When it comes to seeing a doctor for the first time, you will want to share with them important information about your health. This will include your personal medical information/medical history, and you family history. Read below for more helpful information for your first appointment with a new doctor.
How Do I Prepare for My First Doctor’s Visit?
What to bring
- Any insurance cards for current coverage
- Your driver’s license or another valid photo ID
- A list of any prescription medications and vitamins you’re currently taking
- A copy of your medical records from your previous doctor or primary care physician; if you don’t have these, you can ask your previous doctor to send them
- Your health history, including chronic conditions and illnesses and previous surgeries
- A list of specialists you see
A list of questions you’d like to ask, such as:
- How should I contact you when I have a question?
- Do you have an email address?
- What’s the best way to get a prescription refilled?
- How far in advance will I need to make an appointment?
- Where should I go if I need urgent or emergency care?
See what your plan covers before your appointment
Your office visit copay
What you pay and what your plan pays
The kinds of services your plan helps pay for
Visiting a New Doctor
Make an Introductory Appointment
Begin by making an appointment just to get to know the new doctor, and perhaps to have a physical. You may want to do this before you leave the former doctor, if possible.
Visiting the new doctor when you have a few minutes to talk generally is a much better way to start a new relationship than when you’re sick or hurt and must deal with those problems instead of your general health.
Make Copies of Your Medical Record
It’s good practice to keep copies of all your medical records. Therefore, make a second set of copies so you can keep one and give the other to the new doctor.
If possible, provide the copies to your new doctor before your visit. If they have time, they may review them before your appointment, which can help it go better.
Be Prepared With Questions
Write down a master list of questions to discuss with your new doctor.
If you decide to tell them why you left your old doctor, know that you’re providing information about your expectations for this new relationship.
Discuss these points respectfully and politely so you can establish a professional, trustful relationship.
Be a Good Patient
Once you’re with a new doctor, remember you need to invest as much in your health and the relationship as your new doctor does.
Yes, they’re supposed to fix your health problems—but they can do that better if you make healthy life choices and follow their instructions when problems arise.
What Questions Should I Ask a New Doctor?
Basics
- Is the doctor taking new patients?
- Is the doctor a preferred provider under my insurance plan?
- Does the doctor accept Medicare?
Determining a Doctor’s Qualifications and Background
- Is the doctor board certified? In what field?
- Is the age, sex, race, or religion of the doctor important to me?
- Will language be an obstacle to communication? Is there someone in the office who speaks my language?
- Do I prefer a group practice or an individual doctor?
- Does it matter which hospital the doctor admits patients to?
Location of the Doctor’s Office
- Is the location of the doctor’s office important? How far am I willing to travel to see the doctor?
- Is there parking? What does it cost? Is the office on a bus or subway line?
- Does the building have an elevator? What about ramps for a wheelchair or walker?
Know the Doctor’s Office Policies
- What days/hours does the doctor see patients?
- Are there times set aside for the doctor to take phone calls? Does the doctor accept emailed questions? Is there a charge for this service?
- Does the doctor ever make house calls?
- How far in advance do I have to make appointments?
- What’s the process for urgent care? How do I reach the doctor in an emergency?
- Who takes care of patients after hours or when the doctor is away?
Supreme Medical Center in Houston
When it comes to getting better fast, the best thing you can do is schedule an appointment with your physician at the first sign of illness. At Supreme Medical Center our doctors work with you to treat your symptoms and get you back to feeling like yourself in no time.
Supreme Medical Center
350 N Sam Houston Pkwy E
Suite B240
Houston, TX 77060
281-809-5470
View our Facebook page
View our Google Business Listing
