A primary care center is a facility that provides comprehensive medical care to patients. The staff at a primary care center includes doctors, nurses, and other health professionals who work together to provide high-quality patient care.
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give much thought to what happens after you walk into your primary care center on the day of your appointment. However, there are many things you can do to make sure that your visit goes as smoothly as possible.
What To Do When You Get To Your Primary Care Center
- Check-in with the receptionist. Let them know who you are and why you’re there. You need to present your government-issued ID, such as a license, to the receptionist, as well as your insurance card. Double check you have these documents when leaving your home and have them handy when you approach the counter.
- Present your new patient form. You should be able to download and fill out new patient forms from the practice’s website. This saves you a lot of time when you get to the clinic and makes the check-in process smoother.
- Bring all your test results. Your history of medical scans and laboratory testing are important and your doctor may find them useful in getting a clear picture of your medical history.
- Be prepared for questions from the doctor. These questions can be about your health symptoms, medical history, or lifestyle. It’s important that they have all of this information, so they can provide the best possible care for you.
- Talk to your doctor and communicate your health concerns. Feel free to ask about anything that you want to know about your condition or why they are recommending a certain test or treatment option, and make sure you understand them fully before you leave. You can take notes on your phone or use a pen and paper, whichever is easier for you, so you don’t forget anything.
- Talk about medications and fill your prescriptions if necessary. Let your doctor know all medications and supplements you are taking. This way, they can provide advice on potentially negative interactions between drugs. Doctors may write out a prescription or send it electronically to your preferred local pharmacy.
- Ask for copies of everything. Get copies of test results, referrals, or other important papers before leaving, so you have them on hand later.
- Schedule your follow-up visit. If necessary, schedule your follow-up appointment before leaving, so you can sit down and coordinate your schedule with the doctor’s availability.
- Ask about communication lines. Ask about alternative ways to connect with your doctor, such as emails, virtual visits, phone calls, and text messaging.
- Talk to the staff. Try to maintain good communication with not just doctors but their staff, because they, too, are part of your care team.
Primary Care Center in West Orange, NY
Hudson MD Group offers high-quality, individualized primary care services for patients of all ages in all our locations in West Orange. Our primary care doctors treat a wide range of medical conditions in a family-friendly setting, with friendly and helpful staff that is more than happy to help advance your health.
If it’s your first visit, we will guide you on how to make it easier and more efficient. Call us today at (973) 705-4914 for any questions or to schedule an appointment with one of our primary care doctors. We look forward to your call!
