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Annual Check-up

What to Expect Before and At Appointments

Tips on scheduling appointments, talking to your doctor, bringing support, and preparing questions.

Scheduling a Doctor's Appointment

If You Have Health Insurance

Before scheduling, check if the provider accepts your insurance:

  • Call the doctor’s office: Ask if they accept your specific insurance plan.

  • Visit their website: Many clinics list accepted insurance providers.

  • Search your insurance provider's website: Use the “Find a Doctor” tool to filter by in-network options.

If You Don’t Have Health Insurance

There are still affordable options:

  • Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs): Sliding scale fees based on income. Find one at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.

  • Free and Charitable Clinics: Use nafcclinics.org to locate clinics in your area.

  • Planned Parenthood: Offers general healthcare and accepts patients without insurance.

  • Local health departments: Many provide low-cost or free primary care services.

  • Prescription discount programs and charity care programs at hospitals may also be options if medication or treatment is needed.

Ways to Schedule

  • Phone call: Ask to book an “establishing care” or “follow-up” appointment.

  • Online portals: Many providers use tools like MyChart for self-scheduling.

Doctor on a Computer

Types of Appointments

  • Establishing Care/New Patient: Longer appointment to review full history. Book this if it's your first time seeing a provider.

  • Follow-up/Recurring Visit: Shorter, often focused on ongoing issues.

​If you have multiple concerns, ask for a longer appointment when scheduling.

Referrals and Specialists

What is a Referral?

A referral is a written order from your primary care provider (PCP) to see a specialist. Some insurance plans (especially HMOs) require this before they’ll cover specialist visits.

When Do You Need One?

  • If your insurance requires referrals for specialists

  • If the specialist’s office asks for it upfront

Don’t have a referral but need specialist care? Ask to speak with a nurse or patient advocate at the specialist’s office, they may help coordinate a referral on your behalf.

Quick Tip!

Mark appointments on your calendar or phone to avoid missing them. Missed appointments can come with cancellation fees.

How to Prepare for Your Visit

  • Bring a list of current medications and diagnoses.

  • Review your symptoms and side effects since your last appointment.

  • Write down any questions or concerns you have.

  • Bring previous medical records or test results if you're seeing a new provider.

  • Consider bringing a support person to help you remember what was said.

 

Your doctor should understand your full health picture, but it’s also important that you understand what each specialist does so you can ask the right questions.

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For more tips, check out our Doctor Appointment Planner and Symptom Trackers!.

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