Advice for that first visit: 4 steps to save your time

1. The most important thing for that new office visit with that new primary care doctor or specialist?  Be on time, even 15 minutes early.

Yes, you may have to sit and wait, and you know why?  Because of the half dozen other people who didn't show up on time.  We had one patient show up 15 minutes late at my doctor's office this morning and it threw us off for the entire day's schedule.  Show up early and the front desk staff will love you.  Trust me on this one.

2. Bring your ID and your insurance card. 

Medical regulations and HIPAA regulations are tougher than ever.  Make sure we know that it's you and we can serve you faster and better.  And if you need to get your records from another doctor, bring their address and phone number so we can have you fill out the right forms. 

3. Bring a list of your medications! 

Your doctor may have gone to medical school but that doesn't mean they will know what "the blue pill for my heart" is!  Bring a list of your medications, the dosages and the time of day you take them and your doctor will be very grateful.

4.  If the office mails you any paperwork to fill out beforehand, please do so and bring it with you. 

You will save yourself a lot of time with questions about your history that the doctor needs to know to treat you.  They may only have 30 minutes to see you depending on insurance demands, so make the most of it.  You don't want to have to explain your entire family history when your new doctor could simply read over it and then ask any questions he or she has. 

That's a few bits of advice to start.  More later!  Happy and Healthy New Year to you all . . . .