1. icon-arrow-left
    Healthy Living
Healthy Living · article

5 tips to get the most out of your primary care visit

A smiling female doctor sits at a table next to a senior female patient. She uses her stethoscope to listen to her patient's lungs. There is a clipboard and prescription bottle on the table. The hands of another person can be seen resting on the table in the foreground.

Primary care is a vital bridge between you, your doctor, and your health. Whether you're seeking preventive screenings, managing a chronic condition, or just trying to stay on top of the latest recommendations, here’s how to make the most of your one-on-one time at the doctor’s office.

“Scheduling regular checkups is a great first step,” says Mario Angulo, DO, a family medicine physician with Atlantic Health System. “Patients who make and keep their annual visits are looking for ways to stay informed about their health — and improve it. We’re in lockstep with that goal of boosting each patient’s overall well-being.”

Whether you’re a new patient or you’ve been with the same doctor for years, here are a few tips to make your primary care visit productive and tailored to your medical needs.

Preparing ahead of time

  1. Gather important information so your doctor has a comprehensive picture of your health – and your family’s health history too. Make sure you share current medications, allergies, past surgeries, and chronic conditions. If you’ve visited other doctors, an urgent care, or a hospital emergency room since your last visit, be sure to tell your doctor.
  2. Write down a list of symptoms, questions, or concerns you'd like to discuss during the appointment. Prioritize them just in case time is limited. Start a health journal to keep track of key dates, symptoms, side effects from medications, or any noticeable changes in your health between appointments.
  3. Understand that preventive care is key to good health. Your doctor will discuss recommended cancer screenings and vaccinations for your age. They’ll ask if you’re feeling depressed or anxious. They’ll track height, weight and blood pressure as important health markers. They’ll also talk about habits or behaviors that are benefitting or harming your health.
  4. Bring a notepad with questions, a health journal with dates and details, or a folder with documents to add to your MyChart health record. Your primary care provider is a valuable source, so share information, listen closely and ask questions – and be ready to take notes.
  5. Be prepared for “homework” as Dr. Angulo often calls it. If your doctor recommends tests, specialists, or subsequent visits, it’s important to relay this information back to your doctor, which you can do using MyChart. It’s critical that your primary care doctor knows how you’re handling new treatments, medications, or lifestyle changes.

Advocate for yourself during your visit

You are the best person to advocate for your health, so make sure you are open and honest, even when it comes to sensitive topics.

“It can be intimidating to open up at first, but physicians are your partners in good health,” says Dr. Angulo, who has developed long-term relationships with both English- and Spanish-speaking patients at his practice, explaining that the magic of the doctor-patient relationship naturally grows over time, through mutual trust, respect and a shared purpose in protecting your health.

“With a little preparation and honest dialogue from a patient during their visit, they’ll receive the type of personalized care they need and expect, so that they can take proactive steps toward a healthier future,” Dr. Angulo says.

Find a Primary Care Provider
Published: August 31, 2023

Related articles

Senior HealthA physical therapist's safety tips for outdoor winter activityGetting outdoors during the winter can be fun. Lean how to stay safe and prevent injuries so you can enjoy all your favorite outdoor winter activities.
Healthy LivingA new way to think about sugarAs we head into the sugar-heavy holiday season, an Atlantic Health registered dietitian offers some perspective about sugar and carbs—and how to balance them into a healthy diet.
Women's HealthThe power of protein: Why women need more than they thinkMost women don’t eat enough protein. Atlantic Health expert explains how much protein women need to support muscle strength, bone health, metabolism and hormone balance.
Healthy LivingGet the facts about 8 common UTI mythsUrologist David Chaikin, MD, explains urinary tract infections: who gets them, what causes them and how to prevent and treat them.
Healthy LivingCould this be Lyme disease? As Lyme disease surges in the Northeast, recognize the signs and symptoms of this tick-borne illness with tips from an expert at Atlantic Health.
Healthy LivingCould you be at risk for an aortic aneurysm?How do you know if your blood vessels are weak and putting you at risk for an aneurysm? Atlantic Health vascular surgeon shares the warning signs that just might save a life.
Healthy LivingThe benefits of eating local produce may surprise youAn Atlantic Health dietitian explains how eating local produce offers health benefits to you and your family, while also helping your local farmer, the community and the environment.
Healthy LivingChronic inflammation: a silent threat to long-term healthChronic inflammation in the body builds up slowly over time and can contribute to long-term health problems. An Atlantic Health expert explains how to keep it in check.
Women's HealthManaging the symptoms of PCOSPolycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition and Atlantic Health provides tailored management for symptom relief.
Healthy LivingAnti-inflammatory diets: What are they and are they right for you?Learn how anti-inflammatory diets can ease painful symptoms and lower your risk of chronic disease from an Atlantic Health expert.
Mental WellnessThe cortisol effect: how stress hormones affect your healthWhat role does cortisol (the stress hormone) play in your health? Atlantic Health expert explains when too much cortisol becomes a problem, and how to keep it in check.
Healthy LivingWhat your fingernails say about your healthLearn what to do if you see changes in your fingernails and what they might mean from a primary care physician at Atlantic Health.