DALLAS, March 24 (UPI) -- Visiting a doctor for the first time can be overwhelming because there is a lot of medical history to cover in a short time, says a Dallas physician.
Dr. Shelley Roaten Jr. -- chairman of the department of family and community medicine at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center -- suggests that new patients jot down concerns or questions for the doctor, but don't wait until the end of the examination to ask them.
"It's helpful to tell the doctor at the beginning of the visit because these concerns may influence what is done in the first examination," advises Roaten. "Bring your medications, or a list of them, and remember to include information about when, how often and what dose you take. Also, include any vitamins or supplements that you take regularly."
Call the new doctor's office and ask if medical records should be sent in advance, suggests Roaten.
"Otherwise, provide a list of the names and addresses of previous physicians so that medical records can be requested, if needed," she said.
