Tips For Visiting Your Primary Care Physician
Even if you are in good health, a crucial part of monitoring your wellness and preventing illness is visiting your doctor at least once a year. Annual visits allow you to ask questions, discuss changes in your health, and make a game plan for areas that need improvement.
How can I best prepare for my appointment?
- Think about specific questions you would like to ask your doctor. Writing out these questions, and starring the ones that are a “must” for discussion, is a way to ensure that you touch on important topics.
- Prepare to honestly discuss personal matters such as lifestyle habits, the state of your mental and emotional well-being, home and work environment, and any medications or supplements you are currently taking. If you’re feeling embarrassed to discuss personal issues, remember that your doctor is the best person to go to with these concerns. They’ve also likely heard it before!
- Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete any required paperwork.
What should I bring to my appointment?
- Driver’s license or photo ID
- Insurance card
- New Patients: Medical history including medications and dosages, diagnoses, surgeries, allergies, immunizations, information on specialists you’ve seen, screening results, and any other notes on medical or family history
- Returning Patients: New medical information such as health changes, medication side effects, recent procedures, or new screening test results
Sources: caredash.com & familydoctor.org