Finding a new primary care physician (PCP) can be stressful. You spend hours online looking for a doctor who’s taking new patients. This doctor is, but wait – do they take my insurance? And that’s not even the hard part – with an appointment made, now you need to actually like the doctor!
While I can’t make the process of finding a doctor any easier, I can guide you through that all-important first visit. Like any relationship, preparation is the key to success. Read on to prepare effectively for your initial visit, ensuring you get the most out of it.
What is a Primary Care Physician?
Primary Care Physicians, also known as PCPs, are the first point of contact for patients in the healthcare system. They diagnose and treat common health problems, and refer patients to specialists. PCPs specialize in preventive care, identifying potential health issues before they become serious.
Why do I need a PCP?
We’ve covered this before in another article, but it’s important to have a PCP, even if you don’t have medical problems. For starters, most insurances make you to select a PCP when you start with them. Many specialists also require a referral from a PCP before you can see them. PCP visits also cost less than the ER or urgent care, saving you money and time.
It can be daunting to choose a new doctor. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to get the most out of your new patient visit and see if a PCP is right for you.
Before Your Visit:
- Gather Your Medical History: Your PCP needs your health background to provide the best care. Put together a list of previous surgeries, conditions, allergies, and medications you’re currently taking. Don’t forget to include what runs in your family, like heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, or cancer. If you can, request records from your old doctor to bring to your visit.
Protip: Even if your doctor has an EMR (electronic medical record), it doesn’t mean they can see all your previous records. NEVER assume that something is already “in the system” unless the doctor explicitly says it’s there.
- Prepare Your Questions: Write down any concerns or questions you have. This ensures you don’t forget to discuss anything during the visit. There may not be enough time to address all of your concerns. Your doctor will likely prioritize addressing symptoms that point towards a more serious issue first, like chest pain. They may ask you to schedule a follow-up appointment to address less dangerous problems.
- Make Notes About Your Symptoms: If you’re feeling unwell, note down the specifics of your symptoms, such as their frequency, duration, and any triggers you’ve noticed. Be focused – if you’re concerned about a specific issue or diagnosis, mention it, so that your doctor can address your concerns fully at the time of the visit.
The Day of the Visit:
- Arrive Early: Ideally, 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. This gives you time to fill out paperwork, and maximizes your time with the doctor. If you arrive late, you may be asked to reschedule, or your visit may be cut short. Arriving early gives you a chance to see if the doctor runs early, on time, or late – helpful information when scheduling an appointment in the future.
- Bring Your Insurance Information: Because there are too many different insurance companies for any one doctor to keep track of them all, it’s important to understand your health insurance before you arrive at your appointment. If you’re unsure about your coverage, call your insurance company beforehand to confirm the doctor you are visiting is in network, and what your applicable copay is, if any. Record who you had a conversation with in case there is a problem after the visit.
During Your Visit:
- Be open and honest. Accurate information helps the doctor make a correct diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan. If you smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs other than those prescribed, let your doctor know. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about any aspect of your health or treatment. Remember, this visit is about your wellbeing, and your PCP is there to help, not judge.
- Jot down your “homework”. Many visits conclude with the need to see a specialist, get labwork done, start a new medicine, or have an additional test performed. Write down the instructions that doctor gives you at the end of the appointment so you can check off your progress before your follow-up appointment.
After Your Visit:
- Schedule a follow-up visit before you leave. If it’s unclear when the doctor would like to see you back, ask the receptionist before leaving the office. Even just a placeholder on the calendar will remind you and the doctor of the need to “check in” on your symptoms or treatment plan.
- Complete any follow-up items before the next visit. Since you’ve taken detailed notes, you should know at this point what needs to be completed before your follow-up. Aim to have any testing and any visits to other doctors complete before your follow-up with your PCP, unless they tell you otherwise.
Preparing for your first visit with a new primary care physician can be a seamless process when you know what to expect. By gathering your medical history, preparing your questions, understanding your symptoms, bringing your insurance information, arriving early, and being honest with your doctor, you can build a solid foundation for your healthcare journey. Remember, your PCP is your partner in health, ensuring you stay on the path to wellness. By establishing an open and honest relationship from your first visit, you’re setting the stage for successful, personalized healthcare.