What to expect during a primary care visit

Types of primary care visits 

There are three main types of primary care visits: A preventive visit such as an annual physical, Medicare wellness, or well-child appointment; a routine follow-up visit to address chronic medical conditions; and an acute or sick visit. It is important to know what type of visit you are scheduled for so you can plan — and you should always bring your insurance cards to each appointment. 

Benefits of preventative visits 

A preventive visit is for focusing on general health and wellness.  You should bring any forms required by your employer or insurance company to this appointment. Typically, this visit is covered 100 percent by your insurance company and is meant to help address your lifestyle, any changes that are needed for a healthier life, as well as order all appropriate testing and screenings. It is helpful to think about any areas of your lifestyle that could be improved prior to this visit. And you should be asking about your risk of serious medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer. If there are any significant findings or concerns discovered during this visit, often a follow-up visit will be needed to address these issues in more detail. 

Routine follow-up appointments 

During a routine follow-up visit, you and your provider typically review how you are feeling, how your chronic health conditions are affecting you, along with a review of your medications and possibly any testing that has been completed prior.  It is best to have any ordered lab work done so that you can discuss any pertinent findings face-to-face. In addition, any interim specialist consults completed, hospitalizations, ER or urgent care visits are noted. 
 

Sick visits 

Lastly, during sick or acute visits, only one or two important or urgent concerns should be addressed. Writing down your questions will help you get the most out of your medical appointments to help you have as healthy a life as possible. 

Find a primary care provider