What should i expect during my first visit to the doctor's office?

During your visit to your family doctor, your doctor will ask you several questions about your health. They will also ask you about your symptoms, any medications you are taking, and your family history. The doctor will also perform a physical exam, which may include monitoring your blood pressure, pulse, and weight. The first meeting is a good time to talk to your doctor and office staff about some basic aspects of communication.

You should also bring your insurance cards, the names and phone numbers of other doctors you see, and your medical history if the doctor doesn't already have them. If any of these accommodations prove useful to you during your visit, it's important that you call the office in advance so that they can arrange everything accordingly for when you arrive. A basic plan can help you get the most out of your visit, whether you're starting with a new doctor or continuing with the doctor you've been seeing for years. In these situations, the family helps coordinate care in ways that the doctor sometimes cannot, explains Dr.

Many patients suffer from what is known as “white coat stress,” in which their blood pressure increases slightly due to the nerves surrounding the doctor's visit. Whether it's the first time a patient sees the doctor or is going to attend their annual checkup, there are a few things to consider when preparing for a doctor's visit. Your doctor will likely ask you a lot of questions, and it can be uncomfortable to share personal things. If a patient has new symptoms of a medical problem or problem since their last visit, it's important to gather information about the problem before seeing the doctor.

To make the most of the time you have with your provider, it's important to arrive at the doctor's office on time and avoid feeling rushed during your visit. The amount of background information your doctor has depends on the quality and quantity of your medical records. Give the new doctor all the names and addresses of your previous doctors, especially if they are in another city. If you are alone with your doctor during or immediately after the physical exam, this might be a good time to raise your private concerns.