Guide to Making Medical Appointments

Steps to follow when considering or making medical appointments:

• Figure out what you need
  • Check-up: yearly physical, sports form, or general health visit
  • Sick visit: when you’re not feeling well
  • Specialist: for specific problems (skin → dermatologist, eyes → eye doctor, etc.)
• Get your info ready
  • You’ll usually need:
    • Full name and date of birth
    • Health insurance card (if you have one)
    • Reason for visit (“I need a physical” or “I’ve had a sore throat for a week”)
    • A few days/times you’re available
• Contact the office
  • You can usually call, schedule online, or use a patient app/portal
  • If calling, say...
    • “Hi, my name is [Name]. I’d like to make an appointment with Dr. [Last Name] for [reason].”
    • Ask for:
      • Date and time
      • Office location
      • Anything you need to bring or do before your appointment
• Write it down!
  • Save the appointment in your phone or planner:
    • Date & time
    • Address
    • Office phone number
    • Special instructions
• Before you go:
  • Locate your ID, insurance card, and a list of medications and take them to the appointment!
  • If under 18, a parent or guardian may need to attend and/or sign forms
  • Arrive 10–15 minutes early to check in
• During the appointment:
  • Be honest and specific about how you feel — doctors can’t help if they don’t know
  • Ask questions if something is confusing or the doctor is going too fast:
    • “Can you explain that again?”
    • “What should I do if it doesn’t get better?”
• After the appointment:
  • Follow your doctor’s advice (take meds, rest, etc.)
  • Schedule any follow-ups before leaving
  • Update your calendar so you don’t forget!