Making the appointment
Call our main line at (508) 559-6699 or go online to make an appointment. Please schedule an appointment rather than walk-in.
If you are a new patient, please be prepared to answer key questions about you and your health.
Preparing for the visit
Medications
Bring all of the medications you are taking with you. Bring the actual containers of the medications, or a list of the medications including the dosage and the number of times a day the medications are taken. This includes over-the-counter medications.
List of Concerns
Prior to the visit, write a list of the issues that you have and would like to discuss with your health care provider.
Family/Friend
It may be helpful to bring a family member or friend with you to the clinic.
Arriving at the clinic
Please allow yourself plenty of time to travel to your appointment, and plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment time. Check in at the Welcome Desk on the first floor.
Beginning the exam
Blood pressure and weight measurements are taken at every visit. They are good screening tests and important to have in order to prescribe certain medicines and make good judgments about your care.
During the exam
Physical Exam
This type of visit is a longer, more detailed exam, which must be scheduled usually weeks in advance of the appointment. This should be done each year.
Acute Problem
The focus of this type of visit will be to address a specific concern or illness.
Several Problems
There may not be time to address all of your concerns. You should rank them in order of importance so that the most concerning issues can be dealt with first.
Ask Questions
If at any time during the visit (or after the visit) you do not understand something, make sure to ask questions. The Health Center providers and nursing staff are available to answer questions that you may have. It is important to understand and be informed about issues surrounding your health.
After The Visit
Your health care provider will tell you if you need a lab visit or other diagnostic tests like an x-ray. He or she will also tell you when you should return to the Health Center for your next follow-up visit.
Your primary care provider may at some time feel it necessary to refer you to a specialist regarding your medical condition.
For example, you may need to see a surgeon. If you feel that you need to see a specialist, you must first discuss your concerns with your primary care provider and obtain prior approval for the referral in order for your visit to be covered by your insurance plan.
The one exception is if you need emergency care at an emergency room. For emergency care you receive in an Emergency Room, you do not need to obtain a referral.
