Understood Care
Your story is often the most important part of your visit. A careful history helps your clinician understand your symptoms, spot risk factors, and decide what testing or treatment makes sense. It also prevents duplicate tests and unsafe drug interactions.
Your medical history usually includes current concerns, past conditions, surgeries, hospital stays, allergies and reactions, medicines and supplements, family history, immunizations, mental health, and lifestyle factors such as sleep, diet, activity, tobacco, alcohol, and other substances. Your clinician may also ask about social needs that affect health such as transportation, housing, or caregiving support. Explore social support options at https://understoodcare.com/care-types/social-support
Bring a written list of medicines with doses and timing. Include over the counter products and supplements. If you monitor blood pressure, glucose, or oxygen at home, bring recent readings. Jot down questions beforehand and note any specific goals for the visit.
The exam checks overall wellbeing and looks for findings that support or rule out possible causes of your symptoms. Your clinician will explain what each part is for and can answer questions as you go.
Most visits include blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, temperature, and oxygen level. Height, weight, and a body mass index estimate are often measured to help assess nutrition and risk.
The exam is tailored to your needs and may include
Breast, pelvic, genital, rectal, or prostate exams are done when medically appropriate. You can ask for a chaperone. You can ask questions, request a pause, or decline parts that you are not comfortable with, while discussing risks and benefits.
History and exam findings help decide if tests are needed right now, later, or not at all. They also guide age and risk based screening such as blood pressure, certain cancers, and depression. Many expert groups encourage choosing tests that are supported by evidence, not duplicated, and free from unnecessary risk. A focused plan saves time, reduces cost, and avoids false alarms. If you need help lowering medication costs, see https://understoodcare.com/care-types/lower-costs-of-medication
You should leave with an assessment and plan that explains what your clinician thinks is going on, what to watch for, and clear next steps. Plans often include education, medicines or changes to current medicines, referrals, labs or imaging if needed, and follow up timing. Patient portals can help you see test results, read visit notes, request refills, send messages, and keep track of appointments. Ask how your clinic shares results and when to call if something changes.
Virtual visits work well for many concerns such as follow ups, medicine refills, mental health, sleep issues, and some chronic conditions. They are not ideal when the problem requires a hands on exam such as abdominal pain that needs pressing on the belly or a new neurologic symptom that needs a full exam. Your clinician can help decide when in person care is best.
A Medicare wellness visit focuses on prevention and care planning. It may include a review of your history and risks, vaccines, screening schedules, and safety and social needs. It is different from a problem focused visit and does not always include a full physical exam.
Call emergency services for chest pain, severe shortness of breath, signs of stroke such as sudden face droop, arm weakness, or trouble speaking, a severe new headache, fainting, heavy bleeding, or thoughts of harming yourself or others.
How long will it take
A first visit for a complex concern may take longer. A simple follow up may be brief. Ask the office when you schedule.
Can I decline parts of the exam
Yes. You can ask to stop or skip parts. Your clinician will explain the risks and benefits and note your preferences.
Will everything be documented
Yes. Your history, exam findings, assessment, and plan are part of your record. You have a right to see your records and to request corrections.
Do I have to answer personal questions
You can always ask why a question is relevant. Sharing information about medicines, allergies, safety, mental health, sexual health, and substance use helps your clinician keep you safe and tailor care.
Can I bring someone with me
Yes. A support person can help with details and take notes if you want.
This content is for education only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you have new weakness, severe pain, fever with confusion, chest pain, or trouble breathing, call emergency services.
We know navigating Medicare and care needs can feel lonely, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Our caring team takes care of the paperwork, claims, and home care so you’re always supported.
