AptKeysBody · Finding a doctor
Your first appointment
When you call, say you're a new patient, give your insurance plan, say why you want to come in, and ask what to bring. New-patient appointments can take a few weeks. Arrive early with your card, photo ID, medicine list and written questions, and don't leave until you know what happens next.
You'll need
- Your insurance card (or Medicaid/CHIP information)
- Photo ID
- A list of your medicines, or the bottles
- Your family health history, if you know it
- Your questions, written down
- Your calendar
What to know
- Find someone in network first.
- Have your card in hand when you call.
- Say you're a new patient and why you're calling.
- Give your plan's name and confirm which providers in the office are in your network.
- Name the provider you'd like, and be flexible if you're sick.
- Ask for what you need.
- Ask three more things: can they send forms ahead, what should you bring, and what's the cancellation policy?
- Expect a wait.
- Arrive early and check in.
- Share the full picture.
- Don't leave confused.
Watch out Most health plans won't pay late, no-show or late-cancellation fees, so you'd owe them yourself. Put the appointment in your phone with a reminder the day before.
Dad note Write your questions down before you go. Everyone forgets them the minute the doctor walks in.