What happens during an appointment with a medical clinician?
What happens when I meet with a medical clinician?
When you come for your appointment, you will first “check-in” at the front desk/registration desk. You will be asked for your student identification (ID) card. You will then be given a sheet of paper noting the name of your medical clinician and instructions on where to go in the building for your appointment. You will place the sheet of paper in the box of the medical clinician with whom you have the appointment. You will then sit in the waiting area. When the medical clinician is ready to see you, a clinical support staff member will talk with you briefly about your health concern and check your vital signs (such as your blood pressure) and then bring you into an exam room. You may need to change into a dressing gown for certain examinations.
You will then see the physician or nurse practitioner, who will knock on the door to see if you are ready (if you have had to undress for the exam). The medical clinician will greet you and ask you to talk about the reason(s) you are there and will ask questions for details that will help him/her diagnose the problem.
You will be examined, if an exam is indicated. If you want a chaperone in the room for the exam, you are allowed to ask for one or your clinician may ask you if you want one.
After the discussion and exam, the medical clinician will discuss his/her impression about what the problem is and will discuss whether any tests, such as blood tests or x-rays, are needed to help confirm the diagnosis or determine the extent of the problem. Treatment recommendations will be discussed and you may or may not be prescribed medication.
At the end of the visit, you may need to see a nurse who may perform tests, help you find the lab or x-ray department, and/or make a follow-up visit for you to see the clinician again or help you get an appointment to see a specialist.
You are encouraged to ask questions at any time if you need further information, are confused or don’t understand something.
Learn more about making and cancelling appointments...
Can I bring someone with me to my appointment, if it would be of assistance to me?
Yes, you can bring someone with you to your appointment, if that would be of assistance to you either to increase your comfort or to assist with communication. The medical clinician may ask the person with you to leave the room if you have to be physically examined, but that will only be for a short time and would require your approval.
What if a medical clinician recommends a medication, lab work or x-ray and I am not sure I want to follow this recommendation?
If a medical clinician recommends lab tests, x-rays or medications to help you get or stay well, he/she will provide information on the reasons for the recommendations and any information on cost for these services.
You have the right to ask questions about these recommendations and you can decide whether or not you want to follow/proceed with them.
If you choose not to follow your clinician's recommendation, s/he will let you know the potential risks/consequences of that choice.
