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Dr. Jackie Stiff I’ve chosen a new family doctor. How should I prepare for that first visit? This viewer asks, I’ve chosen a new family doctor. How should I prepare for that first visit? Well, it’s great that you want to be prepared for this first interaction that you have with your new doctor. First, when you make your appointment make sure you are clear with the office staff what type of appointment you want to make with the doctor. Do you have a particular illness or a symptom that you would like them to evaluate? Or, is this a preventive visit? That way the office can set up the appropriate amount of time with the doctor. When you come to the doctor make sure you bring all of your previous medical history. Any medical illnesses that you have had, any surgeries; make sure you bring a list of all of your prescribed medications. Anything that you take that is over the counter as well as any supplements you may take. When you go to the office make sure you have in your mind exactly what it is you would like to achieve with that visit. Would you like to talk a little bit about how you can manage your lifestyle, your healthy behaviors or is there a particular set of symptoms that you have that you want to discuss with the doctor? When you are visiting with the physician make sure that you understand all of the instructions at the end of your interaction, your physical exam. The doctor is talking to you about the next steps, make sure you understand those next steps and write them down if you have to. If you don’t understand them feel very comfortable in asking your doctor to explain. Bring up any questions that you may not have asked in the beginning. Make sure you have everything covered before you end that time with the doctor. If there are a lot of particular types of information that you were given you can ask the doctor and the office staff if they have any health education materials that they can give you that you can take with you. So, be prepared for the visit so that it will be a very productive one.

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Meeting Your New Doctor

Question: How should I prepare for my first visit with a new family doctor?

Answer from: Dr. Jackie Stiff, M.D., prevention expert

Whether you're seeing the doctor for preventive care or you need to discuss a particular symptom, it's important to know what you want to achieve from the visit.

preventive care, Ask the Expert, Focus on Prevention, smart patient, wellness

The content of these videos is for information only and is not intended to be medical advice. Refer to your health plan benefit guide for coverage details, and consult with your doctor to determine what is best for you.

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Meeting Your New Doctor

Question: How should I prepare for my first visit with a new family doctor?

Answer from: Dr. Jackie Stiff, M.D., prevention expert

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