by Dr. Julian Nieves, MD
Salud Primary Care
• If new to a physician, bring copy of your most recent results of blood work or other tests that have been taken.
• Ask your doctor about the status of your immunizations and what the new recommendations are for adults. Fore example, a new vaccination to prevent pertussis (whooping cough) is now recommended for many adults.
• Bring a health journal. At least a week, or even a month in advance, take note of your health including paying attention to your diet, exercise, weight gain or loss, sleep interruptions, physician or mental health concerns, chronic or new areas of discomfort.
• Screenings are about prevention but it is unwise to take tests unnecessarily. Ask your doctor what s/he recommends and why. Family history and age should be considered.
• Take advantage of the time you spend with the nurse as s/he takes your vital signs and measures your weight, blood pressure, temperature, etc. Ask them if there have been significant changes to your statistics.
• Look to the future: Are you anticipating conceiving? Traveling out of the country? Discuss this with your doctor during your visit.
• Preventative measures may be discussed, such as does your physician recommend you take a daily aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke. What about vitamins and supplements?
• Review your medications to see if there are any current medicines that are no longer needed or if there are generics that can be substituted. Side effects to current prescriptions should be brought to your doctor's attention.
• Ask about new approaches to health care including Direct Primary Care, a modality that may be appropriate for your family.
