Three Ways to Prepare for Your First Primary Care Appointment

As a primary care provider, I know that coming to the doctor can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first visit. But I want to assure you that my goal, and the goal of everyone in the office, is to make this a positive experience where you feel comfortable, heard, and supported. To help you get the most out of your visit, here are three simple ways you can prepare. Trust me, these small steps can make a big difference!

1. Be Honest: Your Primary Care Provider is Here to Help, Not Judge
   
It’s completely normal to feel a bit nervous about sharing your health information, especially if there’s something you’re not proud of—whether it’s skipping medications, feeling unsure about a past diagnosis, or avoiding a topic you feel embarrassed about. But let me reassure you: We're here to help, not judge.

We all have challenges when it comes to our health. The best thing you can do is be honest about yours. The more open you are, the better we can work together to make sure you get the care you need. This is a safe space. We’ll talk through your concerns and challenges without judgment, so we can find solutions that work for you.

Pro Tip: If there’s something specific you’re worried about, it might help to jot it down before the appointment. Sometimes writing it out can make it feel easier to talk about when we meet.

2. Make a List: Let’s Dive into Your Health History Together

Before your appointment, try to make a list of everything you think is important to your health. This could include:
   - Medications you’re currently taking
   - Any major surgeries, hospitalizations, or past diagnoses
   - Family history of health conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, etc.)
   - Any symptoms you’ve been experiencing

You don’t have to get everything perfect—**we’ll go over it together** in more detail. But having a starting point helps make sure we don’t miss anything important. If you’re not sure what to include, there are free resources and tools online that can help you organize your medical history. Feel free to ask us for recommendations; we’re happy to point you in the right direction.

Your health history gives us a full picture of where you’re at, and even the smallest detail could be important in making the right recommendations for your care.

Pro Tip: If you can’t remember everything, don’t stress! Even bringing in a list of your medications or the name of a condition you’ve been diagnosed with is a great start.

3. Be On Time: We Want to Give You the Time You Deserve

We know life happens, and sometimes things come up that make it hard to get to your appointment exactly on time. But whenever possible, try to arrive a few minutes early. That extra buffer helps us make sure you get all the time you deserve with your provider.

Here’s how it works: when you arrive on time, it gives our team the chance to room you, go over any initial questions, and get you settled. This way, when the doctor walks in, you’ll have the full time to focus on what matters most—your health.

We understand that schedules can be tricky (believe me, we get it!). But the more on time we all are, the smoother everything runs. Plus, this helps ensure that you get every minute with your provider that you deserve.

Pro Tip: If you’re running late or something unexpected comes up, give us a quick call. We’ll do our best to accommodate you or find another time that works, so you still get the care you need.

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Your first primary care visit is an important step toward better health, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. By being honest, coming prepared, and being on time, you’ll be setting yourself up for a successful and productive appointment. 

At the end of the day, this is about you—and we’re here to listen, provide guidance, and work with you to meet your health goals. We can’t wait to see you and help you get started on your journey to feeling your best.

Dr. Darci Finocchiaro
Primary Care Physician