit

It's important to plan your first visit to your doctor and be prepared. This will help you determine whether the doctor is right for you.

Before Your Visit

• Get a copy of your medical records from your last doctor.
• Make a list medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter medications.
• Make a list of your allergies, especially medication allergies
• Write down everything you want to talk about on your first visit. That way, you won't forget anything.
• Take paper and pen to your appointment, so you can make notes.

At Your Appointment

• Tell your doctor up front everything that's on your list. The doctor might want to talk about things in a different order. Or, the doctor may ask you to make a second appointment to discuss some subjects.
• Be truthful and direct. Your doctor needs good information to treat you successfully.
• Listen carefully and take notes on what the doctor says.
• If your doctor prescribes medicine, make sure you understand:
  • What the medicine is for and why you should take it?
  • What are possible side effects? Should you call the doctor if you have them?
  • How expensive is the medication? Is there a generic or an alternative if your insurance won't cover it?
• Before you leave, make sure you've covered everything . If not, make another appointment.

After Your Visit

• Did the office return your calls quickly?
• Was the staff pleasant?
• Did they take care of any concerns you had?
• Could you get an appointment when you wanted it?
• Was the waiting room comfortable? How long did you have to wait? If it was a long time, did they explain the reason and apologize?
• Did the doctor take time to listen to you and understand your concerns?
• Did the doctor explain your diagnosis and treatment clearly? If not, did the doctor answer your questions?
• If this was a well visit, did the doctor treat you like a partner in your own health? Did the doctor talk about things you can control? Some things your doctor talked about might be the foods you eat, exercise, smoking, drinking alcohol, immunizations, wearing seatbelts, or other things that affect your health.

ARTICLE TOOLS: