Your first appointment

What to know

1. Find someone in network first. Check your plan's provider list, or ask people you trust. Source: CMS¹ See Finding a primary care doctor.
2. Have your card in hand when you call. The office may ask about you and your coverage. Source: CMS¹
3. Say you're a new patient and why you're calling. You can ask for a yearly exam or wellness visit, or say you have a specific concern, like allergies. Source: CMS¹
4. Give your plan's name and confirm which providers in the office are in your network. Source: CMS¹
5. Name the provider you'd like, and be flexible if you're sick. Asking for a specific provider can mean a longer wait, so the office may offer someone else in your network sooner. Source: CMS¹
6. Ask for what you need. If you need an interpreter or accessible equipment, ask whether they can provide it, or whether another provider there can. Source: CMS¹
7. Ask three more things: can they send forms ahead, what should you bring, and what's the cancellation policy? Some offices charge for missed or late appointments or cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice. Source: CMS¹
8. Expect a wait. New patients may wait a few weeks; if you're sick, you may be seen the same day. Source: CMS¹
9. Arrive early and check in. Bring your insurance card, photo ID, completed forms and your copay if you have one, and ask for a receipt. Source: CMS¹
10. Share the full picture. Your family history, your medicines (bottles help, so they know the dose) and your written questions. Source: CMS² You can bring a friend or family member to help. Source: CMS²
11. Don't leave confused. Before you go, you should know how your health is, what to do next, what any test is for and how you'll get results, and how to take any new medicine. Source: CMS²

Phone script to copy

"Hi, my name is [your name]. I'd like to make an appointment as a new patient.

I'm looking for a primary care provider, and I'd like a yearly checkup. [Or: I'd like to come in about (your concern).]

I have [plan name from your card]. Can you confirm that Dr. [name] is in network for my plan and taking new patients?

I'm usually free [days and times].

Can you send me any forms ahead of time? Is there anything I should bring? And what's your policy if I need to cancel or reschedule?"

Before you hang up, write down

• The date, time and provider's name
• The office address and where to park
• Anything to bring or fill out first
• How much notice they need to cancel

Questions to bring

• How is my health, and what can I do to stay healthy? Source: CMS²
• Do I need blood work or another test? What's it for, and when and how will I get results? Source: CMS²
• If I need medicine: when and how much do I take, are there side effects, and is there a generic? Source: CMS²
• Do I need a specialist or a referral? When should I come back? Source: CMS²

Booking the dentist works the same way

• Say you're a new patient and want an exam and cleaning.
• Give your dental plan's name (it's often separate from your health plan) and ask if they take it.
• Uninsured? HRSA-funded health centers offer dental care with fees based on income. Source: HRSA³
• Plan on at least one visit a year. Source: CDC⁴

If it doesn't work

• The visit didn't feel right? It's OK to switch to a different provider. Source: CMS¹
• Treated badly? You should be treated with respect and have your information kept private. Ask to speak with the office manager or the provider; if it isn't resolved, that office may not be right for you. Source: CMS²
• Worried about the cost of a prescription? Tell the provider. They may have cheaper options or know of programs that help. Source: CMS²
• Didn't understand something? Speak up, and ask for written materials and a number to call with questions. Source: CMS²