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Before Your Physician Visit |
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To help make your physician visit go as smoothly as possible, please do the following prior to your appointment:
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Appointment Confirmation—Before your visit, you’ll receive a recorded message confirming your appointment. If you need to reschedule, please call the doctor’s office as soon possible.
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Check Your Health Plan--If this is a first visit, call the physician's office and see if he or she is on your medical plan. If you are a member of an HMO (health maintenance organization), you should have a card that was sent to you by your insurance company. Look on the card to see how much your copayment is (usually $5-$20), so you can have money ready to pay for your appointment.
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Make a List --There are some basic questions you can be certain your doctor will ask you if this is your first visit. Preparing your answers in advance makes this process easier. He or she will probably ask you about your personal medical history.
- Symptoms of a Health Problem--Write down anything that is currently unusual about the way you are feeling (dizziness, no appetite, trouble sleeping, aches and pains, and so on).
- Medications and Allergies--Your physician will want to know if you are taking any type of medication, and if you have any allergies. Have this information ready.
- Your Family History--Does your family have a history of heart problems, diabetes, breast cancer, anemia, etc? This important information will help your new physician to better treat you.
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