What to Expect During Your First Primary Care Visit

Primary care is the first point of contact in the health care system. Primary care providers aim to promote their patients' overall well-being, including their physical and mental health. They provide care through preventative measures and the help of long-term plans for chronic conditions. Knowing what to expect during your first appointment can help foster a positive start to this relationship.

The check-in process

Upon arrival, patients are greeted by the receptionist, who assists them in checking in. The receptionist then provides them with in-take forms, which will help guide some of the process. On these forms, one of the most pertinent information patients need to ensure they have available is their insurance provider. Further, some forms will relate to a patient's familial and personal medical history. Therefore, it may be worth contacting one to two generations (parents and grandparents) prior to the appointment to learn if chronic conditions or diseases run in the family.

Breakdown of medical history

After check-in, patients will be ushered to a room where they will be able to provide more details on their medical history. This information does not only include chronic conditions but also if there were past procedures, significant injuries, or previous emergency room visits (within the past year). Further, the primary care provider will review medication and supplement use, including prescription and over-the-counter. Patients may find it helpful to bring a list of the name, frequency of use, and dosage to share with the provider.

Undergo a physical examination

The primary care provider can partially or totally perform a physical examination. Sometimes, a portion of it is conducted by the attending nurse or provider assistant. However, this only relates to recording vital signs (resting heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure), height, and weight. Further, the provider will perform a test called auscultation, using a stethoscope to listen to blockages or excess fluid in the lungs, heart, and intestines.

Diagnostic testing

Regardless of a patient's medical history, most primary care providers order a urinalysis as a general rule of thumb—a urinalysis tests for various conditions through a patient's urine. Results from the test typically return during the same appointment. Additionally, some providers find it necessary to draw blood. However, this can vary from patient to patient. Further, if one is living with or suspected of a chronic condition like diabetes, the provider will take and record their blood glucose (sugar) levels, which usually only requires a prick on the finger.

Review of findings and lifestyle

After testing and better understanding the patient's medical history, the provider will review potential conditions and care recommendations. Note that this information can be overwhelming for some patients, especially after one appointment. However, all patients are encouraged to ask as many questions as possible to obtain clarity.

Patients can also share personal health goals, including weight gain or loss, pregnancy plans, and more. The more detail the patient reveals, the more effective the provider's advice regarding lifestyle, diet, medications, and more will be. Once the appointment is complete, patients can schedule their next appointment for a follow-up or the next annual visit.

Call us to take control of your health

Primary care visits are relatively straightforward. They are committed to providing care for patients through every stage of their life. A primary care provider can equip you with the tools and information necessary to keep yourself and your community healthy. If you are ready to take control of your health, contact Orange County House Calls to schedule an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://orangecountyhousecalls.com or call Orange County House Calls at (949) 204-1334 for an appointment in our Aliso Viejo office.