What to Bring:
- Your insurance information: Bring your insurance card
- Photo ID
- Medications: Bring a full list of the medications you currently take as well as the dosage for each.
- Recent lab results
- Any recent scans or x-rays: If you have recently (past 6 months) had an MRI, CT Scan, X-ray or other image taken it can be helpful for your new physician to see this as well.
- A list of other physicians you are currently seeing
- New patient forms
- Discharge Report
- Your preferred pharmacy
- List of questions: To prevent forgetting questions you’d like to ask the doctor, write them down and bring them with you.
- Paper and pen
- A friend or family member: Having a friend or loved one at your appointments can provide support if you need it and can be helpful as the “second set of ears” when taking in new information related to your health.
What to Expect:
- Lab work: It can often save time and delays in a diagnosis if you can have blood work or scans done before arriving at the office. When you schedule your appointment ask if you can do any of this beforehand. The office will let you know where to go, if it’s possible to do this first.
- Medical history: Often times, before you meet a physician a medical assistant will obtain information about you and your personal medical history as well as your family medical history to help prepare for the physician’s review of your information.
- Meet your physician: The physician you are scheduled to see will meet with you for a new patient evaluation. This is a good time to explain
- Physical exam: You will receive a thorough physical exam which often includes preventive screenings that can be done in the office. If you are at an age where other screenings are recommended, such as a colonoscopy, you can get that scheduled as part of your preventive medical care.
- Goals: You and your physician will discuss where you would like to see your health and then set attainable goals for your well-being.
- Develop a plan: Your physician will work with you on developing a plan that will help you meet your desired health goals.