1. Build a relationship with your provider
Studies show patient satisfaction is higher and medical outcomes are better when patients choose a regular Primary Care Provider and maintain a relationship with them for their care. UHS makes it easy! Choose your provider or learn more about our staff online on the Meet the Staff pages.
2. Prepare for your visit
Prepare to review the onset, nature, and changes in your symptoms with your provider. Some patients find it helpful to write down their symptoms to present to their provider. Please see the Patient Guide to Sensitive Exams to best understand your options should an exam of this nature be required.
3. State the reason(s) for your visit at the beginning of your visit
Start your visit by stating your main problem or primary reason for the visit (as well as any other items you'd like to discuss), so that you and your provider can agree on an agenda for the visit.
4. Plan to follow-up
Be ready to return for follow-up at future visits if your provider asks you to do so. Complex conditions or multiple concerns may require more than one visit to address, and chronic medical conditions like diabetes, asthma, depression, etc., often require regular follow-up to get the best care.
5. Ask questions
Be sure you understand what your provider recommends for treatment or further evaluation, and that you know what is required of you to optimize your health and/or recovery. If you are not sure you know all the necessary steps in your treatment plan - ask for clarification!
Ongoing
- Keep an updated record of (or at least the knowledge of) the health history information noted under "prepare for your appointment" above. This information will continue to be useful for future appointments.
- Keep a first aid kit with a thermometer. Your temperature is always a useful indicator of illness, and you will be asked for this information when you call the advice nurse.
