An individual’s first appointment with a new doctor can be a nerve-wracking experience.

That said, properly preparing for such an event might reduce anxiety, quickly forge a new professional relationship and ultimately lead to the patient receiving higher quality care. Specific preparatory actions include:

Gathering Current Medical Records

Naturally, a doctor will need a new patient’s medical records. Though a significant amount of medical information is now logged electronically, presenting a new doctor with paper documents might prove more convenient for both parties. Laws governing the exchange of medical information can be strict and convoluted. Ergo, such circumstances might delay or possibly preclude the physician in question from gaining access to such data.

Provide All Necessary Patient Information

Since a new doctor has neither examined the incoming patient not reviewed any of their records, any information the healthcare professional can be given in reference to their new case will prove invaluable. Pertinent information the new patient should consider providing includes the medications they ingest, any pre-existing conditions they have been diagnosed with, the procedures or operations they have undergone, known allergies, family history of illnesses and the names and contact number of previous physicians.

Additionally, the results of any specific tests performed might also prove beneficial. Previous tests results will help doctors make important comparisons when receiving feedback from new examinations.

Bring Pertinent Documentation

A new doctor will need certain pieces of pertinent documentation from an incoming patient. In many instances, patients will need to provide copies of their insurance card or policy number, photo identification and the names and contact numbers of emergency contacts.

Have Realistic Expectations

Sometimes, patients have a tendency to think of doctors as superhuman. It is important to realize that, while physicians are intelligent and gifted persons, they are human also. Therefore, they might ask a new patient many questions. Ergo, patients should set realistic expectations of their new doctor and demonstrate the patience and understanding that they would expect of a healthcare provider.

Display Openness And Honesty

A doctor is there to serve patients. That said, new patients should not hesitate to display openness and honesty from their very first encounter. Demonstrating such qualities can help establish a better and immediate doctor-patient relationship.