Whether you're feeling under the weather or just want an annual check-up, a visit to your primary care provider is your first stop to getting help. Here's what you need to know to get the most out of your primary care visits.
What is primary care?
Primary care is the first, or primary, point of contact for nearly all medical concerns. Primary care physicians have a wide range of general knowledge and can treat almost any minor health concerns, by prescribing medications, providing instructions for wound care, ordering blood work to check for unseen issues such as high cholesterol or markers for cancer, and much more. They also serve as a first stop to seeing a specialist provider, whether required by insurance or simply to help you narrow down your search for answers to health concerns.
Some primary care providers specialize by age range, such as pediatricians or geriatricians, but some patients may see the same primary care provider from a young age through adulthood. In addition to physicians, primary care clinicians include advanced practice providers such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
Your primary care provider relies on a broad team of professionals who all contribute to your care and may include clinical pharmacists, nurses, quality specialists, psychologists, and medical assistants. You may interact with many team members during and in-between your visits. All these team members work closely together to support your ongoing care.
Types of primary care visits
Visits to a primary care provider are categorized as acute care visits, chronic care visits, wellness checks, and hospital follow-ups. Visits may be in-person or on a video connection and may be scheduled the same day or on a day in the future based on your needs.
Acute care visits
These visits are for a specific, in-the-moment concern, such as illness or injury. They can also be referred to as sick visits.
Chronic care visits
These visits are for on-going issues, such as diabetes management or moderate acid reflux. They're usually scheduled every so often, such as three months or six months, to check on the progress of the treatment plan and monitor your condition.
Wellness checks
Also known as annual exams, though they may not happen every year or include a physical exam, these visits are wide-ranging. They may include routine blood work, basic skin checks, screening tests, and immunizations or boosters. Some providers may also perform annual cervical or prostate exams, eliminating the need to visit a specialist for an extra visit. These visits focus on evidence-based prevention strategies to help identify areas that may be a concern in the future and help keep you healthy.
Hospital follow-ups
These visits occur after an unexpected stay in the hospital or a visit to an emergency room to monitor any on-going health concerns.
How to prepare for an acute care primary visit
If you've made an appointment because you're feeling ill or have an injury, you can prepare for your visit with these steps.
- Document any symptoms, including when they started, how severe or intense they are, if there are any patterns (such as worse at night or after certain activities).
- Keep track of any home remedies you may have tried, such as over-the-counter medications or pain management therapies.
- Bring relevant health records, if you've visited a different health professional recently (such as an urgent care or another provider's office). Not all electronic medical records get sent to every primary care provider, so having a backup is helpful to make sure all the information is recorded in your chart.
- Write down any questions or concerns about your illness or injury. By writing them down in advance, you'll be able to make sure you don't forget them in the moment.
How to prepare for a wellness check visit
Wellness checks are an opportunity to focus on preventive measurements to help maintain your overall health. Before you go for your annual exam or wellness visit, follow these steps.
- Review your medical history and note any changes in your own health or your immediate family (parents, siblings, and grandparents especially). Make sure to bring any relevant medical records as well.
- Take a minute to make notes on your lifestyle, such as how much you sleep at night on average, how much alcohol or other substances you've used recently, any changes to your diet, or your general stress levels.
- Make sure your medication list is updated and make a note of any supplements you are taking.
- Write a list of any questions or concerns you may have about your health.
Access your Electronic Medical Record
Before your primary care visit, your team may request that you complete a few forms either on paper or through your electronic portal or phone app. These documents provide valuable background information on your history and care preferences to guide your visit.
Many primary care providers use electronic medical records that provide you direct access to your care team. If you’re not already connected, ask during your visit. Direct access to your team provides quicker communication, direct viewing of laboratory or imaging results, and a summary of your visit recommendations.
Tips for your primary care visit
You've done all the preparation, now it's time for the actual visit. Aim to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled visit to give yourself time to fill out or update any paperwork, and make sure your insurance card and ID are easy to get to.
When you're meeting with your provider, communicate clearly and honestly about your symptoms, habits, or concerns, and be sure to ask for clarification if you don't understand something. Take notes on specific advice, medication dosages, and next steps that the provider offers.
Taking the time to prepare for a primary care visit helps both you and your provider understand how you're feeling, keeping you on the road to recovery or feeling your best.
Find a Doctor
