Your primary care provider is often the first clinician you see for a checkup or a non-emergency health concern. They can help assess what is going on, discuss preventive care, and manage your overall health. If you need another kind of care, they can help you understand what to do next.
Your first stop for everyday health questions
A primary care provider, or PCP, may be a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. Providers and practices differ in whom they care for and which services they offer. You can ask whether a practice sees adults and whether it handles the concern you want to discuss.
You do not need to know which test or specialist you need before asking for help. Describe what has changed, when it began, and how it has affected you. Your provider can assess the concern and discuss an appropriate next step.
Preventive care should fit your health history
A checkup may include discussion of screening tests, vaccines, and health habits. Which screenings make sense for you depends on factors such as your age, overall health, family health history, and individual risks.
You can ask, “Which preventive services should we discuss, and why are they relevant to me?” Tell your provider about changes in your health or family history since your last visit. If a test is recommended, ask what it is for and how you will receive the result. A checkup is a chance to discuss which services fit your circumstances, rather than assume that the same tests apply to everyone.
Follow-up for ongoing conditions and medicines
If you have an ongoing health concern, use your visit to explain what has changed and ask about your care plan. Let your provider know if you are having side effects, finding it hard to take a medicine as directed, or facing another practical difficulty. Bring a current list of medicines, vitamins, and supplements so you can review it together.
You might ask, “What should I keep track of before we meet again?” or “What should I do if I have a question about this medicine?” Ask when to follow up and what to do if your symptoms do not improve. Follow the instructions from your own care team.
When another clinician or test is involved
Your provider may recommend a test, another appointment, or a referral to a specialist. Ask what the next step is and who will arrange it. If you are referred, find out how information from the specialist will get back to your primary care team.
Before you leave, clarify when results are expected, how you will hear about them, and whom to contact if you have a question or have not received an update. Writing down the plan can help you remember what happens next.
Choosing a provider and preparing for a visit
Consider practical details such as location, hours, how to contact the practice, the age groups it serves, and whether the provider is covered by your insurance. Confirm insurance details with your insurer and practice details with the office. It also helps to feel comfortable asking questions and getting explanations you understand.
Before an appointment, write down your questions and concerns. Bring a list of medicines and supplements, and note when a symptom began or how it has changed. If you need an interpreter, contact the office ahead of time to ask for one.
Questions to take to your next appointment
- What could be causing the concern I came in about, and what should I watch for?
- Which preventive services make sense for me, and why?
- What is this medicine or test for, and how will I get the results?
- What happens next, and when should I follow up?
Choose the question you most want answered and write it down before your visit.