Your first visit to an internist is when you and your doctor get to know each other. It is where you start to see if this is someone who truly listens to you and cares about your health.
You’ll want to show up prepared to make the most of this first appointment. If you arrive at the office with proper information, your doctor can get a clear picture of your health and give you the right care from the start. Below, our internists in Munster, Indiana are going to highlight some of the things you may want to bring to your first appointment.
Walk into your first doctor’s visit fully prepared with everything your internist needs.
On your first visit with an internist in Munster, Indiana, there are some things you must remember to bring with you. First is a list of all the medications you take. Include all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and even supplements. Next to each item, write the dosage (like “one pill”) and frequency (like “every morning”).
You will also want to share your personal medical history. Think back to any major health problems you have had and write them down. This could be past surgeries and hospital stays, or any health conditions you currently live with. This information is for your internist to understand what your body has been through.
Remember to bring your family medical history as well. Conditions like heart disease, high cholesterol, or certain types of cancer can run in families. So, tell your doctor if your parents, brothers, sisters, or grandparents had any of these health conditions. It can help them watch out for those issues in you too.
You should also bring your insurance card and a photo ID with you. The front desk will need those to check you in and make sure your visit is covered by your insurance.
If you have been to other doctors, try to get your medical records from them. You can just call the other doctor’s office and ask them to send your documents. They can email or fax them to your new internist’s office.
You should also note down any symptoms you have experienced lately. Even small changes in sleep or energy could point to a more serious health condition, so it is good for your doctor to know.
How to talk to your doctor?
On the day of your appointment with an internist in Munster, Indiana, you may want to take a few minutes to write things down. Get a piece of paper or your phone and write down anything you have been thinking about or worried about. It could be a list of questions you want to ask or your worries. Sometimes, people get nervous at the doctor and forget what they wanted to say once they are in the room. Writing it down makes it easier to remember.
It can also help to bring a friend or family member to your appointment, so be sure to ask someone you trust. This person can back you up, catch anything you might miss, and speak up for you if you forget something. Just having someone there can make the visit feel much more comfortable and less scary.
You should even be ready to talk about your lifestyle because your doctor might ask you questions related to that to see what could be affecting your health. They might ask about what you eat most days, whether you exercise, how well you sleep, and if you drink alcohol or smoke. They might even ask how you deal with stress or how things are going emotionally.
Try to be honest and open when your doctor asks you anything. Your doctor is there to help you, not judge you. And the more honest you are, the better care you will get.
Looking for an Affordable Internist in Munster, Indiana?
Are you ready to meet with an internist in Munster, Indiana who will listen to your concerns and help you stay healthy? If so, 219 Health Network is the top choice. Our team of board-certified internists is here to offer affordable yet comprehensive care for adults at every stage of life. Contact us today at 833-219-0001 to schedule your first appointment.