Each visit with your primary care physician is a valuable opportunity to assess your overall health and to address concerns you may have. However, any medical appointment can feel a little overwhelming, leaving you with unanswered questions or feeling that you did not use the time with your provider wisely. To help you make the most of your primary care visits, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Come to Your Appointment Fully Prepared
Be sure you have your photo ID and your health insurance card with you. If you need documents for work or school signed by your provider, have them ready as well. Arrive at your appointment 10 minutes early to take care of check-in and to settle yourself before seeing your healthcare provider.
Also, before your appointment, take some time to write down any symptoms or concerns you want to discuss with your primary care provider. Bring a complete list of medications, vitamins, and supplements you currently take, and any recent test results from other providers.
Many people like to bring a trusted friend or relative along to their primary care appointments. This significant other is your “second set of ears,” helping you note and understand what your primary care provider tells you. Your loved one may remember important details to share with your provider concerning symptoms or responses to current meds and therapies.
Be Honest and Specific with Your Primary Care Provider
Your primary care physician is your partner in health and wellness. The most accurate information possible will help your provider develop diagnoses and plan the best possible treatments.
Don’t be afraid to share–with complete honesty–the physical/mental symptoms that concern you. Be specific as to when they started, their location and duration, and what may help relieve them.
Additionally, reveal all aspects of your family and personal medical history. This includes information about diet, exercise habits, smoking, alcohol usage, and mental/emotional issues.
These details help your primary care provider better understand potential risk factors and provide tailored recommendations for preventative care, such as screenings for cancer. There’s no judgment with your PCP–only a real and compassionate desire to help you achieve and maintain your best overall health and well-being.
Listen Well
During your appointment, actively listen to what your healthcare provider has to say. Ask questions if you don’t understand something or need further clarification about a medication, test procedures, or an unfamiliar medical term.
Take notes in a journal or on your phone if necessary. You will better remember important details or care instructions that your healthcare provider gives you.
Be Sure You Self-Advocate
If something doesn’t feel right during your visit or you have any concerns about your treatment plan, let your primary care provider know. Your feedback is invaluable. It ensures that you receive the best possible care.
Follow Through with Recommended Tests and Treatment Plans
After your appointment, follow through with any recommended tests or treatment plans. These are important for maintaining your health and addressing any potential issues.
To keep track of your appointments, consider setting phone reminders or using a calendar to stay organized. Also, the patient portal on your provider’s website has helpful tools for managing your appointments, information on your chart, test results, treatments, vaccinations, and more. Also, your safe and secure patient portal is a great way to communicate with your primary care provider regarding non-urgent medical matters.
Stay Educated
Take the time to learn about your health conditions, medications, and treatment plans. Ask your physician questions during your visits, and do research on reputable websites. Be knowledgeable about your own health. You will make informed decisions as an active participant in your healthcare.
Communicate with Your Healthcare Team
Be open and honest with your healthcare team about changes in symptoms or concerns that arise between visits. This helps your provider monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Additionally, if you are seeing multiple specialists, make sure they are aware of other treatments you receive. You will avoid potential conflicts in care or duplicate tests and prescriptions.
Your Primary Care Provider in Irmo, SC
At SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation, our team of primary care providers value their patients and their immediate and long-term health. We hope to see you regularly for wellness visits, as preventive care is the foundation of all we do.
To learn more about our services or to arrange your annual check-up, call us at (803) 749-1111. You also may request your visit here. We look forward to a long and beneficial patient/provider relationship!
