Making the Most of Your Visit
It’s time! You’re finally seeing your primary care doctor after the COVID shutdown; maybe it is your regular check-in or perhaps you’re heading in for that persistent pain. Either way, it has been a stressful year, so let’s ensure you make the most of your visit.
A primary care physician’s role is to provide you with comprehensive care and is often the first step in addressing your health needs. Your medical treatment is always a collaborative effort that includes you!
Here are some helpful tips to get what you need out of your appointment:
Start with a few basic questions; these will help you gather more information on the next steps with your doctor as well as what you could be doing on your own.
A primary care physician’s role is to provide you with comprehensive care and is often the first step in addressing your health needs. Your medical treatment is always a collaborative effort that includes you!
Here are some helpful tips to get what you need out of your appointment:
Start with a few basic questions; these will help you gather more information on the next steps with your doctor as well as what you could be doing on your own.
If you are coming in for an annual visit, ask your physician:
- What screening tests do I need to complete?
- Do I need to update any of my vaccinations?
- Should I consider any lifestyle changes to improve my health?
If you are being seen for a specific medical issue, ask your physician:
- What do you think it is?
- What else could it be if it isn’t that?
- When should I follow up?
- What should I do if it gets worse?
Beyond asking the right questions, we also suggest you
- write down your questions, so you don’t forget.
- write down any symptoms you have experienced as well as any worsening or relieving factors.
- make sure you give your physician all the information.
- don’t be afraid to tell your physician what you want.
Finally, make sure you are in agreement and feel comfortable with the plan.
Seeing your physician can be intimidating and often seems overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Taking these simple steps can ensure you get your questions answered and put you in control of your health.
Feeling Distressed, Depressed, Anxious or Concerned?
If you are feeling distressed, depressed, anxious or concerned we are here to help. Please set up a Telehealth appointment to discuss options. Telehealth appointments can be done with a computer or a smart-phone. We’ll come up with a personalized plan together.
Stewart Wilkey, D.O., M.P.H.
DIPLOMATE, AMERICAN BOARD
OF FAMILY MEDICINE
DIPLOMATE, AMERICAN BOARD
OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
CATHERINE J. LAWSON, M.D.
DIPLOMATE, AMERICAN BOARD OF INTERNAL MEDICINE
Victor M. Dalforno, M.D.
Diplomate, American Board of Pediatrics
