Questions Your Doctor Will Ask During a Primary Care Visit - Horizon Health Care (2024)

Common Questions Doctors Ask Patients

There are many common questions a doctor will ask, and they do so to help pinpoint what will be the most effective treatment plan. Some of the most common questions are:

    • What brings you in today?
    • What are your symptoms?
    • When did your symptoms start?
    • Have your symptoms gotten better or worse?
    • Do you have a family history of this?
    • Have you had any procedures or major illnesses in the past 12 months?
    • What prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements do you take? Which ones have you been on in the past?v
    • What allergies do you have?
    • Have you served in the military?
    • Are you sexually active?
    • Do you use any kind of tobacco, illicit drugs or alcohol?

    Preparing for a Visit with a Dependent

    If you are bringing in a child, elderly parent, or another dependent under your care, you should do your best to gather information about their condition.

    It is helpful to write down every symptom your dependent has mentioned or showed to you so you do not forget any key information. Additionally, it is smart to bring along any prescriptions they are currently taking so the doctor has an accurate understanding of your current treatment.

    Questions Your Doctor Will Ask During a Primary Care Visit - Horizon Health Care (2024)

    FAQs

    What questions do doctors ask during a checkup? ›

    Some of the most common questions are:
    • What brings you in today?
    • What are your symptoms?
    • When did your symptoms start?
    • Have your symptoms gotten better or worse?
    • Do you have a family history of this?
    • Have you had any procedures or major illnesses in the past 12 months?

    How do I prepare for primary care visit? ›

    How to Prepare for a Doctor's Appointment
    1. Make a list and prioritize your concerns.
    2. Take information with you to the doctor.
    3. Consider bringing a family member or friend to the doctor's visit.
    4. Keep your doctor up to date.
    5. Be sure you can see and hear as well as possible.
    6. Request an interpreter if you need one.
    Feb 3, 2020

    What should I tell my primary care doctor? ›

    Tell the doctor about your habits

    To provide the best care, your doctor must understand you as a person and know what your life is like. The doctor may ask about where you live, what you eat, how you sleep, what you do each day, what activities you enjoy, what your sex life is like, and if you smoke or drink.

    What are 3 questions to ask when you speak to a healthcare provider? ›

    Questions to ask your doctor about your diagnosis
    • What may have caused this condition? Will it be permanent?
    • How is this condition treated or managed? What will be the long-term effects on my life?
    • How can I learn more about my condition?
    Feb 3, 2020

    What tests and questions are typical during a physical exam? ›

    During a routine physical exam, your doctor may check your vitals, weight, heart rate, and blood pressure. You may receive a vaccination if you need it. They'll also examine you and ask about any symptoms suggesting a serious condition like cancer or diabetes.

    What does a full physical exam include? ›

    Physical Exams

    Some things that are performed during the physical include weight, blood pressure, temperature, heartbeat, as well as checking your ears, nose, lungs, throat, and eyes. A pap smear in women or a genital exam in men may also be performed to assess their different risk factors.

    What to expect at the first doctor visit? ›

    What to Expect During Your Family Doctor Visit? During your family doctor visit, your doctor will ask you various questions about your health. They will also ask about your symptoms, any medications you're taking, and your family history.

    What is a reason for a patient to visit a primary care provider? ›

    Everyday illnesses.

    Ear infections, strep throat and that weird rash you can't identify are all within the scope of primary care. Going to the same provider for acute illnesses also means your PCP may notice patterns that could indicate a larger problem.

    What should you not do before a doctor's appointment? ›

    What not to do before a physical exam
    • Consuming alcohol.
    • Drinking caffeine within an hour of your visit.
    • Eating a high-fat meal before bloodwork.
    • Eating or drinking anything for eight to 12 hours, or as directed by your provider, before bloodwork that requires a fast.
    • Taking cold medicine if you're feeling under the weather.

    What to say to doctors? ›

    Giving information to your doctor
    • 'I'd like to talk about some things that have been going on and how it's affecting my health. ...
    • 'I'm struggling with my feelings and I'd like to talk to someone about them. ...
    • 'I'd like to talk about my mental health and how I'm feeling.

    How to get a doctor to take you seriously? ›

    Tips for Getting Your Doctor to Take You Seriously
    1. Write down your symptoms and concerns. ...
    2. Ask questions. ...
    3. Bring someone to your appointment with you. ...
    4. Don't be afraid to repeat yourself. ...
    5. Consider seeking a second opinion. ...
    6. Remember that your symptoms are real.
    Jul 28, 2021

    What not to do before a checkup? ›

    What not to do before a physical exam
    1. Consuming alcohol.
    2. Drinking caffeine within an hour of your visit.
    3. Eating a high-fat meal before bloodwork.
    4. Eating or drinking anything for eight to 12 hours, or as directed by your provider, before bloodwork that requires a fast.
    5. Taking cold medicine if you're feeling under the weather.

    What are the steps of a physical exam? ›

    Physical examination
    1. Inspection (looking at the body)
    2. Palpation (feeling the body with fingers or hands)
    3. Auscultation (listening to sounds, usually with a stethoscope)
    4. Percussion (producing sounds, usually by tapping on specific areas of the body)

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