What to Expect During Your First Internal Medicine Visit
Starting with a new doctor can feel overwhelming—but your first internal medicine visit is one of the most important steps you can take toward achieving long-term health and wellness. At Medicine4U, our compassionate and highly skilled internal medicine team is here to guide you through every stage of your care journey.
Below will walk you through what to expect, how to prepare, and what happens after your visit. Whether you’re visiting for a check-up, a new concern, or managing a chronic condition, this guide is for you.
What Is Internal Medicine?
Internal medicine focuses on adult healthcare—ranging from preventive care to the management of chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Internists (internal medicine physicians) are experts in diagnosing complex medical problems, managing multiple health conditions simultaneously, and promoting preventive strategies to maintain your health.
Many adults choose internists as their primary care providers because they are uniquely trained to handle everything from general wellness visits to advanced disease management and coordination of specialty care.
How to Prepare for Your First Visit
Being prepared will help make your first appointment productive and informative. Here’s a deeper look at how you can get ready:
1. Gather Your Medical History
Your internist will need a clear picture of your health background. Come prepared with:
A current list of medications: Include the names, dosages, and how often you take them. This should include over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbal remedies. Knowing your medications helps avoid harmful interactions and ensures your treatment is safe and effective.
Past surgeries and hospitalizations: Make a timeline of any past procedures or hospital stays. This helps your doctor understand your medical journey so far and any complications or conditions that may affect future care.
Chronic illnesses: If you’ve been diagnosed with conditions like asthma, high blood pressure, or arthritis, be ready to share how long you’ve had the condition and what treatments you’re currently undergoing.
Allergies: Bring a list of any known allergies—especially to medications, foods, or environmental factors. Allergic reactions can significantly impact treatment decisions.
Family history: Certain diseases, like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, can run in families. A complete family history can help your internist tailor preventive care and screenings specifically for you.
2. Document Your Current Symptoms and Concerns
If you’re visiting due to specific symptoms or discomfort, be clear and detailed:
When did your symptoms start?
How frequently do they occur?
What makes them better or worse?
Have you tried any treatments so far?
Are the symptoms interfering with your daily life or sleep?
The more detailed your notes, the more accurately your internist can diagnose the issue.
3. Write Down Questions to Ask
Many patients forget to ask important questions during their visit. Write down what you want to discuss ahead of time, such as:
Should I be screened for any conditions based on my age or family history?
Are there any lifestyle changes I should consider?
Do I need any vaccinations?
What steps can I take to manage stress or improve sleep?
Are my current medications still the best option?
Asking informed questions fosters a collaborative relationship with your doctor.
4. Bring Key Documents
Having the right documents on hand will speed up your check-in process:
A valid photo ID and insurance card.
Any referrals if required by your insurance provider.
Copies of your medical records or imaging results (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) from previous providers, especially if you’re switching doctors or have ongoing health concerns.
What Happens During Your First Internal Medicine Visit
Now that you’re prepared, here’s what typically happens during your appointment at Medicine4U:
1. Check-In and Paperwork
You’ll be asked to fill out intake forms, consent forms, and possibly some lifestyle questionnaires. Be honest—these forms provide the foundation for your physician’s assessment.
2. Vital Signs and Initial Screening
A nurse or medical assistant will take your vital signs, including:
Blood pressure: Elevated readings may indicate stress, medication side effects, or hypertension.
Heart rate: Your pulse tells a lot about your cardiovascular health.
Respiration rate: Helps detect breathing or lung issues.
Temperature: Identifies infections or inflammation.
Weight and height: Used to calculate your BMI, which plays a role in assessing risk for heart disease, diabetes, and more.
Depending on your symptoms, a basic vision test or EKG might also be done during the initial screening.
3. Detailed Medical History Discussion
Your internist will review the information you provided and ask follow-up questions to clarify details or uncover anything new. They may ask about:
Your daily routine and stress levels.
Your eating and exercise habits.
Alcohol, tobacco, or drug use.
Mental health, sleep, and overall well-being.
This conversation allows your physician to evaluate your risk factors for various conditions and develop a personalized care plan.
4. Comprehensive Physical Exam
This hands-on evaluation may include:
Listening to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope.
Palpating your abdomen to check for tenderness or abnormalities.
Inspecting your skin for rashes, lesions, or unusual pigmentation.
Checking your reflexes, coordination, and muscle strength to assess your nervous system.
Examining your ears, eyes, nose, and throat for signs of infection or other concerns.
5. Possible Diagnostic Testing
Based on your age, symptoms, and risk factors, your internist may order:
Blood tests: These can detect diabetes, thyroid issues, high cholesterol, vitamin deficiencies, and more.
Urine tests: Useful for kidney function, infections, or metabolic issues.
Electrocardiogram (EKG): Measures the electrical activity of your heart, especially if you have chest pain or a heart condition.
X-rays or ultrasounds: To evaluate symptoms like joint pain, breathing problems, or abdominal issues.
These tests help your doctor paint a full picture of your health status.
6. Vaccination Review and Preventive Care
Your internist will evaluate your vaccination status and may recommend:
Flu shot (yearly)
Tetanus booster (every 10 years)
Pneumococcal vaccine (recommended for older adults or those with chronic illnesses)
COVID-19 vaccine and boosters
Shingles vaccine (for patients over 50)
Preventive screenings, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, or bone density tests, may also be discussed based on your age and risk factors.
7. Personalized Care Plan
You’ll leave the appointment with a clear understanding of:
Any diagnoses made during your visit.
Lifestyle modifications to adopt—such as changes in diet, exercise, or stress management.
Any new medications or adjustments to current ones.
Next steps, including follow-up appointments, referrals to specialists, or additional testing.
After Your Visit: What Comes Next?
Follow-Up Appointments
If you underwent lab work or diagnostic testing, you’ll likely need to return to review the results. Your internist may also want to monitor how well a new medication is working or track improvements from lifestyle changes.
Update Your Health Records
Keep track of what was discussed, prescribed, or scheduled. Maintaining an organized health folder or digital app with your visit summaries can be extremely helpful.
Stay in Touch
Medicine4U encourages communication even after your appointment. If you have any side effects, new symptoms, or questions about your care plan, don’t hesitate to call the office or use their patient portal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: How long does a first internal medicine visit usually take?
Answer: Most first-time visits take between 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your health complexity and whether any tests are conducted.
Question: Will I receive prescriptions on the first visit?
Answer: If your internist determines that you need medication (such as for blood pressure, cholesterol, or infection), they may prescribe it during your initial visit. In some cases, additional tests may be needed first.
Question: Can I choose my internist as my primary care provider?
Answer: Yes! Many patients use their internist as their primary care provider (PCP). Internists are specially trained to manage both routine and complex health needs in adults.
Question: What if I feel nervous about the appointment?
Answer: That’s completely normal. Bringing a trusted friend or family member, having your notes ready, and asking questions can help reduce anxiety and make the visit more productive.
Question: Is telehealth available for internal medicine?
Answer: Yes. Medicine4U offers telemedicine options, especially for follow-ups, medication management, or discussing test results. It’s a convenient way to stay on top of your health from home.
Take the First Step Toward Better Health
Your first internal medicine visit is the foundation of a proactive, long-term healthcare relationship. At Medicine4U, we take the time to listen, evaluate, and create personalized care plans that support your health and lifestyle goals.
If you’re ready to prioritize your health, book your appointment with one of our experienced internists today.
